The MADE IN JAPAN Collection, powered by JETRO, will debut at PAX West 2026 with a curated line-up of Japanese indie games, hands-on demos, and exclusive event merchandise for attendees
The MADE IN JAPAN Collection is set to make its first appearance at PAX West 2026, bringing a curated selection of Japanese indie games to the event. Organised by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), the showcase will run from 4-7 September at booth 817 in the Expo Hall, offering attendees the chance to try out a diverse range of titles from solo developers, small studios, and established creators. The initiative is part of JETRO's ongoing efforts to support the international growth of Japan's game industry and to connect Japanese developers with a global audience.
Playable Demos and Event Merchandise
Across the four-day event, visitors to the JETRO booth will be able to play demos of 12 different games, including A Tiny Wander, Another Eden Begins, Dreams of Another, Dystopia VS Distortion, Finding Polka, Hakoniwa Electric, HOTEL BARCELONA, LUNAR PULSE, Mononoke No Kuni, Quiet Express: Cabin 909, STEP THEATER, and Typomagical. Attendees who complete a demo and fill out a survey at the booth will receive a MADE IN JAPAN COLLECTION lanyard exclusive to PAX West, while supplies last. Media visitors can also collect promotional tote bags, subject to availability.
JETRO has confirmed that demo keys and e-mail interview opportunities are available on request for media and content creators. Interested parties are encouraged to provide their website, social media, or streaming links to arrange access. A press kit with further details and assets is available for download, supporting coverage and event planning.
Featured Developers and Industry Guests
Among the developers attending, Yosuke Shiokawa-founder, CEO, and game director at Fahrenheit 213-will be present to promote LUNAR PULSE, the studio's latest project. Shiokawa's previous credits include work on Kingdom Hearts, Kingdom Hearts II, and Dissidia Final Fantasy at Square Enix, as well as serving as creative director and producer for Fate/Grand Order at DELiGHTWORKS Inc. Happinet, publisher of Mononoke No Kuni, will also be on site, with both Fahrenheit 213 and Happinet available for in-person and e-mail interviews during the event.
The MADE IN JAPAN COLLECTION Steam showcase page, featuring over 600 Japanese game titles, will be accessible throughout PAX West. The page is scheduled to go live on 2 September at 10:00 AM PDT, providing a central hub for discovering new and established Japanese games on PC. This approach mirrors the growing trend of regional showcases, as seen in events like the recent GamingUp Showcase for DACH region titles, which highlighted the value of curated collections for international audiences.
Project Goals and International Context
The MADE IN JAPAN COLLECTION 2026 is designed to capitalise on the increasing global interest in Japanese games, aiming to create new opportunities for Japanese developers and publishers to reach players outside their home market. By providing hands-on access to a wide range of games and facilitating direct engagement with creators, JETRO hopes to strengthen the international presence of Japanese indie and boutique studios. The project also reflects a broader industry movement towards supporting smaller teams and unique voices within the global games market.
For media inquiries, JETRO has provided a direct contact, with Samantha Low available via e-mail for further information and interview coordination. The event's press kit and Steam showcase are intended to streamline coverage and make it easier for international press and players to engage with the featured games.
Event Schedule and Access Details
PAX West 2026 will take place from 4-7 September, with the JETRO booth open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The MADE IN JAPAN COLLECTION Steam page will be accessible from 2 September, offering a digital complement to the physical event. All merchandise and demo opportunities are subject to availability and are intended to encourage direct feedback and engagement from attendees.
While the event is focused on in-person interaction, the inclusion of a large Steam showcase ensures that players unable to attend PAX West can still explore the featured games and support Japanese indie developers. The combination of physical demos, digital access, and direct developer engagement positions the MADE IN JAPAN COLLECTION as a significant addition to the international games-event calendar.
When evaluating event showcases like the MADE IN JAPAN COLLECTION, it's important to understand the role of curated demo stations and digital storefront pages in shaping player discovery. Unlike traditional trailers or marketing campaigns, hands-on demos and survey-driven feedback provide developers with actionable insights and allow players to experience gameplay directly. This approach can be especially valuable for indie studios seeking to build an audience beyond their domestic market, as it bridges the gap between local development and global reach.
