Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma Earth Dancer Edition Faces Possible Delay Due to Tariff Issues

Marvelous USA, the publisher behind the highly anticipated action RPG Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma, has issued a notice regarding potential delays to the game’s special Earth Dancer Edition for the Nintendo Switch.

The announcement comes as a result of current international tariff challenges impacting global supply chains, specifically concerning the limited edition’s inclusion of a custom-made Japanese-inspired folding fan. Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma is the latest entry in the beloved Rune Factory series, known for its blend of action RPG elements and life-simulation gameplay.

Developed by Marvelous Inc., the game transports players to Azuma, a new eastern territory inspired by Japanese culture, and is scheduled for a worldwide launch on June 5, 2025.

The standard physical and digital editions for both Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 remain on track for release on that date, but uncertainty surrounds the premium Earth Dancer Edition due to logistical issues. The Earth Dancer Edition promises collectors an array of exclusive items, including an ornate sacred fan with display stand, a two-disc soundtrack CD, a 160-page art book, bonus downloadable content, and a Woolby plush keychain.

The core issue lies with the ‘sensu’ folding fan, produced at a factory in China, which has encountered shipment obstacles as a result of newly imposed tariffs.

This fan, described as the most expensive component Marvelous USA has ever produced for a special edition (outside of figurines), has been held up at the supplier’s facility, making timely delivery increasingly difficult. In a statement, Marvelous USA president Ken Berry outlined the situation: Supply chain disruptions driven by unpredictable tariffs have disrupted production schedules.

The unique folding fan, awaiting transport from China, would currently incur more than 20% in additional fees relative to the edition’s retail price if shipped immediately, an increase deemed unsustainable by the publisher.

Berry emphasized that the additional cost could not be absorbed by the company, nor could they pass it on to customers who have already pre-ordered. He further clarified the manufacturing decision: Despite the fan’s Japanese heritage, sourcing a partner in Japan capable of producing the required quantity was impossible, leading Marvelous to commission the fan using traditional ‘washi’ paper imported to a Chinese facility. Berry remained transparent with the community: "We wish to be upfront with our fans," he shared, noting that even if tariffs were reduced soon, customs delays could still push the Earth Dancer Edition beyond the June 5 release.

The team continues to monitor the situation, exploring options such as expedited air freight to minimize delays, and expressed gratitude for fans’ understanding and support. The publisher confirmed that this complication is exclusive to the Earth Dancer Edition for Nintendo Switch, with standard editions and digital versions unaffected and ready for launch. Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma features a compelling narrative set in the aftermath of the Celestial Collapse, tasking players with restoring the blighted land of Azuma.

As an Earth Dancer, players will harness new weapons, rebuild villages, and cultivate relationships, all amidst Japanese-inspired landscapes and music.

With a choice between two protagonists and an expanded focus on classic Rune Factory gameplay, the title aims to deliver a rich, culturally infused RPG experience. Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma will be available at both retail and via Nintendo eShop for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5, 2025, with only the collector’s Earth Dancer Edition release remaining in question at this stage.

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