SoraNews24 —Japan News—
Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
Featured
- Weird
- Studio Ghibli
- Jobs
game centers
This awesome Japanese arcade chain has crane game coaches to help you win prizes
- Casey Baseel
Aug 11, 2026 - Tweet
Our crane game novice heads to Benex for a training day with the Assist Crew.
- Japan
- (Arcades • Benex • claw games • COK • crane games • game centers • Natsuno Futon • SNJO • UFO catchers)
You’ll never win cash or prizes or cash at this Tokyo pachinko parlor, and that’s why it’s so cool
- Casey Baseel
May 20, 2026
Tampopo is part pachinko parlor, part video game arcade, and part museum.
- Japan
- (Arcades • COK • cool • Fussa • game centers • Mr. Saro • pachinko • pachinko parlors • retro • SNJO)
I had no idea you could win crane game prizes in Japan the way my friend won this Dragon Quest Slime
- Casey Baseel
Nov 27, 2025
This black Slime plushie had become his white whale until something I’d never experienced before happened.
- Japan
- (Arcades • COK • crane games • Dragon Quest • Dragon Quest Slime • game centers • moving • plushies • Shadow Slime • slime • Slime Dark • SNO • touching • UFO catchers • video games)
Giant new nine-floor arcade opens in Tokyo, wants to welcome new and old games fans alike
- Casey Baseel
Nov 22, 2025
Landmark Akihabara location reopens with new owners.
- Japan
- (Akihabara • Arcades • COK • game centers • GiGO • Sega • Silk Hat • tourism • travel • video games)
Tokyo losing another iconic arcade with announced closure of 40-year-old Ikebukuro game center
- Casey Baseel
Oct 16, 2025
A once-adored location in Ikebukuro is down to its last few months.
- Japan
- (Adores • Arcades • game centers • Ikebukuro • video games)
New multi-floor arcade opens in Tokyo on same day Akihabara landmark announces closure
- Casey Baseel
Jul 17, 2025
We may have to say goodbye to Akihabara Building 1, but it’s also time to say hello to a brand-new GiGO arcade elsewhere in Tokyo.
- Japan
- (Akihabara • Arcades • COK • Fuchu • game centers • Genda • GiGO • Sega • video games)
Landmark Akihabara arcade, opened by Sega over 30 years ago, announces sudden closure
- Casey Baseel
Jul 16, 2025
Tokyo is about to lose another site of game otaku history.
- Japan
- (Akihabara • Arcades • COK • game centers • Genda • GiGO • Sega • video games)
Retro game arcade severely damaged in fire in Japan【Video】
- Casey Baseel
Jan 23, 2025
Fire breaks out at Osaka arcade popular with foreign tourists, motorcycle in building may have made situation worse.
- Japan
- (Arcades • COK • fire • game centers • Osaka • retro games • Tsutenkaku • video • video games)
Tokyo’s most famous arcade announces price increase, fans don’t seem to mind at all
- Casey Baseel
Apr 17, 2024
Mikado makes a move that other game centers did long ago.
- Japan
- (Arcades • game centers • Mikado • video games)
Wear samurai armor while playing video games? That’s an option at this Japanese inn【Video】
- Casey Baseel
Sep 17, 2023
Hokkaido ryokan lets you suit up in lamellar to play Dance Dance Revolution and Out Run.
- Japan
- (Arcades • awesome • cool • crazy • culture • game centers • history • hot springs • hotels • inns • onsen • retro games • ryokan • samurai • travel • video games • weird)
We beat two crane games at a Japanese arcade and take home two lucky bags
- Oona McGee
Aug 28, 2023
Check out our UFO Catcher haul!
- Japan
- (Arcades • COK • crane game • crane games • fukubukuro • game centers • game centres • gaming arcades • Ikuna Kamezawa • lucky bag • plushies • SNJO • UFO catcher • UFO catchers • video game arcades)
The new Tokyu Kabukicho Tower is packed with entertainment, food, and drinks–with one caveat
- Dale Roll
Apr 18, 2023
Just maybe don’t look out the window on the 10th floor.
