On February 26, Sega Games Co., Ltd filed a trademark application for “SAKURA WARS” with the Japanese patent office.
According to the filing, Sega intends to use the mark on (among other filings), home video game console programs, optical discs, ROM cartridges, and downloadable PC games. Other listed usages include:
- software for commercial/business video game machines
- music files that can be received and stored via the Internet
- music files for downloadable portable devices
- recorded CDs
- recorded video discs and video tapes
- electronic circuit storage programs for home video consoles
- magnetic tape
- magnetic disk
- portable LCD console circuitry
- other recording media that stores programs and software for home video game machines
- telecommunications equipment
- mobile phone straps
- headphones
- speakers
- mobile phone covers
- mobile phone cases
- mobile phone accessories
- computer accessories
- images and videos that can be sent and received via the internet or terminal devices
- amusement park equipment
- toys
- dolls
- stuffed animals
- action figures
- puzzle toys
- jigsaw puzzles
- dolls with key chains
- dolls with straps
- plastic toys
- plastic toys dolls
- block toys
- playing cards
- trading card games
- Go
- singing equipment
- shogi games
- dice
- sugoroku
- dice cups
- chess games
- checker games
- dominoes
- hanafuda cards
- chips for casino games
- board games
- billiards equipment
- darts equipment
- digital darts equipment
- slot machines
- slot machine parts and accessories
- pachinko machines
- exercise equipment
A new Sakura Wars game is in the works, titled Shin Sakura Taisen. The game, which was unveiled on April 14 2019 during the “Sega Fes” fan event, was originally tentatively slated to launch prior to March 31, 2019.
According to the presentation, the game will “inherit the DNA” of previous entries in the series. The game will be set in Tokyo in the year 1940 (Taisho 29, in the game’s lore, as the Taisho era only lasted 15 years overall). Further details will be announced at a later date. A Sakura Wars fan event is planned for this year’s Sega Fes, which will be held on March 30 and 31.
Sakura Taisen is an original project by Sega CS2 R&D (later Overworks) and Red Entertainment. Ohji Hiroi (Moeyo Ken, Far East of Eden), Satoru Akahori (Saber Marionette J, Martian Successor Nadesico), and Kosuke Fujishima (Ah! My Goddess, You’re Under Arrest!) are listed as the original creators of the franchise.
The first title appeared on the Sega Saturn in 1996. The initial entry, while released only in Japan at the time, was estimated to have a 200,000 lifetime sales goal. The title sold 205,270 units in its opening week, which was roughly 57% of the launch shipment. At the time, the title was seen as having the largest debut for a Sega title to date. It would go on to move 359,485 copies throughout the Saturn’s lifespan.
Since then, the title has gone on to spawn:
- Five main-line titles
- Fifteen spin-off games
- An anime TV series by Madhouse
- Five anime OVA series
- Seven manga and light novel adaptations
- Sixteen high-profile live stage shows
The final main-line title in the series, Sakura Wars V: So Long, My Love was released in North America by NIS America. The title is available on Sony’s PlayStation 2, as well as Nintendo Wii console.
Source: J-Platpat – Thanks to Poros Neustein for the tip!
