YPFuns

Arabic

YPFuns

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

Monday, May 19, 2025

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.

How Do You Know When a Claw Machine Will Win?

Do Claw Machines Make Money? YPFuns Expert Profit Guide（2025 Update）

10 Hidden Features to Look for in a Claw Arcade Machine for Sale (That Most People Miss)

The Ultimate Comparison: Top 5 Global Manufacturers of Arcade Claw Machines for Sale [2026 Edition]

How to Build a 6-Figure Business with Dream Arcades Claw Machines: The Complete Roadmap

Unleash Engagement: The Ultimate Guide to Custom Claw Machines for Businesses in 2026 and Beyond

Where to Buy a Mini Claw Machine in 2026: The Ultimate Buyer's Guide & Manufacturer Insights

The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Crane Claw Machine in 2026 and Beyond: Maximize Your Fun and Profit

Prdoucts Categories

FAQ

Customization

Support what customizations for claw machine wholesale?

Custom claw machines

1. LOGO printing.
2. Various cabinet colors and appearances.
3. Size/players.

Custom claw shop
1. 2D floor design within 48 working hours.

2. 3D rendering design within 72 working hours.

Custom claw machine design available?

Product features, such as game machine cabinet, claw crane size, company logo, color, etc., are welcome.

Product parameters, such as coins, coin collectors, voltage, plug, etc., are welcome.

Solutions

How to set the exchange ratio of gifts?

The starting target of our exchange proportion can not be too high; you can plan toys for claw machines that can be exchanged. The proportion of the exchange is generally set between 1.5 times and 2 times. It depends on the cost performance of the gift.

If we pull the start aim too high, the exchange rate will drop.

In addition, we can choose some individual gifts every month to do the exchange promotion activities.

Product

Why to choose us?

Our price is competitive and cost-efficient in the same level products in the market. One-stop service we can provide you from consulting to after-sales. We produced good-quality claw machine products, and we hope to build a long-term relationship with our customers. We offer better service to our VIP consumers.

How about the quality than the other similar companies?

Compared with other claw machine manufacturers, we can say that our products are the most cost-efficient at the same level and the best at the same price. Why? Because our promotion strategy is mid-range products with a low price.

Colorful Wholesale factory YP-CP7001 Crazy Party Claw Machine with Hardware and Acrylic

Hardware and Acrylic YP-OT1001 Otaku Diary Claw Machine 1 with locker wholesale factory

ODM and OEM products, we will continue to innovate the machine for the future market.

Hardware and Acrylic YP-OT1001 Otaku Diary Claw Machine 1 with locker wholesale factory

Hardware and Acrylic YP-CA3002 Crazy Party Claw Machine wholesale factory

ODM and OEM products, we will continue to innovate the machine for the future market.

Hardware and Acrylic YP-CA3002 Crazy Party Claw Machine wholesale factory

Hardware and Acrylic YP-CS4002 GOGO Catch (Camping Style) 4P Claw Machine wholesale factory

OEM and delicate gift machine fit for kids, and we will continue to innovate it in the future.

Hardware and Acrylic YP-CS4002 GOGO Catch (Camping Style) 4P Claw Machine wholesale factory

Connect With YPFUNS

Have any questions or queries about our products? Please leave us a message here and our team will get back to you promptly.

Your inquiries, ideas, and collaboration opportunities are just a click away. Let's start the conversation.

Please enter your name not exceed 100 characters

Name

The email format is not correct or exceed 100 characters, Please reenter!

Email

Please enter a valid phone number!

Phone

Please enter your field_209 not exceed 100 characters

Company Name

Please enter your field_366 not exceed 200 characters

Company Address

Please select I AM

I AM

Please enter your content not exceed 3000 characters

Content

* Rest assured that your privacy is important to us, and all information provided will be handled with the utmost confidentiality.

QUICK LINKS

Info center

PRODUCTS Series

Claw Machines for 1-Player

Claw Machines for 2-Players

Claw Machines for 4-Players

Blind Boxes Series claw machines

﹢ All Series

Machines for 4-Players

Crazy party Prize Machine

Otaku Diary Claw Machine

Machines for 1-Player

Otaku Diary Claw Machine

Otaku Diary2 Claw Machine

Otaku Diary Single Prize Cut Machine

Otaku Diary Big Claw Machine

Food battle

Food Battle Big Claw Machine

GoGo Catch Claw Machine(Camping Style)

Crazy Party Claw Machine

THE COMPANY

YPFuns

At YPFuns, we provide professional prize machine and claw machine design and customized service to create an extraordinary effect.

﹢ Customize Now

Contact YPFUNS

Address: 1/F of NO G28, G29 and G30, Startcartoom, No 143Yingxing East Road. Donghuan Street, Panvu District, Guangzhou, China.

USA Address: 5164 W Colonial Dr. Orlando, FL 32808 U.S.A.

service@ypfuns.com

+86 136 0007 4399

Privacy Policy

Privacy | Terms | Sitemap

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

Introduction

The Origin of UFO Catchers

Cultural Significance in Japan

Variations and Innovations

Tips for Playing UFO Catchers

Where to Experience UFO Catchers in Japan

Conclusion

FAQs

10 Hidden Features to Look for in a Claw Arcade Machine for Sale (That Most People Miss)

The Ultimate Comparison: Top 5 Global Manufacturers of Arcade Claw Machines for Sale [2026 Edition]

How to Build a 6-Figure Business with Dream Arcades Claw Machines: The Complete Roadmap

Unleash Engagement: The Ultimate Guide to Custom Claw Machines for Businesses in 2026 and Beyond

Where to Buy a Mini Claw Machine in 2026: The Ultimate Buyer's Guide & Manufacturer Insights

The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Crane Claw Machine in 2026 and Beyond: Maximize Your Fun and Profit

You may also like

Colorful Wholesale factory YP-CP7001 Crazy Party Claw Machine with Hardware and Acrylic

Hardware and Acrylic YP-OT1001 Otaku Diary Claw Machine 1 with locker wholesale factory

Hardware and Acrylic YP-CA3002 Crazy Party Claw Machine wholesale factory

Hardware and Acrylic YP-CS4002 GOGO Catch (Camping Style) 4P Claw Machine wholesale factory