Nippon Marathon 2: Daijoubu News

[p]Konnichiwa minna-san! 👋
[/p][p]It’s Wedy Jones here with good news: the Nippon Marathon 2: Daijoubu demo has been updated! 🎉
[/p][p]After the first Playtest, the devs crawled back into their secret developer dojo (whilst dodging banana peels 🍌) and fine-tuned a bunch of fixes, updates, and brand-new features. And guess what? You can try them right now in the Steam demo!
[/p][p]Here’s the deets:
[/p][h3]🏗️ Demo Stage YOLKO HARBOUR (Reworked!)[/h3][p][/p][p]Inspired by Yokohama, this fishing port-themed stage has it all: water, giant carp, anchor-twirling sailors, and yes… a very grumpy Giant Octopus 🐙.[/p]

• [p]We’ve reworked most of the stage to include extra dockside hazards and new environments. [/p]
• [p]Test your sea legs in the all-new cargo ship section, but watch out for Octopus attacks, the water’s about to get a little choppy.[/p]
• [p]Find alternate routes by jumping on dockside machinery like forklifts and scissorlifts. They might launch you to victory… or straight into the drink.[/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]📸 Photo Mode (✨NEW FEATURE✨)[/h3][p][/p][p]Thought you didn’t need a photo mode in a silly party racer? Think again! Now you can pause mid-race and capture those relivable moments - whether that’s a dramatic tumble, a Shiba Inu ambush, or someone getting sent flying by a giant anchor.[/p][p][/p][p]You can move the camera wherever you like, zoom in and out, and let the auto-focus do the work:[/p]

• [p]Want to take a photo of Zenbei’s luscious eyelashes up close? Go for it. [/p]
• [p]Feel like waving and pretending to be one of the crowd? Absolutely. [/p]
• [p]Or maybe you just want to capture your wildest antics for clout - we don’t judge.[/p]

[p]Here's some screenshots we took using Photo Mode:[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]And if you’re more of a sightseer than a stunt photographer, Photo Mode doubles as a mini-tour guide: pan around, read the barrier text, snap your favourite shop signs (Google Translate at the ready) - trust us, they’re worth it.[/p][p][/p][p]You can find Photo Mode in the pause menu.[/p][p][/p][h3]🕺 Strike a Pose on the Podium [/h3][p][/p][p]It didn’t feel very Nippon Marathon to just stand still on the podium while being told you’re the smelliest contestant! [/p][p][/p][p]So each contestant now has their own exhausted animation. But we didn’t stop there.  [/p][p][/p][p]Each contestant also comes with a completely unique set of dance moves to show off while the scores are tallied. Mix and match to create chaotic podium performances and make the stage your personal spotlight! [/p][p](Currently, these animations are only available for player-controlled contestants; AI will get them in a future update.)[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Pssst… want to go completely wild and break free from the podium altogether? Enter the secret cheat code:[/p][p]
up down up down left right left right up up down down up up down down [/p][p][/p][p]What was once a bug is now a cheeky feature, you're welcome.[/p][p][/p][h3]👏Other Fun Updates:[/h3]

• [p]The screen now shakes for melon & gas tank explosions making them feel even more dramatic💥[/p]
• [p]Watch out for sneaky finish line gates that love to trick you, some might be a fake![/p]
• [p]Our Create-A-Contestant got a makeover too — updated head and hairstyle models[/p][p][/p]

[p]For a full list of changes since the March Playtest; including bug fixes, performance improvements, and gameplay tweaks, check the Patch Notes at the end of this post. [/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]The demo supports solo, local, and online multiplayer via Steam Remote Play Together![/p][p]It’s the perfect excuse to grab your friends and challenge them to a race, or even a podium dance-off, who really deserves the title of Nippon Marathon Champion![/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]This might only be one stage, but it gives you a taste of what’s to come in the full game, and a glimpse of just how dedicated we are to making Nippon Marathon 2 the ultimate racing game![/p][p][/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][p]Want even more mayhem? Our Discord Playtest will include these updates plus a brand-new stage — join the community for early access and be part of the fun.[/p][p][/p][p]🔗 Join the Discord -> https://discord.gg/SpsyEHs[/p][p][/p][p]Thanks again for your patience, enthusiasm, and support. We know you’ve been waiting almost as long for Nippon Marathon 2 as for Silksong, but we promise, it’ll be worth it.[/p][p][/p][p]Stay Daijoubu,
Wedy Jones[/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][h2]📝 FULL PATCH NOTES[/h2][p][/p][h3]🐞 Bug Fixes[/h3]

