A supernatural fishing game from the team led by Harvest Moon (now Story of Seasons) creator Yasuhiro Wada is coming to the West. Natsume Inc. has partnered with Imagineer Co., Ltd. and developer TOYBOX Inc. to release AYAKASHI Fishing Folktails, known in Japan as ぼくと釣り日記, on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 in the Americas and Europe in mid-2027.
Hiro Maekawa, President and CEO of Natsume Inc., spoke about the partnership and what the game offers players.
We are excited to partner with Imagineer and Toybox for the opportunity to bring AYAKASHI Fishing Folktails to the West. With its immersive fishing mechanics, beautiful Japanese settings, and engaging story rooted in Japanese folklore, the game offers a unique experience for players looking for something both relaxing and engaging. We look forward to introducing players to this unique fishing adventure in 2027!”
The story begins when a young man has a mysterious dream and soon finds himself on a freshwater fishing journey with a group of supernatural companions known as Ayakashi. A curse is draining the world of its colour, and the only way to lift it is to catch the Cursed Lords that live in its rivers and lakes. Along the way, he also helps the Ayakashi spirits with their own problems.
The game is pitched as both cosy and intense, combining realistic fishing with supernatural elements across scenic Japanese landscapes. Players can catch more than 100 fish species, ranging from familiar real-world fish to original monster fish inspired by Japanese folklore. A cast might turn up a regular tigerfish, or a literal Half-Tigerfish. Landing especially large fish earns Gold Medals.
Catching them takes some preparation. Players need to study fish habitats, look up their targets in the Fish Encyclopedia and choose the right gear, bait and timing, with conditions such as night or rain making a difference. Tackle and bait have unique properties, and alongside floats and lures, there is a stream fishing rod that doesn’t need to be reeled at all. The game mixes exploring to find where fish are hiding with active rod handling, where players move the rod in time with a hooked fish’s energy, using tips learned from their Ayakashi companions. Players can fish in eight rivers, lakes, and ponds.
