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Press release:
TOKYO, Japan (July 15, 2026) – Japanese publisher, Kodansha Ltd., today released Wabisabi SushiDerby as part of their Kodansha Game Lab indie game division. Developed by ITAMAE Studio, players assume the role of an apprentice sushi chef to create and train sushi to compete in derby races to win the coveted “S1” Galaxy Cup. Wabisabi SushiDerby is available on Nintendo Switch and PC via STEAM for less than a Salmon Roll at $4.99.

A special 10% launch discount is now running through July 28, 2026 for both Steam and Switch versions of the game.

Wabisabi SushiDerby is a racing simulation title where players raise, train, and cheer-on their delectable creations against other sushi opponents. Players create a sushi racer with toppings they have unlocked through progressing across multiple racing leagues taking place around sushi counters, parties, and other fun locations. Different toppings have different stats and unique skills to activate during races. After creating their sushi, players can train their creation to increase certain stats or add new skills. Enter a race after training and compete for 1st place and valuable prize money.

During races, the simulation handles all racers, including the player’s character. The indirect derby-style gameplay gives younger or inexperienced players time to focus on strategic use of activating skills and the ever-important “cheer” button. The cheer button gives the player’s sushi a quick speed boost to pull ahead of the pack or escape customers’ deadly chopsticks when their order is up.

Wabisabi SushiDerby for Steam can also be purchased as a bundle with Moldwasher, another sushi-themed title where players control a piece of nigiri as they clean up a long-neglected kitchen. Purchasing both titles together will save players an additional 10% off!

A collaboration music video with Japanese creator Yamashita Makoto is also available. The song, “Osushidaisushi ~The Song for Wabisabi SushiDerby~”, is a play-on-words for the phrase “osushidaisuki”, meaning “I love sushi” but with even more “sushi-ness”.

News and updates for Wabisabi SushiDerby and other Kodansha Game Lab titles can be found on their X, Bluesky, and Instagram pages.

About Kodansha Creators Lab（https://creatorslab.kodansha.co.jp/）
This R&D department was established in June 2021 within Kodansha Ltd.’s Fourth Business Division.

Under the banner of “redefining editing,” we engage with creators across all genres to produce a wide variety of content that transcends the traditional formats of books and magazines.

・”Kodansha Game Lab,” which supports indie game creators and plans new game development projects
・”UGC Media Lab,” which operates the matchmaking-style manga submission site DAYS NEO and other platforms
・”Kodansha Cinema Lab,” which supports independent filmmakers and develops new film projects
・”Creator Boost Lab,” which supports creators across all genres in taking their careers to the next level
・”Content Design Lab,” which uses the power of content to propose solutions to challenges faced by companies and local governments
・”IP Produce Lab”: Creating New Content Through Producership
Based on the above, we will use “editing” to not only help creators realize their dreams but also solve challenges faced by companies and local governments.

Jonas “O.J” Ek
The Gaming Ground
Twitter: @TheGamingGround