- Japan
- (bars • clubs • entertainment • game centers • Kabukicho • Mr. Sato • restaurants • shinjuku • shopping • Tokyu Kabukicho Tower)
Giant 1,431-square meter arcade and bar opening in downtown Tokyo from Bandai Namco
- Casey Baseel
Mar 17, 2023
Namco Tokyo pours drinks, serves Pacman parfaits, and plays game music into the night in Shinjuku.
- Japan
- (alcohol • Arcades • Bandai • Bandai Namco • bars • crane games • drinks • game centers • Kabukicho • Namco • Namco Tokyo • Pacman • parfaits • shinjuku • sweets • video games)
Akihabara arcades aren’t dead yet! New six-floor game center opens in Tokyo otaku quarter next month
- Casey Baseel
Feb 23, 2023
Namco steps in with its first-ever Akihabara arcade.
- Japan
- (Akihabara • Bandai • capsule toys • COK • crane games • gachapon • game centers • gashapon • Namco • video games)
Japanese arcade lets you win Kobe beef and “Japan’s number-one beef stew”【Taste test】
- Casey Baseel
Feb 7, 2023
Three of the most prized wagyu varieties are waiting inside this crane game.
- Japan
- (Arcades • beef • beef stew • COK • cool • crane games • food • game centers • Kobe beef • SNJO • taste test • UFO catcher • Wagyu • weird)
Cloud Catcher is a real Japanese crane game with real prizes that you play through your phone
- SoraNews24
Nov 19, 2022
Prizes of both the anime and edible varieties can be yours even if you can’t make it to the arcade.
- Internet, Japan
- (apps • Arcades • crane games • game centers • SNJO • UFO catcher)
A visit to the best UFO catcher arcade in the universe!
- Oona McGee
Nov 12, 2022
A maze of around 450 weird and wonderful claw machines filled with amazing treasures.
- Japan
- (amusement arcades • Arcades • claw machine • COK • crane games • game centers • game centres • Japan travel • Saitama • SNJO • travel • UFO catchers)
Japanese arcade has special UFO catcher/crane games that guarantee you’ll win【Photos】
- Casey Baseel
Oct 7, 2022
Victory is within your grasp!
- Japan
- (Arcades • awesome • claw game • COK • cool • crane game • game centers • Namco • SNO • UFO catchers)
Sega name to be removed from all of its arcade branches in Japan as part of rebranding
- Casey Baseel
Jan 28, 2022
Sayonara, Sega.
- Japan
- (Arcades • COK • game centers • Genda • GiDO • Sega • video games)
”We came home.” Sega makes arcade comeback with new game center in Tokyo’s Ikebukuro district
- Casey Baseel
Oct 18, 2021
Dry your tears, Sega fans. They’ve missed us too.
- Japan
- (#KuToo • Arcades • COK • game centers • Ikebukuro • Sega • Sega Ikebukuro GiGO • video games)
-
Recent Posts
- Sendai Bank gifts babies their weight at birth in money upon opening a new bank account
- Osaka man arrested for running little pet shop of horrors with dangerous crocodile
- Krispy Kreme Japan gets extra-local with adorable new Hokkaido snow fairy donuts
- Make-your-own-Totoro plushie workshop event coming to Ghibli Park park this fall
- Viral Yokohama cafe tops teas with mini teapots with a clever smoldering secret [Photos]
-
MOST POPULAR
- Today
- Weekly
- Monthly
- Yearly
Today
Make-your-own-Totoro plushie workshop event coming to Ghibli Park park this fall
Osaka man arrested for running little pet shop of horrors with dangerous crocodile
Japanese food hack says to soak your grapes in carbonated water, but is the fizz worth the buzz?
Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
One of Japan’s best convenience store egg sandwiches is one you won’t find at the big three chains
Krispy Kreme Japan gets extra-local with adorable new Hokkaido snow fairy donuts
Sendai Bank gifts babies their weight at birth in money upon opening a new bank account
Viral Yokohama cafe tops teas with mini teapots with a clever smoldering secret [Photos]
Cuddly starry night Totoro and other Ghibli blankets set to keep you cozy in chilly months ahead
Japan announces new permanent residency guidelines, foreigners must earn more than average Japanese person
Weekly
- Japan announces new permanent residency guidelines, foreigners must earn more than average Japanese person
Studio Ghibli’s Calcifer is ready to light up your home as a magical-looking candle lamp [Photos]
Japan’s first-ever conveyor-belt Sushi Bus announces Tokyo tour start date, reservations now open
Foreign tourists get free Shinkansen tickets in Japan, and here’s how to claim them
Japan’s new travel route literally through the mountains links two other beautiful alpine courses- Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
Starbucks Japan says sayonara to the Filone for new sandwiches and a Pumpkin Soupuccino
Toys R Us is leaving Japan after 35 years in the country
Casio collaborates with a Kyoto foil master for a luxurious one million yen G-SHOCK
Foreign tourist numbers drop in Osaka, despite record-setting highs from U.S. and Korea
Monthly
- Japan announces new permanent residency guidelines, foreigners must earn more than average Japanese person
- Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
Starbucks Japan unveils new Pokémon collaboration with Pikachu Latte and exclusive goods- Studio Ghibli’s Calcifer is ready to light up your home as a magical-looking candle lamp [Photos]
Lady Gaga and Family Mart team up for a Japanese convenience store work video [Video]
New Gundam Base superstores coming soon in the U.S., with one opening this month
Studio Ghibli releases new plush mascot character collection with a focus on friendship
Studio Ghibli releases new onigiri rice ball-shaped lunch bag for Kiki’s Delivery Service fans
Do Japan’s new single-minded convenience store bento show depressing poverty or satisfying focus?
How to watch Studio Ghibli’s new anime in Japan, with a special after-dark outdoor screening for Halloween
Yearly
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
-
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Krispy Kreme Japan gets extra-local with adorable new Hokkaido snow fairy donuts
Sendai Bank gifts babies their weight at birth in money upon opening a new bank account
Viral Yokohama cafe tops teas with mini teapots with a clever smoldering secret [Photos]
Cuddly starry night Totoro and other Ghibli blankets set to keep you cozy in chilly months ahead
Japan announces new permanent residency guidelines, foreigners must earn more than average Japanese person
Foreign tourist numbers drop in Osaka, despite record-setting highs from U.S. and Korea
Starbucks Japan says sayonara to the Filone for new sandwiches and a Pumpkin Soupuccino
McDonald’s Japan officially changes its mascot’s name…to Ronald McDonald
Casio collaborates with a Kyoto foil master for a luxurious one million yen G-SHOCK
Studio Ghibli’s Calcifer is ready to light up your home as a magical-looking candle lamp [Photos]
Opening of new Gundam anime superstore in America postponed indefinitely
Do Japan’s new single-minded convenience store bento show depressing poverty or satisfying focus?
Totoro and other Ghibli anime figure humidifiers return just in time for the dry season [Photos]
Japan now has facial-recognition ticket gates, but why aren’t people using them?
