Today marks 37 years since January 4, 1989 (Showa 64), the release date of the Famicom game Ganbare Goemon 2, a sequel that played a key role in shaping the identity of the Ganbare Goemon series.

This entry is especially notable for introducing Ebisumaru, Goemon’s partner. The blue clad ninja with a Kansai dialect brought a stronger comedic tone to the game, supported by enemies designed to look playful and humorous, giving the series a lighter and more approachable atmosphere.

Gameplay remains a classic side scrolling action experience, following Goemon and Ebisumaru as they travel across Japan in search of treasure hidden within a mechanical castle. Despite featuring only 10 stages, each area is packed with regional references, from famous landmarks to local foods such as castella and uiro.

One of the most talked about elements is the ending, which reveals a surprising truth about Ebisumaru, becoming one of the most memorable moments of the Famicom era.

Because Showa 64 lasted only seven days, very few games were released that year, making Ganbare Goemon 2 a particularly rare and historically significant title.