Pop'n Music 12 Iroha leans into Japanese motifs and the look truly pops. Gorgeous art direction and a carefully curated setlist make it one of the prettiest PS2 entries.
Your verdict
Category
Rhythm2 players3+
Description
A Konami rhythm game released in 2006 in Japan, the twelfth PS2 entry in Pop'n Music subtitled "Iroha." A traditional Japanese theme (calligraphy, floral motifs, kimono) on the cover and certain characters, with a setlist of around 50 tracks blending original compositions and J-pop covers. A Japanese niche with a distinctive design.
Pop'n Music 12 - Iroha review
4/5
Art direction
★★★★★
"Striking"
MAX
Music
★★★★★
"Legendary"
1/5
Story
★★★★★
"Anecdotal"
Pop'n Music's twelfth entry, Iroha stands out for its Japanese-flavored dress. Ink calligraphy, floral motifs, kimonos and woodblock prints tint the cover, the menus and some of the characters, contrasting with the series' usual colorful jumble. Beneath the familiar big round buttons, this traditional interlude gives the episode a hushed elegance, rare in a genre that is usually loud.
Motley and joyful, the selection draws on J-pop, anime and a thousand genres to have you tap coloured buttons in time. Each track has its own tempo and personality, rewarding precision with a sparkling energy. This musical melting pot, a pillar of Konami's rhythm games, remains irresistibly rousing.
Gameplay
"Solid"
Fun
"From the very first minutes"
Addictiveness
"Captivating"
Difficulty
"Balanced"
Lifespan
"Massive"
The hunt for a perfect score makes you redo the same tracks endlessly to gain a few points. Between a wildly varied setlist and personal challenges, every play calls for the next. That drive for self-improvement, the heart of the rhythm game, guarantees a longevity only fatigue can interrupt.
Technical info
💾0,94 GB📅02/03/2006
Published by Konami
Pop'n Music 12 - Iroha (PS2) price, value & rarity
Complete: box, manual and disc/cart very clean. Lightly handled.
Q1 damagedQ6 completeQ10 new
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Is Pop'n Music 12 - Iroha still worth playing in 2026?
An entry in Konami's rhythm series, Pop'n Music 12 Iroha works the traditional Japanese theme through its tracklist and art direction, while keeping the principle of nine colourful buttons to chain to the tempo. The thematic identity, the musical diversity and the satisfaction of the combo enrich the experience, ideally with the dedicated controller. The reliance on the peripheral and the Japan exclusivity limit access. A festive rhythm game to recommend for fans of musical scoring and stylised Japanese arcade culture.