• [p]Fixed pineapple rope line renderer glitch[/p]
• [p]Fixed flag props spawning off-centre (causing them to fall over)[/p]
• [p]Fixed commentary incorrectly saying spectators were blown up[/p]
• [p]Fixed commentary talking about eliminated player’s stamina[/p]
• [p]Fixed inconsistent player order bug[/p]
• [p]Fixed tutorial bug: wrong key assigned for Waving to the crowd[/p]
• [p]Fixed tutorial bug: instructions not progressing if paused[/p][p][/p]

[h3]⚙️ Performance & Technical[/h3]

• [p]Improved loading times[/p]
• [p]Added upscaler options in Settings (⚠️ unstable on Steam Deck, under investigation)[/p]
• [p]Camera updates:[/p]
  • [p]Now follows centre point of all contestants when 4 players are active[/p]
  • [p]Zooms further out when contestants are spread out[/p][p][/p]

[h3]🎮 Gameplay Improvements[/h3]

• [p]Dive skill improved – more useful & predictable[/p]
• [p]CPU AI: better navigation, more variety, smarter obstacle handling[/p]
• [p]Contestants respawn in random order at checkpoints[/p]
• [p]Updated character poses, hairstyles and head models in Create-A-Contestant[/p]
• [p]Weapon visibility improved:[/p]
  • [p]Larger & clearer in gameplay[/p]
  • [p]More realistic in snapshots[/p]
  • [p]Visible in contestant’s hands during snapshots[/p]
• [p]Snapshot camera angles improved[/p]
• [p]Water splash animation upgraded with a new hand-drawn 9-frame spritesheet[/p]
• [p]Item respawn time reduced (2s → 1.5s)[/p]
• [p]Increased cucumber attack range slightly[/p]
• [p]Contestants recover from falls quicker & more reliably[/p]
• [p]Water slows contestants less than before[/p]
• [p]Banana improved: instantly trips enemies, especially when close behind[/p]
• [p]Explosion interaction: pineapple bursts when hit (⚠️ not fully working yet)[/p]
• [p]Elimination rules tweaked:[/p]
  • [p]Must sweat for at least 2s before elimination[/p]
  • [p]Immediate elimination if 15m+ behind 1st place
    [/p]

