What is pachinko? It is a popular gambling machine in Japan similar to a slot machine but it uses balls instead of coins. Used pachinko machines were exported to the U.S. and resold for recreational use only.
Many pachinko shops put up posters of a wide-eyed child saying, 'Mom, don't forget about me.' Currently, most pachinko parlors have signs reading 'No children allowed', but one wonders what the children are doing while mom is busy spending (usually) salaryman dad's wages. Pachinko is an equal opportunity vice. A pachinko machine in it's natural habitat, a parlor, works simply as an upright pinball/slot machine combo. You fire balls into the playfield using the right hand control knob and aim for the reward pockets.
- Pachinko itself is a Japanese version of pinball and while pachinko parlours become the family business later in the novel, it also stands as a metaphor for the lives they lead.
- Pachinko by Min Jin Lee is a great book, a passionate story, a novel of magisterial sweep. It's also fiendishly readable - the real-deal. It's also fiendishly readable - the real-deal. An instant classic, a quick page-turner, and probably the best book of the year.
What is the object of the game? Have Fun! Shoot balls and aim for the main attraction, pockets or tulips. For each ball that enters one of those features, you win a jackpot of up to 15 balls.
How old is my pachinko machine? About 90% of the pachinko machines are from the 1970s. About 8% are from the 1960s and the rest are from the 1950s or earlier. more details >
How much is my pachinko machine worth? Generally about $20 to $100 depending on many factors. Parts of a video. There were hundreds of thousands of pachinko machines imported in the 1960s and 1970s so they typically aren't valuable. more details >
How do I set up my pachinko machine to play? Put 200 to 750 balls in the top tray in back. Put 50 balls in the top tray in front. Pull down the flipper – let go very quickly and you are playing pachinko! more details >
Do I need electricity to play my machine? (and other electrical questions) Almost all vintage pachinko machines do not need electricity. To play the game all you need is gravity. If you see wires, it is probably for a few lights which are optional. more details >
How many balls do I need? (and other ball questions) The minimum is 250 balls with about 200 in the top supply tray in back and the rest in the play tray in the front. 500 to 1,000 is recommended. more details >
How do I build/buy a pachinko stand or cabinet? There are plans and pictures to give you ideas on how to build your own. Also a list of places where you can purchase a stand or cabinet. more details >
What are the names of the parts on my pachinko machine? Different manufacturers used different names but there are some generally accepted names for common parts on pachinko machines. more details >
What companies made pachinko machines? File transfer to tv. Over the decades there were hundreds of pachinko manufacturers. Nishijin is the most popular. more details > Penny slot machine tips.
What is the model of my pachinko machine? There are no official model names, model numbers or serial numbers for vintage pachinko machines. more details >
Where can I get a key for my pachinko machine? You can't get keys for pachinko machines. The good news is you don't need a key. more details >
Where do I sell/buy a pachinko machine? Craigslist and eBay are good sources, but use caution. There are a few other sources. more details >
Does someone in my town repair or restore pachinko machines? There really aren't any major pachinko repair companies. You may find a pachinko fan who could help or a general restoration company. more details >
What are some other Pachinko websites? Over the years pachinko websites come and go. Here are some websites maintained primarily by pachinko fans. more details >
How do I package and ship pachinko machines? Remove real glass, wrap with bubble wrap, put in box (130 inches girth or less) and fill with peanuts. Ship with USPS, FedEx or UPS. more details >
What Is Pachinko Defined
What does Nishijin A, B and C mean? Based on the major mechanical design styles of Nishijin pachinko machines in the 60s and 70s, we have assigned them a classification of ‘A', ‘B' or ‘C'. more details >
What Is Pachinko Pinball
What Is Pachinko Parlor
What are the different Nishijin play trays? Nishijin used six different styles of play trays on these vintage machines. more details >
