If you’ve ever been to Japan, you’ve likely heard of pachinko. This popular game is a type of mechanical pinball game that combines elements of gambling and arcade-style gaming. It’s estimated that there are over 12,000 pachinko parlors in Japan with an estimated 30 million players enjoying the game on a regular basis.
Pachinko was first developed in the 1920s as an alternative to slot machines which were outlawed at the time. The game itself involves shooting small steel balls into a playing field filled with hundreds of pins, posts and other obstacles. Players must use their skill and luck to direct the balls through the obstacles in order to win points or prizes.
The most popular version of pachinko is called “nagare pachi”, which translates to “flowing pachi”. This version consists of two spinning drums that contain various numbers and symbols, with each drum being connected by a central peg set between them. A player will insert coins into the machine and then pull down on a lever which releases a ball onto the playing field where it bounces off obstacles before eventually landing in one of the drums for a prize or point value depending on what number or symbol it lands on.
The prizes offered by most pachinko parlors come in all shapes and sizes from small trinkets like keychains and erasers, to larger items such as electronics or even cash prizes! Since cash payouts are illegal under Japanese law, players are instead awarded tokens that they can redeem for cash outside of the parlor itself.
So if you ever find yourself visiting Japan don’t forget to check out one of their many pachinko parlors! You won’t be disappointed – not only will you get to experience a unique form of entertainment but you may even walk away with some great souvenirs too!
