Game: AYAKASHI Fishing Folktails
Developer: TOYBOX Inc.
Publisher: Natsume Inc. (Americas & Europe) · Imagineer (Japan)
Release: Mid-2027 (Americas & Europe)
Platforms: Nintendo Switch 2 · Nintendo Switch
Genre: Cozy supernatural fishing adventure
🎣 AYAKASHI Fishing Folktails is coming to the Americas and Europe in mid-2027. Natsume Inc. has partnered with Imagineer and developer TOYBOX Inc., led by Harvest Moon creator Yasuhiro Wada, to bring the cozy supernatural fishing game to Nintendo Switch 2 and Switch. It’s already out in Japan as ぼくと釣り日記, where it launched on October 8, 2026.
🌊 Restore the World’s Lost Colors
After a mysterious dream, a young man sets off on a freshwater fishing adventure alongside a motley crew of supernatural companions, the Ayakashi. A curse has drained the color from the world, and the only way to lift it is to catch the Cursed Lords of its rivers and lakes.
Along the way, you’ll help the Ayakashi spirits with their problems, study fish habitats, and reel in everything from familiar real-life fish to outrageous monster fish drawn from Japanese folklore.
A tigerfish? Or a literal Half-Tigerfish?!
There’s a nice bit of history here. Natsume, the publisher that first brought Harvest Moon to Western players, is teaming up with that series’ creator, Yasuhiro Wada, again. His studio TOYBOX Inc. developed AYAKASHI Fishing Folktails, a game that’s equal parts cozy and intense. It combines a realistic fishing experience with the supernatural, featuring scenic Japanese landscapes, over 100 fish varieties, and fishing tackle and bait with unique properties.
“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!”
Hiro Maekawa, President and CEO of Natsume Inc.
A Full-Fledged Fishing Game
🐟 100+ Species
Real-life fish and original monster fish based on Japanese folklore. Land lunkers to earn Gold Medals.
🏞️ Eight Locations
Rivers, lakes and ponds across scenic Japanese landscapes.
🎋 Stream Fishing
Floats, lures, and a unique stream fishing rod. No reeling required!
👻 Ayakashi Buddies
Supernatural companions who teach you how to reel in what you’ve hooked.
🗺️ Research, Then Reel
This isn’t a cast-and-wait fishing game. You’ll gather information, study fish habitats, and research your targets in your Fish Encyclopedia, then pick the right gear, bait and timing, such as fishing at night or in the rain. Once a fish bites, the action kicks in: you’ll need to move your rod in time with the fish’s energy, using what you’ve learned from your Ayakashi friends to land it.
🇯🇵 Already Out in Japan
Imagineer released the game in Japan as ぼくと釣り日記 on Nintendo Switch 2 and Switch on October 8, 2026. Natsume says more information about the Western release will arrive in the coming months.
AYAKASHI Fishing Folktails at a Glance
| Genre | Cozy, supernatural, realistic fishing adventure |
| Developer | TOYBOX Inc. (led by Harvest Moon creator Yasuhiro Wada) |
| Publishers | Natsume Inc. (Americas & Europe) · Imagineer Co., Ltd. (Japan) |
| Release | Mid-2027 (Americas & Europe) · October 8, 2026 (Japan) |
| Platforms | Nintendo Switch 2 · Nintendo Switch |
| Fish | 100+ species, real and supernatural |
| Locations | Eight rivers, lakes and ponds |
| Japanese Title | ぼくと釣り日記 |
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