Watch Japan's Wii U Nintendo Direct live right here [update: it's over!]

Nintendo has a Direct broadcast bright and early this morning, presenting 35 minutes' worth of stream-age on Wii U system features. While we're not expecting new info on any games, there may be more details on how stuff like Miiverse, for example, actually works.

So rub the sleepy out of your eyes, maybe grab some toast, and plonk yourself somewhere comfy to watch the stream here on Joystiq. It starts at 6AM ET (3AM Pacific, 11AM British).

Update: The broadcast is now over. As expected, it focused heavily on Miiverse, with demos of how its social networking-style wall integrates with games like New Super Mario Bros. U and Nintendo Land. We also saw a demo of the system's video chat feature (imaginatively titled Wii U Chat), which included on-screen scribbling. As you can see below the break, the segment featured a cameo from none other than Reggie Fils-Aime. The Nintendo of America chief's attempt at Japanese was noble, but it seemed a bit lame when followed by the excellent English of Nintendo chief Satoru Iwata.

If you missed it, or if you'd just like to know exactly what Iwata was saying, Nintendo UK has the broadcast with English subtitles,