Why Do Speedrunners Play In Japanese Does It Really Save Time

In the high-stakes world of speedrunning—where every millisecond counts—it’s not uncommon to see top players boot up games in Japanese, even if they don’t speak the language. At first glance, this seems counterintuitive. Why choose a language you can’t read when clarity and precision matter most? The answer lies in a combination of technical optimization, historical precedent, and subtle but measurable performance advantages. This article breaks down the real reasons behind this phenomenon and evaluates whether playing in Japanese truly offers tangible time savings.

The Role of Language in Game Performance

While most modern games are built to handle multiple languages seamlessly, older or less optimized titles can exhibit performance differences depending on the selected language. These variations stem from how text is rendered, stored, and processed within the game engine.

Japanese, despite its complex writing system, often results in faster load times and smoother transitions in certain games due to:

• Pre-rendered text assets: Many Japanese versions of games were developed first, meaning text is embedded more efficiently into memory.
• Faster font rendering: In some engines, Japanese fonts are cached more effectively than localized alternatives.
• Shorter menu paths: Some games have fewer menu options or streamlined UIs in their original Japanese release.

These small efficiencies add up over thousands of inputs during a full speedrun.

Tip: Even if you don’t understand Japanese, switching to the original language version can reduce input lag and improve frame pacing in older console ports.

Linguistic Efficiency: Character Count and Menu Speed

One of the most cited reasons for choosing Japanese is the compactness of its text. Compared to English, Japanese often conveys information in fewer characters. This may seem trivial, but in games where scrolling through dialogue or waiting for text boxes affects timing, character count directly impacts speed.

For example, in RPGs like The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time or Final Fantasy series, NPC dialogues appear faster in Japanese because:

• Text boxes fill and clear quicker due to shorter strings.
• Less scrolling is required when messages are displayed line-by-line.
• Dialogue triggers advance sooner, reducing forced wait times.

This effect is especially pronounced in games that use character-by-character text printing rather than instant display. A single second saved per major dialogue sequence can accumulate into tens of seconds over an entire run.

Case Study: Super Mario RPG (SNES)

In a documented speedrun of Super Mario RPG, a runner compared identical segments using English and Japanese language settings. The Japanese version completed the same boss intro cutscene 0.8 seconds faster due to quicker text processing and reduced animation delays between lines. Over the course of a 2-hour run with dozens of such interactions, these micro-delays could amount to nearly a minute of avoidable time loss.

“Even 20 milliseconds per menu matters when your goal is sub-5:00 in a category. We optimize everything—even the font.” — Alex Chen, World Record Holder (Celeste Any%), Speedrunning Coach

Technical Advantages of Japanese ROMs and Regional Versions

Beyond language alone, the regional version of a game often plays a critical role. Japanese releases (NTSC-J) frequently differ from North American (NTSC-U) or European (PAL) versions in ways that benefit speedrunners:

Factor	Japanese Version	Western Version
Frame Rate	Often runs at native 60Hz (NTSC-J)	Sometimes locked to 50Hz (PAL), slowing gameplay by ~16%
Load Times	Optimized for original hardware	May include additional localization assets
Bug Presence	May contain unique glitches exploitable via TAS or sequence breaking	Patches sometimes remove or alter mechanics
Menu Animations	Shorter or absent in early builds	Extended for accessibility/localization

For instance, PAL versions of many PS2 and GameCube titles run slower by design to accommodate television standards in Europe. Choosing the Japanese version ensures the fastest possible base speed.

ROM Differences and Hidden Glitches

In tool-assisted speedruns (TAS), runners exploit minute programming differences between regional builds. A well-known example occurred in Metroid Prime, where a buffer overflow glitch was only accessible in the Japanese version due to slight memory allocation changes during translation. While rare, such discoveries make region selection a serious consideration in competitive circles.

