pachinko

Pachinko is a mechanical game originating in Japan, played on vertical machines densely packed with pins. Players launch steel balls into the field and aim to guide them through gates and pockets, with successful shots releasing more balls for continued play.

The plunger controls ball speed, and balls bounce among pins, entering gates that can trigger jackpots or extra spins. Modern machines mix electromechanical components with digital displays to show wins and animations, creating interactive play while random outcomes are determined by the machine's settings.

Pachinko appeared in the early 20th century and grew into a dominant form of entertainment in postwar Japan. Machines evolved from purely mechanical devices to electronic hybrids, and a nationwide parlor network developed, making pachinko a familiar fixture in many cities.

Legally, gambling for cash is restricted in Japan. Pachinko keeps winnings in the form of tokens or balls that are redeemed for prizes at specialized shops; prize shops then exchange prizes for cash in a process that is regulated but widely used to connect players with cash prizes.

Economically, the pachinko sector is one of Japan's largest amusement industries. Thousands of parlors operate nationwide, employing many people and contributing significant tax revenue. The activity also influences popular culture, advertising, and urban development.

Variants include traditional mechanical pachinko and newer electronic or hybrid machines. The industry faces regulation, market changes, and competition from other entertainment forms, leading to fluctuations in parlor numbers and consumer participation.