For many people, Japan is famous for its technological innovations and bustling metropolises. But there’s another side to the country that’s often overlooked – one of entertainment and pleasure. One of the most popular forms of entertainment in Japan is the game of pachinko, a form of pinball that has become one of the nation’s favorite pastimes.
Pachinko originated in the 1920s, when Japanese entrepreneurs created a machine filled with small steel balls that could be maneuvered through a maze of pins. Players would insert coins into these machines and use a lever to launch their balls onto the playing field, where they would ricochet off pins before dropping into pockets at the bottom of the game board. If two or more balls landed in particular pockets, then extra balls were dispensed as rewards. As time went on, pachinko machines began to feature different kinds of rewards such as vouchers for food or merchandise, which allowed players to win prizes outside of just extra balls.
Today, pachinko can be found all throughout Japan and Tokyo alone has over 1,800 parlors dedicated to this fascinating game. Inside these parlors are thousands upon thousands of machines lined up against walls adorned with flashing lights and loud music. Many parlors also feature restaurants where you can take a break from playing and enjoy some traditional Japanese cuisine during your visit.
Playing pachinko isn’t complicated but it does take some getting used to since each machine will have its own set of rules and procedures for playing it correctly. Before starting a game you must purchase metal balls (called maru-bako) from vendors in exchange for cash or vouchers. Once you have your maru-bako you can begin playing by inserting them into the machine and using levers or buttons to shoot them onto the board where they will bounce around until they either drop into special pockets or out through an exit gate at the end. Depending on which type of pocket your ball lands in determines how many points (or additional maru-bako) you receive as a reward for each successful round played.
Throughout its long history, pachinko has become an important part of Japanese culture thanks to its amazing combination of skillful play and thrilling entertainment that appeals to both young and old alike! Whether you’re visiting Tokyo or any other city in Japan make sure to check out one (or more!) pachinko parlors during your stay – it’ll certainly be an experience like none other!
