Kaz Ayabe and Millennium Kitchen, over two decades ago, introduced the Boko no Natsuyasumi series, offering nostalgic glimpses into everyday life in rural Japan. Alongside titles like Animal Crossing and Harvest Moon, these games played a pivotal role in popularizing the cozy gaming genre that remains popular today. Despite never receiving official global releases, Millennium Kitchen’s latest project marks a significant shift.
Recently announced by Spike Chunsoft and Millennium Kitchen, Natsu-Mon: 20th Century Summer Kid, originally released in Japan last year, is set for an English translation.
It is scheduled to launch on August 9 for Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam. A free demo for the Switch will precede this on July 30, while the Japanese PC version already offers a glimpse of what’s to come. Existing owners of the Japanese PC version can expect a free update to include English language support.
Although not a direct sequel to the beloved My Summer Vacation series, Natsu-Mon retains much of its essence. Directed by Kaz Ayabe, the game promises familiar elements like cicadas buzzing in the background, open-world exploration, fishing, bug-catching, and a sunny town brimming with nostalgia and childhood memories.
In Natsu-Mon, players step into the shoes of the circus ringmaster’s son in Yomogi Town, a picturesque rural locale surrounded by mountains and sea.
The game encourages players to interact with the town’s residents, support the circus, join festive celebrations, marvel at fireworks, take leisurely swims, and explore neighboring towns via train journeys. These delightful aspects are vividly presented in the announcement trailer, promising a warm and inviting gaming experience.
While the Boko no Natsuyasumi series never officially reached English-speaking audiences, fans may recognize similarities in Millennium Kitchen’s other works, such as Attack of the Friday Monsters on the Nintendo 3DS and Shin-chan: Me and the Professor on the Nintendo Switch, both of which offer comparable nostalgic experiences.
For those interested in cozy gaming experiences, Natsu-Mon: 20th Century Summer Kid represents a promising addition, emphasizing relaxation, exploration, and the joy of simple, summertime pleasures. With its impending global release, fans of Japanese culture and laid-back gaming are eagerly anticipating its arrival on international shores.
