Natsume is bringing AYAKASHI Fishing Folktails to the West in mid-2027, giving Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 players a chance to experience a fishing adventure that mixes traditional angling with Japanese folklore and supernatural creatures.
Previously released in Japan as Boku to Tsuri Nikki on October 8, the game is being brought to Western audiences through a partnership between Natsume, Imagineer, and Toybox.
Rather than simply catching ordinary fish, players will embark on a journey to lift a mysterious curse that has drained the color from the world. After experiencing a strange dream, the protagonist sets out alongside a group of supernatural companions known as Ayakashi, with the goal of catching the Cursed Lords inhabiting various rivers and lakes while helping the spirits with their own problems.
Fishing is central to both the gameplay and the story, but finding the right catch requires more than simply casting a line. Players will need to investigate fish habitats, consult an in-game Fish Encyclopedia, and select appropriate equipment and bait. Conditions such as nighttime and rainy weather can also affect fishing, adding a strategic element to the experience.
AYAKASHI Fishing Folktails features more than 100 fish species, including familiar real-world varieties and unusual monsters inspired by Japanese folklore. Across eight rivers, lakes, and ponds, players will also need to master active rod-handling mechanics to reel in their catches. Different fishing equipment, including a specialized stream fishing rod that does not require reeling, offers additional ways to approach the activity.
Natsume president and CEO Hiro Maekawa expressed enthusiasm about bringing the game to Western audiences, highlighting its fishing mechanics, Japanese settings, and folklore-inspired story as key elements of the experience.
AYAKASHI Fishing Folktails is scheduled to launch in the West for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 in mid-2027. A more specific release date has not yet been announced.