KD 5-012 Pachinko | Lami Japan

パチンコ　pachinko

It is very difficult to write something positive about something that you just don’t like. In our case: pachinko. These pachinko parlours are everywhere and every night (and day) they are packed with people of all ages who can spend hours there at the slot machines. To us it seems like the nasty version of Las Vegas. Having said that, we couldn’t think of a more unpleasant entertainment place on earth than Las Vegas. However, millions of people love it. So, take no notice of us and make up your own mind.

パチンコ　pachinko

In essence, pachinko is a pinball machine, which has been adapted for Japanese tastes. These days most machines are automated, so the player doesn’t even have to aim or to take a personal interest: tip in the bucket of pinballs and set the knob and smoke a fag – that seems to be about all. The noise is deafening! When you walk past a parlour you are overwhelmed by the noise.

パチンコ　pachinko

Lots of Japanese people like to do something mindless and simple after a really stressful day: get a bucket of pinballs and tip them in! It could be something to do before you catch the train home, or something to do, if there is no one to go to… Or maybe you are bored, or maybe you think that you have cracked the code and you’re going to become rich. You wouldn’t be the first one to have thought that. Some of those thinkers are already sleeping on park benches.

パチンコ　pachinko

Gambling is prohibited in Japan, but via a loophole in the law and a reciprocal arrangement with a neighbourly establishment one can collect small amounts of money, while the Japanese Government still collects its revenue.

Hmmm…, so much for standards. On the other hand, they are grown-up people, so if they want to sit there?! Why not?! You can read more about it on the Wikipedia website below.

パチンコ　pachinko