Practical Steps to Evaluate Language Impact

Not every game benefits from a switch to Japanese. To determine whether it will help your run, follow this step-by-step evaluation process:

1. Identify the original release region: If the game was developed in Japan (e.g., most FromSoftware titles), the Japanese version is likely the baseline build.
2. Compare frame rates: Use emulator tools or capture software to verify if both versions run at 60fps (or equivalent).
3. Time key sequences: Record identical gameplay segments (menu navigation, cutscenes, dialogue) in both languages.
4. Analyze input lag: Check if button responses feel delayed in non-native versions.
5. Consult community resources: Sites like Speedrun.com often document known regional advantages in game pages and forums.
6. Test glitch availability: Some movement exploits or sequence breaks only work in specific language builds.

This systematic approach helps eliminate guesswork and ensures any language switch is based on measurable gains.

Checklist: When to Consider Playing in Japanese

• ✅ The game originated in Japan
• ✅ Western versions are PAL (50Hz)
• ✅ Dialogue-heavy sections with slow text rendering
• ✅ Known performance issues in localized builds
• ✅ Community records use Japanese language
• ✅ Emulator accuracy favors original ROM

If three or more apply, testing the Japanese version is strongly recommended.

Does It Really Save Time? Quantifying the Gains

The short answer: yes—but with caveats. The time saved is rarely dramatic in isolation. However, elite speedrunning operates on marginal gains. A consistent 0.5% reduction in total runtime can mean the difference between a personal best and a world record.

Consider the following breakdown for a hypothetical 90-minute run:

Category	Average Time Saved (Seconds)	Notes
Text Rendering	12–18	Due to shorter strings and faster box clearing
Menu Navigation	6–10	Less scrolling, fewer animations
Frame Rate (vs. PAL)	Up to 900*	*PAL versions run ~16.7% slower; avoid entirely
Loading Screens	5–15	Leaner asset bundles in original builds
Total Potential Gain	~25–30 sec (NTSC), ~15 min (PAL)	Highly dependent on title and platform

As shown, the most significant advantage comes from avoiding PAL versions. But even among NTSC regions, Japanese builds typically edge out English counterparts by several seconds across a full run.

It’s also worth noting that familiarity matters. A runner fluent in English who struggles to navigate menus in Japanese may lose more time than they gain. Thus, the decision must balance mechanical efficiency with user proficiency.

Common Misconceptions About Language Choice

Several myths persist around why speedrunners use Japanese. Let’s clarify them:

• Myth: “Japanese text is always faster.”
  Reality: Only true in games where text rendering is tied to string length or font caching. In fully localized modern engines (e.g., Unreal or Unity), differences are negligible.
• Myth: “Speedrunners use Japanese because they’re better at the language.”
  Reality: Most do not speak Japanese. They rely on muscle memory, visual cues, and community-shared knowledge to navigate menus.
• Myth: “All Japanese versions are faster.”
  Reality: Some late-era localizations improved performance. Always test empirically.

The choice isn’t cultural or arbitrary—it’s rooted in empirical optimization.

FAQ

Do I need to learn Japanese to speedrun in it?

No. Most runners memorize menu layouts, button prompts, and visual indicators through repetition. Tools like annotated overlays or translation guides help bridge the gap without fluency.

Can I use Japanese language on emulators legally?

Yes, as long as you own a legitimate copy of the game. Dumping your own cartridge or disc for personal use falls under fair use in many jurisdictions, though laws vary by country.

Are there risks to using Japanese versions?

Potentially. Some anti-piracy checks or online features may fail. Additionally, if a category requires a specific regional version (e.g., “Any% English”), using Japanese would invalidate the run.

Conclusion: Optimize Every Layer, Including Language

Choosing to play in Japanese isn’t about nationality or preference—it’s a calculated decision to minimize delay and maximize control. While the time saved per interaction might seem negligible, the cumulative effect across a full speedrun can be substantial. In a discipline where hundredths of a second separate leaders on leaderboards, eliminating avoidable delays is essential.

The takeaway isn’t that all runners should default to Japanese, but rather that every variable—from input devices to region settings—deserves scrutiny. By understanding how language affects performance, you gain another lever to pull in pursuit of perfection.

🚀 Ready to shave seconds off your next run? Test your game in Japanese today—record side-by-side comparisons, share findings with your community, and refine your strategy one frame at a time.