[p]Konnichiwa minna-san (everyone) 👋[/p][p][/p][p]One of the things that made the Nippon Marathon so unforgettable was its wonderfully weird cast of contestants. They didn’t just steal your hearts, they sometimes stole your sanity too![/p][p][/p][p]That’s why for Daijoubu, we had to bring the original four back. After all, can you even call it the Nippon Marathon without them?[/p][p]Whether you’re meeting them for the first time or catching up with old favourites, let’s (re)introduce this eccentric cast, complete with updated quirks, likes, and dislikes to make them stranger (and funnier) than ever.[/p][p][/p][p]We’ll also be sharing concept art for brand-new contestants during Early Access. But before the newcomers hit the track, let’s give a big DAIJOUBU to the OG MVPs!
[/p][h2]👑 The OG MVPs Return[/h2][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Since leaving his Grandad’s Lobster Farm to enter the Nippon Marathon, J DARWIN has evolved (pun intended) from country bumpkin to would-be world explorer. The only catch? He’ll only set out if he’s got a trusty “Baka Guide to…” to follow—otherwise, adventure feels a bit too scary.[/p][p][/p][h3]He may have left farm life behind, but one thing’s certain: the lobster onesie stays on. Always.[/h3][p][/p][p][/p][h3][/h3][p][/p][p]Elizabeth Nishibori never takes “no” for an answer—especially when it involves Narwhals. She shut down her father’s evil business empire just to open a Narwhal Sanctuary, proving she’s as relentless as she is passionate. Now, nothing stands in her way as she sets out to save all marine life… seriously, try saying no and see what happens.[/p][p][/p][h3]One more thing: never, ever call her a unicorn. Nishibori is not a unicorn. She’s a Narwhal. Got it? Good. 
[/h3][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Ever since childhood, Zenbei’s been like two people stuck in one body. The Nippon Marathon taught him how to get them working together, finally finding balance and a sense of self. Now he’s back at the maid café, ready for a zen and peaceful life… and to make you the most kawaii-matcha-latte ever![/p][p][/p][h3]Zenbei might have two personalities, but somehow he still manages to sneak the last slice of strawberry cake without anyone noticing.
[/h3][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Snuguru Maestro has always relied on his keen sense of smell to navigate the world—but he discovered it works just as well for matchmaking. Believing no one should be alone, he entered the Nippon Marathon to fund his dating agency. Now, he spends his time sniffing out everyone’s perfect match… as long as they’re not postmen.[/p][p][/p][h3]Snuguru never takes off his “I ❤️ Joe” scarf… is he still looking for Joe, or helping the world find theirs?[/h3][p][/p][p][/p][h2]🌟 Say Hello to Your New Favourites[/h2][p][/p][p]It’s still early days, but we’re excited to share a sneak peek at a few of these newcomers with some exclusive concept art. 
[/p][p][/p][p]
[/p][h2]💜 Join the Discord for more
[/h2][p]Got ideas for new characters, crazy items, or just want to gush about the OG 4? Join us on Discord and share your thoughts with the Nippon Marathon community — we’d love to hear from you! 💬✨[/p][p][/p][p]🔗 Join the Discord[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h2]🔜 Coming Up Next:  What is DAIJOUBU?[/h2][p][/p][p]Let’s uncover the meaning of DAIJOUBU and how it perfectly captures the fun, chaotic spirit of Nippon Marathon 2 — and why it even made it onto the title of the game!
[/p][p]So until next time…
Stay Daijoubu,
Wedy Jones[/p][p]
[/p]

[p]Konnichiwa minna-san (everyone)!👋[/p][p][/p][p]In Nippon Marathon 2: Daijoubu, you’re not just racing… You’re also competing in a Japanese gameshow, and the audience is watching your every move.[/p][p][/p][p]Sure, winning the race is great. [/p][p]But if you really want to stand on top of the podium, you'll need to win over the crowd too.[/p][p]That’s because the audience doesn’t just cheer - they score you too![/p][p][/p][p]Win them over, and you'll increase your Popularity — one of the game’s key scoring mechanics, and often the difference between victory and defeat.[/p][p][/p][h2]🧑‍🤝‍🧑Popularity Explained[/h2][p][/p][p]Every stage in Nippon Marathon 2 is lined with spectators. They may not look judgmental, but trust us - they are.[/p][p]They know what they like.[/p][p]They definitely know what they don’t.[/p][p]And they’re not afraid to show it.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]We didn’t just add the popularity system for laughs;  it’s a strategic layer that can boost your final score, even if you don’t finish first, your popularity could even push your score over the top.[/p][p][/p][p]Here’s how to win them over:[/p][p][/p][h2]👋 Wave To Your Fans \[NEW FEATURE][/h2][p][/p][p]The crowd loves watching the chaos unfold - but they really love it when you acknowledge them.[/p]

• [p]Wave to the crowd as you run by for an instant popularity boost.[/p]
• [p]Want more? Stop and wave right next to them like a true icon.[/p]

[p]⚠️Caution: While waving, you can’t use items, so you're vulnerable to attacks[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h2]🌎 Interact with the World Around You[/h2][p][/p][p]The crowd is here to be entertained, and they’re especially partial to slapstick comedy. So remember to give them a show.[/p]

• [p]Set off fire hydrants to hose down the competition.[/p]
• [p]Use banana peels and heat-seeking melons to trip or blast your opponents into oblivion.[/p]
• [p]Drop smelly mushrooms near crowds for others to pick up - they’ll lose popularity from the mushroom cloud they leave.[/p]

