The product of obsession: Taiko Drum Master claymation

I was late for the boat when it comes to Taiko Drum Master, but I’ve been enjoying my belated discovery. I first played it in an arcade, where I found myself instantly addicted to the music and the hyper-joyful characters reminscient of San-X, Sanrio’s Japanese counterpart. I tracked down the American copy for PS2 and was sorely disappointed. Instead of Japanese songs, I got Britney Spears. No wonder it failed here.

Not to be dissuaded, I tracked down the Japanese DS version of the game and have been addicted ever since. While trying to beat a ridiculously difficult song in hard mode, I went to You Tube and stumbled upon these gems. They were made for a Japanese children’s show, but thanks to YouTube you can watch all the episodes and perform a ballet of spastic joy if you are so inclined.