Crane Games and UFO Catcher: A Deep Dive!

Arcades in Japan are among the most legendary in the world. Towering buildings packed with games of every kind, buzzing and flashing in every color imaginable. But what makes arcades especially fun aren’t just the video games but the countless crane games they offer.

The ultimate game of skill and luck, these games test players’ reflexes and timing by offering them awesome prizes – if they can snag them. If you’ve ever wanted to learn about crane games in Japan, this is the article for you!

When was the crane game invented?

The very first crane game was invented in the 1890s in America. The first patented game, the Erie Digger, helped set the standard for all other games. As the device was inspired by the cranes that had helped build the Panama Canal, the Erie Digger was a large glass box with a hand-operated crane that could scoop up candy and other small prizes for players.

How did it arrive in Japan?

By the middle of the 20th century, the popularity of skill—and luck-based games spread worldwide, and Japan jumped wholeheartedly into the craze. In the 1960s, companies Sega and Taito began to design trolley-style games, which became a huge hit. But it was in the 1980s that Sega hit the jackpot with their UFO Catcher game.

Why do they call it UFO Catcher?

The UFO Catcher has its name for a simple reason: the claw looks like a giant UFO! Unlike the typical claw-like designs seen in the US, Sega’s UFO Catchers are wider, flatter, and circular. Therefore, people think they look like classic UFOs. The UFOs can also be altered to accommodate the size of the prizes in their machines!

Where are the best crane games in Japan?

While everyone might have their favorite spot to check out these addictive games, there are a few indisputably fantastic places. From the biggest multi-leveled buildings to the most sprawling arcades, these are the places every game fan should head to in Japan. 

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The 3rd Planet Yokohama

The 3^rd Planet is an arcade fan’s dream come true. Bursting with games of chance, video games, and prizes of every sort. So, if you’re looking for a great arcade experience, the 3^rd Planet is where you’ll find it. What makes the 3^rd Planet in Yokohama especially remarkable is that it holds the Guinness World record for the most crane games in a single location. If you love these games, there’s no better place to go.

Tokyo Leisureland

Even people who haven’t been to Tokyo know that Akihabara is the place to go for all things video games and anime. As such, Akihabara teems with arcades of all sorts, shapes, and sizes. Tokyo Leisureland is no exception, and as it’s near Akihabara Station by the Chuo Line tracks, it is a very easy arcade to get to.

Like many arcades in Akihabara, Tokyo Leisureland offers multiple floors with different kinds of games. The first floor is dedicated entirely to crane games and photo booths, so those looking for a quick and fun experience can simply stroll in.

Me Tokyo Ikebukuro

Located in Ikebukuro, Me Tokyo is a massive arcade center for game fans to explore. Like many other arcades in Japan, Me Tokyo offers a little of everything: video games, crane games, photo booths, and more. Ikebukuro is already famous for its outstanding shopping centers, so heading to Me Tokyo for an afternoon of fun is certainly doable.

Why are crane games so popular in Japan?

Crane games are immensely popular in Japan for many reasons. To begin with, they are very easy to construct and ship. Their compact and uniform size makes them incredibly accessible for businesses of all shapes and sizes to stock. They are also popular because of their gameplay. Unlike video games that require lightning-fast reflexes or an interest in the game’s theme, crane games are universal in their design.

This goes hand in hand with their biggest draw: their prizes. They’re exciting because they don’t just offer bragging rights over a high score; they give players physical, tangible prizes to bring home. For anyone who’s ever gone on a Saturday night date to an arcade, there are few ways to better end an evening with that special someone than by winning them a fantastic prize in a game of chance. They can be played by fans, young and old, novices and experts, and they can appeal to anyone based on the prizes they offer.

Do you like these kinds of games? What arcades have you visited in Japan? What did you win? Please let us know in the comments below! We would love to hear about your arcade adventures!