-
-
Categories
Categories Select Category Africa (33) Anime & Manga (193) Art (64) Australia (42) C America (9) C Asia (17) Canada (59) Cats (72) China (845) Culture (180) Cute (187) Entertainment (248) Europe (344) FN24 (1) Food & Drink (314) Games & Tech (167) Global (1,072) India (11) Internet (2,197) Italy (13) Japan (34,414) Korea (375) Lifestyle (76) Mexico (6) Music (12) N Asia (4) New Zealand (11) News (61) North Korea (72) Oceania (10) Russia (56) S America (33) S Asia (66) SE Asia (378) Space (2) Taiwan (203) UK (17) Uncategorized (19) USA (976) W Asia (25)
-
Archives
Archives Select Month October 2026 (26) September 2026 (156) August 2026 (174) July 2026 (197) June 2026 (174) May 2026 (138) April 2026 (142) March 2026 (150) February 2026 (124) January 2026 (138) December 2025 (136) November 2025 (136) October 2025 (151) September 2025 (154) August 2025 (143) July 2025 (158) June 2025 (165) May 2025 (162) April 2025 (181) March 2025 (157) February 2025 (127) January 2025 (139) December 2024 (148) November 2024 (149) October 2024 (153) September 2024 (154) August 2024 (158) July 2024 (156) June 2024 (150) May 2024 (166) April 2024 (150) March 2024 (157) February 2024 (169) January 2024 (159) December 2023 (165) November 2023 (166) October 2023 (166) September 2023 (173) August 2023 (183) July 2023 (171) June 2023 (180) May 2023 (158) April 2023 (152) March 2023 (167) February 2023 (160) January 2023 (171) December 2022 (175) November 2022 (176) October 2022 (179) September 2022 (191) August 2022 (202) July 2022 (193) June 2022 (178) May 2022 (178) April 2022 (181) March 2022 (212) February 2022 (199) January 2022 (224) December 2021 (230) November 2021 (214) October 2021 (215) September 2021 (238) August 2021 (225) July 2021 (207) June 2021 (218) May 2021 (209) April 2021 (206) March 2021 (225) February 2021 (209) January 2021 (224) December 2020 (225) November 2020 (224) October 2020 (231) September 2020 (238) August 2020 (227) July 2020 (220) June 2020 (209) May 2020 (215) April 2020 (238) March 2020 (235) February 2020 (222) January 2020 (233) December 2019 (187) November 2019 (214) October 2019 (237) September 2019 (195) August 2019 (205) July 2019 (183) June 2019 (201) May 2019 (231) April 2019 (192) March 2019 (242) February 2019 (211) January 2019 (238) December 2018 (212) November 2018 (217) October 2018 (214) September 2018 (203) August 2018 (217) July 2018 (218) June 2018 (208) May 2018 (204) April 2018 (193) March 2018 (216) February 2018 (192) January 2018 (223) December 2017 (204) November 2017 (209) October 2017 (218) September 2017 (209) August 2017 (228) July 2017 (222) June 2017 (245) May 2017 (229) April 2017 (197) March 2017 (165) February 2017 (151) January 2017 (180) December 2016 (260) November 2016 (267) October 2016 (302) September 2016 (387) August 2016 (351) July 2016 (379) June 2016 (379) May 2016 (312) April 2016 (347) March 2016 (414) February 2016 (379) January 2016 (359) December 2015 (359) November 2015 (378) October 2015 (435) September 2015 (419) August 2015 (152) July 2015 (218) June 2015 (179) May 2015 (237) April 2015 (223) March 2015 (119) February 2015 (121) January 2015 (394) December 2014 (376) November 2014 (376) October 2014 (414) September 2014 (349) August 2014 (379) July 2014 (316) June 2014 (375) May 2014 (384) April 2014 (354) March 2014 (318) February 2014 (284) January 2014 (270) December 2013 (224) November 2013 (242) October 2013 (244) September 2013 (226) August 2013 (241) July 2013 (214) June 2013 (222) May 2013 (191) April 2013 (173) March 2013 (149) February 2013 (85) January 2013 (106) December 2012 (111) November 2012 (149) October 2012 (151) September 2012 (118) August 2012 (99) July 2012 (56) June 2012 (57) May 2012 (54) April 2012 (62) March 2012 (40) February 2012 (27) January 2012 (24) December 2011 (18) November 2011 (12) October 2011 (1) September 2011 (9) August 2011 (11) March 2011 (1)
-
- About Us | Jobs | Contact | Contribution | Partner with Us
© SoraNews24 —Japan News— / SOCIO CORPORATION
- Advertise |
- About Us |
- Work with us |
- Contact |
- Contribution |