[p]⚠️ Caution: Chaos is fun, but watch that your actions don’t backfire. If a spectator gets caught up in the action, they’ll blame the nearest contestant and deduct popularity. Make sure that’s not you.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h2]🐕 Be Chased by Shiba Inu[/h2][p][/p][p]The crowd loves watching contestants be chased by Shiba Inu.[/p]

• [p]The more Shiba Inu you get chasing you, the bigger the popularity boost you’ll receive.[/p]

[p]⚠️ Caution: Don’t slow down, if they catch you, they’ll bite, knock you over, and maybe even get you eliminated.[/p][p][/p][p]
[/p][h2]😬 DO NOT Knock Over the Crowd[/h2][p][/p][p]Sometimes you can find a shortcut through the crowd… but tread carefully.[/p]

• [p]Knocking them over makes them sad, and sad crowds tank your popularity.[/p]
• [p]Sure, they fall over like bowling pins, and yes, it is hilarious.[/p]
• [p]But the audience won’t find it amusing.[/p]

[p]⚠️ Caution: Tempted to do it anyway? We get it. Just be ready to take the popularity loss.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h2]🔄 Bonus Tactics: Blame Swapping[/h2][p][/p][p]The crowd always blames the nearest contestant when things go wrong. Use that to your advantage.[/p]

• [p]Launch a well-timed, heat-seeking melon into the crowd when your rival is close by.[/p]
• [p]The explosion hits the crowd, they’ll assume your rival did it.[/p]
• [p]You stay squeaky clean. They take the heat.[/p]
• [p]A classic switcheroo.[/p]

[p]⚠️ Caution: Just remember, your rivals can do it to you too.[/p][p][/p][h2]❤️‍🔥 Even If You Lose the Race…[/h2][p][/p][p]Master these moves and the crowd might crown you their favourite, and that just might tip the final score in your favour.[/p][p][/p][p]This is just an overview of the popularity system; we’re continually improving it during development to include as many wild, weird, and wonderful scenarios as we can think of.[/p][p]For now, just focus on learning what the crowd loves (and hates).[/p][p][/p][p]Because in Nippon Marathon 2: Daijoubu, the popular vote might be your secret weapon.[/p][p][/p][h2]🎤 Wait… Where Are the Mid-Race Interviews?[/h2][p][/p][p]Remember the mid-race interviews with everyone's favourite green haired journalist (me... Wedy Jones) from the original game? [/p][p]They’re not in the game yet, but we are hoping to bring them back during the Early Access period.[/p][p][/p][h2]🛒 Help Nippon Marathon 2 Win Over Steam Crowd[/h2][p][/p][p]Help make Nippon Marathon 2: Daijoubu the crowd favourite - both in the game and on Steam.[/p]

• [p]👏 Wave to the crowd in-game = popularity boost.[/p]
• [p]💖 Wishlist the game on Steam = bonus points with the devs.[/p]

[p]You know what to do 👉[/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][h2]🔜 Coming Up Next: Meet the Contestants[/h2][p][/p][p]In a marathon where getting chased by Shiba Inu earns cheers, and mushrooms are your worst enemy: what kind of bizarre athlete signs up for this madness?[/p][p][/p][p]Next time, we’re pulling back the curtain on the wonderfully weird line-up of Nippon Marathon 2: Daijoubu, and teasing some of the new (and downright ridiculous) contestants joining the race during Early Access.[/p][p][/p][p]Get ready to meet the stars… Will your favourite return for round 2?[/p][p][/p][p]Stay Daijoubu,
Wedy Jones[/p]

[p]Hello everyone! 👋[/p][p]So you’ve learned the basics of Nippon Marathon 2: Daijoubu! - run, trip, fall, repeat. [/p][p]Now you’re ready for something juicier.[/p][p][/p][p]Let’s talk fruit. 🍍[/p][p][/p][p]You’ve heard “An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” right? Well, according to our in-house medical expert Dr. De-Jong, fruit is far more likely to launch you headfirst into the sea than save you a trip to your GP.[/p][p][/p][p]So let’s talk about fruit, and how to use it tactically in your quest for victory.[/p][p][/p][h2]🍍  Nutritional Mayhem: A Guide to NM2’s Items[/h2][p][/p][p][/p][p]Scattered throughout each stage are magical item spawn points that dispense an oishii (delicious) selection of fruit — and the occasional very smelly mushroom. 🍄[/p][p]Once you pick one up, you’ve got two options:[/p]

