Tariffs Affect Rune Factory: Production of Guardians of Azuma Earth Dancer Edition

Marvelous USA has issued a warning about potential delays for the Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma Earth Dancer Edition due to the unpredictable international tariff situation.

This special edition comes packed with exclusive items like a Japanese-themed sacred fan with a display stand, a two-disc soundtrack CD, a 160-page art book, exclusive downloadable content, and a Woolby plush keychain.

The main culprit for the possible delay is the sacred ‘sensu’ folding fan, which is currently stuck at the publisher’s supplier factory in China.

Ken Berry, president of Marvelous USA, shared, “To update our fans in the Americas: The uncertainty of tariffs is really throwing off our production timelines. There’s a risk that our premium ‘Earth Dancer Edition’ for Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma might not hit shelves by its global release date of June 5th.”

He explained, “The ‘sensu’ folding fan is ready but has been held up at our supplier’s facility in China for weeks. Importing it now at the current tariff rate means unexpected fees that would add over 20% to the suggested retail price. This fan is one of the priciest components we’ve ever made, next to figures in collector’s editions. We can’t absorb those costs, and it’s unfair to pass them onto customers who pre-ordered.”

Berry also addressed why the fan is being made in China. “Initially, there wasn’t a Japanese manufacturer that could produce our custom fan at the needed scale. We ended up importing authentic Japanese ‘washi’ paper and having the fans assembled in China using a labor-intensive method.”

He added, “There’s still hope the items will arrive in time, but I wanted to keep our community informed. Even if tariffs drop tomorrow, a backlog at customs could delay our goods by weeks. It’s a challenging time with this uncertainty.”

Marvelous USA is closely tracking the situation and is prepared to expedite shipping by air if necessary. “We appreciate your support and understanding, even if our best efforts result in delays,” Berry said.

This latest installment in the action RPG and life simulation series immerses you in Azuma, a region influenced by Japanese visuals and variations on classic Rune Factory gameplay elements.

The publisher clarified that this issue only affects the Earth Dancer Edition for Nintendo Switch. Standard and digital editions are still set for the June 5 launch.

In the aftermath of the Celestial Collapse, Azuma is a mere shadow of its enriched past. The gods of nature have withdrawn, leaving a once-thriving land now desolate.

To combat this turmoil, the people of Azuma look for a hero. A young adventurer makes a pact with a dragon to save the land. “Embrace the power of the Earth Dancer to restore the land.”

Players will step into the role of an Earth Dancer, tasked with reviving Azuma. Choose between two protagonists, and engage in “reimagined and expanded Rune Factory gameplay.” As an Earth Dancer, you’ll farm, rebuild villages, and engage in combat using new weapons like the Bow and Talismans.

Explore Azuma’s culturally rich villages that reflect Japanese tradition and seasonal themes. Cultivate relationships with locals, who can join you in battle or help manage the villages. Utilize sacred treasures and your dance powers to cleanse and rejuvenate Azuma.

Key features of the game include:

• Bold New Abilities and Weapons: Use dance, sacred treasures, and new weapons like the Bow and Talismans to heal the land, farm, and undo the Blight’s damage.

• It Takes a Village: Rebuild entire villages, strategically placing buildings to attract returning villagers. Revive the gods to restore resources to the land.

• Your Fantasy Japanese Life: Enjoy Japanese-inspired designs and traditions, from festivals to unique monsters.

• Classic Romance and Relationships: Pick your protagonist and build relationships, including romance, in fully voiced scenarios. Recruit friends for dynamic battles!

Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma will launch globally on June 5, 2025, both in retail and on the Nintendo eShop for Nintendo Switch and Switch 2.