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What Are Claw Machines Called in Japan? A Guide to UFO Catchers

5/19/2025, 12:00:00 AM

Discover what claw machines are called in Japan with YPFuns. Explore the fun world of “UFO Catchers”—Japan’s famous arcade games. Learn the differences and tips for playing claw machines in Japanese game centers.

Introduction

Claw machines, those enticing arcade games where players attempt to grab prizes with a mechanical claw, have captivated audiences worldwide. In Japan, these machines hold a special place in the hearts of many and are commonly referred to as "UFO Catchers." This term has become synonymous with claw machines across the country, reflecting their unique design and cultural integration.

The Origin of UFO Catchers

The term "UFO Catcher" was popularized by Sega in 1985 when they introduced their version of the claw machine. The name derives from the machine's claw mechanism, which resembles a UFO descending to capture a prize. Sega's UFO Catcher became immensely popular, leading to widespread adoption of the term for similar machines throughout Japan. By 1991, Sega had sold over 10,000 units, and the UFO Catcher series accounted for 90% of stuffed toy claw machine sales in Japan .

Cultural Significance in Japan

UFO Catchers are more than just arcade games in Japan; they are a cultural phenomenon. These machines are prevalent in arcades, shopping centers, and entertainment complexes, offering a variety of prizes ranging from plush toys to electronics. The appeal spans all age groups, with both children and adults trying their luck. The challenge of skillfully maneuvering the claw to secure a desired item adds to the allure, making it a popular pastime and date activity.

Variations and Innovations

Japanese arcades have continually innovated the traditional claw machine concept. Some establishments have introduced "sweets crane games," where players can win fresh desserts like donuts and puddings . Others offer high-end prizes, including luxury items, catering to adult audiences . These variations keep the experience fresh and cater to diverse interests.

Tips for Playing UFO Catchers

Observe Before Playing: Watch others play to understand the machine's mechanics and claw strength.

Choose the Right Machine: Some machines are designed to be more challenging. Look for ones with prizes positioned near the drop zone.

Positioning is Key: Align the claw precisely over the prize, considering its shape and weight distribution.

Limit Your Attempts: Set a budget to avoid overspending, as the cost can add up quickly.

Where to Experience UFO Catchers in Japan

Sega Shinjuku Kabukicho: Holds the Guinness World Record for the most claw machines in a single venue, with 477 machines .
Everyday Tottekiya Tokyo Honten: Located in Saitama, this arcade boasts 448 machines and offers a wide variety of prizes .
Molly Fantasy: Found inside Aeon malls, these arcades are tailored for children, featuring easier machines and kid-friendly prizes .

Conclusion

UFO Catchers are an integral part of Japanese arcade culture, offering entertainment and the thrill of winning prizes. Their widespread presence and continual innovation make them a must-try experience for visitors to Japan.

For those interested in exploring a wide range of claw machines and prizes, consider visiting YPFUNS. They offer an extensive selection of machines and prizes, catering to both casual players and enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a curious newcomer, YPFUNS provides an engaging and enjoyable experience.

FAQs

Q: What is a UFO Catcher? A: A UFO Catcher is the Japanese term for a claw machine, popularized by Sega in the 1980s.

Q: Are UFO Catchers only found in Japan? A: While they originated in Japan, similar machines are found worldwide, though the term "UFO Catcher" is primarily used in Japan.

Q: Can you really win prizes from UFO Catchers? A: Yes, with skill and sometimes a bit of luck, players can win various prizes.

Q: Are there strategies to increase chances of winning? A: Observing the machine, choosing the right prize, and precise claw positioning can improve success rates.

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FAQ

Product

If there are some problem of the quality,what will you do?

There is no one to ask any questions, but if the inner program has something wrong because of overuse, we will analyse where it is wrong very carefully. If that is indeed our quality`s problem, please don`t worry. We will compensate for the contact, and our team will still serve you with sincerity.

How about the quality of your calw machine products?

We can assure you that our claw machine products are of high quality. If the quality is not guaranteed, how could we attract returning customers? What we need is not short-term business but rather long-term cooperation.

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24 Hours Online and After-Sales Service.
When problems happen, our service team will help you to check what's the reason exactly step by step; if that's the software problem, we would remote and solve it with customers by Team Viewer; if that's the spare parts problem, we will send the replaceable part to customers by DHL or other fast parcels and teach customers how to replace it.
We're offering an 18-month super warranty; please check details below:

1. The warranty period is 18 months, PROMISE.
2. During the warranty period, if parts are damaged and need to be repaired (artificial damages and easy-broken parts are not included), the customer no need to send them back first and wait after repairing; instead, we will send the replaceable part to the customer by DHL or other fast parcels; no need to wait and save time; FAST.
3. Both spare parts and parcel freight to the customer side are free, BOTH FREE.
4. We provide maintenance for the whole life!

How can I solve the Game Machines malfunction?

Please show us what the problem was, and then our professional technicians will provide you with a solution in 24 hours. According to the game machines we sold, we gave away a small accessory kit for free. If you need to replace the main part, we only charge the cost friendly. Doing Win-Win business happily is the aim of arcade games claw machine manufacturer YPFuns.

Solutions

Management of warehouse inventory , recycled dolls how to summarize the warehouse，and how to manage game currency?

First of all, bring the gifts and claw machine toys back to the store to ensure the quantity is correct, and then input them into the general warehouse.

Warehouse process: When the machine should be shipped from the warehouse, the warehouse personnel will update the quantity on the same day.

Recycled claw machine toys: The recycled dolls on the same day are retrieved by the colleagues the next day.

Inventory: It is required to check all the gifts and claw machine toys on the machine every Monday to check the claw machine shipment error. At the end of each month, take stock of the whole inventory and check the quantity of the total warehouse table.