• [p]Eat it for a speed boost 🏃‍♀️[/p]
• [p]Throw it to ruin someone’s day 😈[/p]

[p]But be warned — not all fruit is created equal. Some will make you faster. Others... will make you infamous.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]🍌 Banana Peel[/h3]

• [p]Drop it to trip up anyone behind you[/p]
• [p]Leave it near a weapon spawn point to be extra cruel[/p]
• [p]Best used right after a big jump... for maximum impact[/p][p][/p]

[p][/p][h3]🍉 Heat-Seeking Melon[/h3]

• [p]The Blue Shell of Nippon Marathon 2[/p]
• [p]Targets the player in first place[/p]
• [p]High impact explosion sends anyone and everyone flying[/p]
• [p]Beware, it can hurt spectators which is damaging to your popularity![/p]

• [p]Extra satisfying when it hits just before a checkpoint[/p][p][/p]

[p][/p][h3]🍍 Pineapple Balloon[/h3]

• [p]Allows you to float in the air for about 7 seconds[/p]
• [p]Great for cheeky shortcuts and gliding safely over obstacles[/p]
• [p]Surprisingly graceful... until you slam into a lamppost[/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][h3]🍄 Smelly Mushroom[/h3]

• [p]Emits a trail of toxic stink clouds 💨[/p]
• [p]Drains stamina and popularity from anyone behind you[/p]
• [p]Hold it too long, and you’ll be coughing too[/p]
• [p]While coughing, you can’t use weapons — which makes you an easy target[/p][p][/p]

[p][/p][h3]🥒 Whirling Cucumber (New item for Nippon Marathon 2)[/h3]

• [p]Channels your inner Link with a powerful short-range attack[/p]
• [p]Can take out multiple opponents in one swing[/p]
• [p]Perfect on narrow platforms and precarious ledges[/p]
• [p]Cucumber based vengeance is the ultimate satisfaction[/p][p][/p]

[h2]🍍 Plan Your Fruit-Fueled Flex[/h2][p][/p][p]The game’s not out yet, but that doesn’t mean you can’t start plotting. [/p][p]Maybe you had a favourite fruit from the first Nippon Marathon? Or maybe you have ideas about new items that you'd like to see in Early Access?
[/p][p]Tell us your dream plays, ideas, or best fruit-based strategies.
[/p][p]We’ll be here... sharpening our cucumbers.[/p][p][/p][h2]🛒 Avoid Slipping Behind — Wishlist Today[/h2][p][/p][p]It’s the fastest way to support us — and makes sure you’re first in line to get KO’d by a melon. 🍉[/p][p][/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][h2]🔜 Next Time: How to Win Over the Crowd[/h2][p][/p][p]In our next post, we’re diving into the popularity system - how fruit, dogs, and dramatic waving can turn the crowd into your biggest fans (or harshest critics).[/p][p][/p][p]Until then, wishlist Nippon Marathon 2: Daijoubu — and consider throwing a banana at your friends.[/p][p]They probably deserve it.[/p][p][/p][p]Stay Daijoubu,
Wedy Jones[/p][p]
[/p]

[p]Hello everyone 👋[/p][p][/p][p]Wedy Jones here! You might remember me from my Wedy’s Travel Guide series in the original game, where you collected my famous Wedy Pages. Well, big news: the devs have promoted me! I now get to look after the Steam updates for Nippon Marathon 2: Daijoubu. (Finally, some power!)[/p][p][/p][p]So grab your finest bottle of Pocari Sweat, kick off your shoes, and get ready to dive into the wonderfully weird world of Nippon Marathon 2: Daijoubu.[/p][p][/p][p]In these guides, I’ll be revealing the secret workings of Nippon Marathon — from behind-the-scenes chaos and gameplay tutorials to update news, development sneak peeks, and even some fun posts about Japan that you might enjoy![/p][p][/p][h3]🎮The Nippon Marathon 2 Gameplay Guide[/h3][p]If you saw our last post, you already know that Nippon Marathon 2: Daijoubu is anything but normal.[/p][p]When everything from heat-seeking melons to packs of Shiba Inus is trying to take you out, you might be wondering: What kind of gameplay can you expect from Nippon Marathon 2: Daijoubu?[/p][p][/p][p]Let’s break it down — the basics, how rounds work, and why this chaotic party racer absolutely deserves a spot in your Steam library.[/p][p][/p][h3]🏃‍♂️ Gameplay Basics 101[/h3]

