# Nichibutsu

> Japanese video game manufacturer

**Wikidata**: [Q1637338](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1637338)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nichibutsu)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/nichibutsu

## Summary
Nichibutsu was a Japanese video game manufacturer founded in October 1970, known for creating arcade games such as Crazy Climber and Moon Cresta. The company operated until 2014, when its assets were acquired by Hamster Corporation.

## Key Facts
- Founded in October 1970 in Osaka, Japan
- Legal form: kabushiki gaisha (Japanese corporation)
- Notable video games include Crazy Climber and Moon Cresta
- Company dissolved in 2014
- Assets were acquired by Hamster Corporation in 2014
- Headquartered in Osaka, Japan at 天神橋1丁目12番9号 日物ビル
- Website: http://www.nichibutsu.co.jp/
- Also known as Nihon Bussan, Nihon Bussan Co., Ltd., and ニチブツ (in Japanese)

## FAQs
### Q: What was Nichibutsu's most famous arcade game?
A: Nichibutsu was best known for creating arcade games such as Crazy Climber and Moon Cresta, which became classics in the early 1980s gaming industry.

### Q: When was Nichibutsu founded and when did it cease operations?
A: Nichibutsu was founded in October 1970 and ceased operations in 2014, when its assets were acquired by Hamster Corporation.

### Q: What happened to Nichibutsu's intellectual property after the company closed?
A: After dissolving in 2014, Nichibutsu's intellectual property, including their game catalog, was acquired by Hamster Corporation, which continues to re-release their classic games.

### Q: Where was Nichibutsu headquartered?
A: Nichibutsu was headquartered in Osaka, Japan, with the specific address being 天神橋1丁目12番9号 日物ビル.

## Why It Matters
Nichibutsu holds significance in the history of Japanese arcade gaming as a developer of iconic titles during the industry's golden age. Their games like Crazy Climber and Moon Cresta not only entertained millions but also influenced later game development with their unique mechanics and art styles. As one of Japan's early video game manufacturers, Nichibutsu contributed to the globalization of video games as a form of entertainment. The company's legacy continues through its acquisition by Hamster Corporation, which preserves its catalog for modern audiences through re-releases and compilations.

## Notable For
- Created Crazy Climber (1980), an innovative vertical climbing arcade game
- Developed Moon Cresta (1980), a classic multi-participant space shooter
- Pioneered Japanese arcade game development during the early 1980s
- Maintained operations for 44 years before dissolution in 2014
- Catalog preserved by Hamster Corporation through modern re-releases

## Body
### Company Background
Nichibutsu, also known as Nihon Bussan, was a Japanese video game manufacturer founded in October 1970. The company operated as a kabushiki gaisha (joint-stock company) and was headquartered in Osaka, Japan. Its full Japanese name was ニチブツ, and it was commonly referred to by its English name Nichibutsu or variations of its Japanese name.

### Product Portfolio
The company primarily developed arcade games, with notable titles including:
- Crazy Climber (1980): A unique vertical climbing game where players controlled a building climber
- Moon Cresta (1980): A space shooter with distinctive multi-participant mechanics

### Corporate Timeline
- October 1970: Company founded in Osaka, Japan
- 2014: Company dissolved, with assets acquired by Hamster Corporation
- 2014 onwards: Intellectual property managed by Hamster Corporation

### Physical and Digital Presence
- Headquarters: Osaka, Japan at 天神橋1丁目12番9号 日物ビル (Tembashi 1-chome 12-ban 9-go Nichibu Biru)
- Official website: http://www.nichibutsu.co.jp/
- Preserved catalog available through Hamster Corporation's retro game collections

## References

1. MusicBrainz
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. [Source](https://mediaarts-db.bunka.go.jp/id/C34303)
4. VideoGameGeek