Pachinko (Amirali)

Imagine the modes of entertainment for middle class youth in the sub-continent. Only when you start making a list do you realize, there are fewer responses than you would have thought. Out of these, one of the most prominent is gaming zones. These are quiet common as they cater mostly to the lower, lower-middle and middle class youth. And such gaming zones have a strange location: small rectangular shops, stacked with 8 to 10 coin gaming machines, congested with people on all corners. In Japan such gaming zones are a million times different. In fact, to the surprise of many, they form a franchise with outlets in almost all important sectors of the city. These are called: Pachinko.

A pachinko machine is similar to the pinball machines; however it does not have flappers and has comparatively a large number of balls. Similar to the pinball game, the player can control the initial firing of the ball and then earns points accordingly. Usually they all require 100 yen coins. Having a majestic decorated entrance, the ambiance inside Pachinko is ideal to create an environment to facilitate enthusiastic players: loud music, constant announcements, glazing lights, amazing interior decoration, hi-tech glossy machines and what not. The machines are aligned in a perpendicular line, one after the other. Players sit comfortably on a chair, insert a coin and enjoy the game with active involvement. It is contrastingly different from the gaming shops that we usually find in Pakistan where the environment is gloomy, with dim lightening, no seating arrangement and dusty outdated machines. Environment here is much cooler! And this can be clear by observing the faces of the players in Pachinko: clearly focused on the game with limited or no eye-movement. These games have this thing in them to keep the player glued to them.

However, it is not only the environment that creates a difference. In contrast to gaming zones in Pakistan with older machines, dysfunctional buttons and games that have been running since years, Pachinko in Japan feature hi-tech machines with updated games keeps the interest of the players alive. Moreover, the rules are strong and it is made sure that they are followed. The best example is of smoking: unlike Pakistan where people randomly smoke with no restrictions, Pachinko has special reserved areas for smoking which facilitates both the smokers and non-smokers. Since cash gambling is prohibited in Japan, the organization makes sure that it is restricted. Winners are not paid in cash, but in gift tokens which they can trade later.



In short, Pachinko provides an ideal setup for people to release off the long day’s work tension and take a breath of relief with exciting games. This is further enhanced by the astounding environment and loud music which keeps the players interested. For a person coming from Pakistan, and used to the gloomy gaming shops, Pachinko is Japan would provide a mind-blowing experience. It’s worth visiting!