• [p]4 players run towards the finish line[/p]
• [p]Jump, duck and dive past bizarre obstacles[/p]
• [p]Hurl fruit at your rivals[/p]
• [p]Fall over (a lot)[/p]
• [p]Get back up and try again[/p]
• [p]Reach the finish line![/p]

[p]Think of it like Mario Kart, but on foot, and with ragdoll physics. [/p][p][/p][p]Oh, and you’re wearing your finest Narwhal tracksuit.[/p][p][/p][p]Cue chaos.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]🍌 Round-Based Gameplay[/h3][p]Each race in Nippon Marathon 2: Daijoubu is broken into rounds, and in each one, your goal is simple:[/p][p][/p][p]Be the last contestant standing (or running)[/p][p][/p][p]If you remember Micro Machines, it’s a bit like that. This clever system means no split-screen — just a tug-of-war for first place:[/p]

• [p]If you fall too far behind, you’re temporarily eliminated[/p]
• [p]The last player standing earns a star ⭐[/p]
• [p]Then everyone jumps back in, and the chaos continues[/p]
• [p]The race concludes when someone crosses the finish line[/p]

[p]Each round wraps up with a snapshot of the winning moment — it might not be flattering, but it’s absolutely going in your Steam gallery.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]🧮 Scoring Sneak Peek: Stars Aren’t Everything[/h3][p]When the marathon is over, the judges tally up everyone’s scores — based on how many stars each contestant earned, their popularity, and their finish position. [/p][p][/p][p]For now, just know that stars matter, but they’re only one part of the scoring system. [/p][p][/p][p]Since this post is just an introduction to the gameplay basics, we’ll save the deep dive into scoring for a later post.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]🎮 Why Nippon Marathon 2: Daijoubu Deserves a Spot in Your Steam Library[/h3][p]Not every player has lightning reflexes or perfect timing — and that’s DAIJOUBU (that’s “OK” in Japanese!).[/p][p][/p][p]Nippon Marathon 2: Daijoubu! is built around one core idea:[/p][p]
You don’t have to be good at everything to have a chance at victory.[/p][p][/p][p]Unlike traditional racing games that mainly reward one type of player, Nippon Marathon 2: Daijoubu embraces different playstyles — and gives everyone a way to shine.[/p][p][/p][p]That’s what makes it perfect for parties. Non-gamer friends and even grannies can pick up a controller, play and have fun.[/p][p][/p][p]Play solo, gather your friends on the couch, or go online with Remote Play Together. There’s no excuse not to play![/p][p][/p][h3]🛒 Wishlist Now — Save Yourself Later[/h3][p]Nippon Marathon 2:Daijoubu is coming to Steam, and you can help us big time by wishlisting it today.[/p][p][/p][p]That way, you’ll be first in line to go flying through the air thanks to a heat-seeking melon — or send your friends hurtling into a group of sailors with a well-timed cucumber twirl (no innuendo, we promise).[/p][p][/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][h3]🔜 Next Time: Go Bananas (Literally!)[/h3][p]Think you’ve mastered the basics? In our next post, we’ll introduce one of the juiciest ways to win in Nippon Marathon 2: Daijoubu! — fruit items. 🍌🍉🍍[/p][p][/p][p]Yes, you heard us right. From slipping your rivals with bananas to blasting them with melons, fruit isn’t just for snacking — it’s your secret weapon. Stay tuned![/p][p][/p][p]Until then...
Stay Daijoubu, [/p][p]Wedy Jones [/p]