Earthbound celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, and while fans in Japan will get new figures of the characters by Takara Tomy, creator Shigesato Itoi shares a short message for Earthbound fans around the world on his official website.
Here’s what it says on the website:
“It’s already been 20 years since the release of Earthbound [Mother 2 in Japanese].
… does that make you happy?
Yes: me too.
No: Then be happy.
Shigesato Itoi,
August 27th, 2014.
There’s also an image of Mr. Saturn saying “Desunoda,” which doesn’t really mean anything in particular, but they’re basically two different words of “desu” and “noda” that can be used at the end of a sentence.
Additionally, the website introduces two new official Earthbound products:
The first is a book or planner cover that has an Earthbound theme, and the second is a Mr. Saturn-themed Haramaki [waistband].
If you’re wondering “why the waistband?” the above image shows the item being depicted as an aesthetic reference joke to Shigesato Itoi. Haramakis have been known for being old-fashioned and unfashionable, but it was actually Itoi himself is credited for its resurgence a few years ago.
Not only is he known as the creator of Earthbound in Japan, but he’s also done plenty of other work as a copywriter, essayist, and lyricist. He has also appeared as a guest on TV shows like Iron Chef, and others.
Even if he’s a bit of an influential figure in Japan, it’s still pretty surprising to know that he was able to make what was once considered an exclusive granny item into something respectably fashionable in modern times.
