TOKYOJul 23 (News On Japan) – Crane games, where players try to grab prizes, are now not only found in game centers but also in convenience stores. Since March 2024, major convenience store chain Lawson has been actively installing crane game machines and aims to expand to 1,000 stores nationwide by fiscal year 2025.
Yumi Yamaguchi, head of Lawson’s toy division, said: “We hope that customers can enjoy prize (crane) games in a casual way. Stores near tourist areas have been well received by international visitors.”
The game center industry has been struggling due to the rise of online gaming, with the number of game centers nationwide declining by 30% in the past five years. However, there is a growing expectation for increased demand from inbound tourists.
In a game center in Shinjuku, Tokyo, almost 40% of the customers are foreign tourists. When asked about the attraction, visitors said: “I love pressing the buttons! The thrill of whether I’m going to win or not is exciting!” and “We don’t have such new types in Korea!”
The simple controls and exclusive prizes available only in Japan are major attractions. A man from Singapore, although he only won some snacks, spent 4,000 yen on games that day.
Jun’ya Tadokoro of ME TOKYO SHINJUKU noted: “Many foreign tourists keep trying until they win a prize. They may spend 5,000 or 6,000 yen, even 7,000 yen.”
There is a lot of demand for crane games, but it remains to be seen how popular they will become.
Source: FNN
