Japan’s Pachinko machine is a cross between a pinball machine and slot machine. It is a country that is home to some unique ideas, practice and items and some of these do seem a bit odd to foreigners. Japan’s streets are filled with tourist opportunities and what could stand out is their fashion trends or even their naked festivals. At least nothing is annoying not even a walk in Kyoto or Osaka.
The one thing to avoid is the sun on a hot summer day as the heat is blistering and not even the locals are that brave. It is not unlikely that you will see many locals entering the bright parlours to enjoy pachinko, which is the country’s version of arcades with slot machines.
The history of Japan’s Pachinko Parlours and Machines
Many of the machines are modern and manufactured to include the latest technology. They are seen as vertical pinball machines by most of the visitors due to their similarities in aesthetics and mechanics. These are the entertainment mediums that only started over the past twenty years. But in tracing the history or origin of the machines call pachinko you’ll find it all started in the 1920s.
The pachinko machine is inspired by the children’s toy the Corinth game and the word packin refers to the sound of the balls; the word ko directly relates to a ball. The devices consist of pockets, bells, balls and a few lights; Players need to launch a ball by using the filler and the pocket in which the ball lands up, determine the prize or the points.
The pachinko machine was created for home use at first and soon found its market during festivals, while several were added to candy stores. The prizes included fruit, candy or even pencils. By the 1930s the game was even more popular, and it was adjusted to suit adult play, the rewards also changed to include soy sauce, tobacco, soap and vegetables. This is when pachinko parlours started across Japan but most shut down during World War II.
By the latter part of the 1940s, most of the parlours could re-open, and pachinko was more popular than ever before. By the 1950s it was identified as a highly addictive game, and the machine was remodelled to control and direct the ball via nails and turning wheels.
Total Remake to Suit Modern Times
With computer technology becoming part of modern times the pachinko machine enjoyed a remake and sound and graphics were added by 1980. A randomized system was added, and the device also got other significant updates. The parlours are dark with cigarette smoke and loud from all the game noise as it is the most played game in the country today. The best way to describe the parlours is legal casinos offering pachinko games. When it comes to gambling, Japan follows stringent rules, although the rooms have found many loopholes when it comes to claiming the prizes awarded by the game.