This is CityNomix.
Recently, after watching a certain YouTuber, a dormant passion within me reignited. I am talking about the excitement of the UFO Catcher (claw machine). Watching someone play on screen often gives you the illusion, “I could do that too!” I am sure many of you have felt the same way.
Fueled by this baseless confidence and a sense of nostalgia, I headed to “DiverCity Tokyo Plaza” in Odaiba, Tokyo.
The Heat of DiverCity and the Zebra-Patterned Trap
DiverCity is famous for its Life-Sized Unicorn Gundam Statue. However, my destination today was not The Gundam Base. To be honest, with the upcoming release of the new Hathaway’s Flash movie, The Gundam Base was incredibly crowded. Therefore, I decided to skip the long lines and head to another sanctuary.
That place is ROUND1.
Upon entering, I was greeted by a labyrinth of prizes. The first thing that caught my eye was a SEGA claw machine with a distinctive zebra-patterned interior. Inside, mascots like Snoopy and Disney characters were piled high. The sheer volume of prizes seemed to challenge me, saying, “Catch us if you can.” Naturally, my competitive spirit flared up.
Further inside, I found a mountain of SpongeBob SquarePants plushies ready to cause an avalanche. A three-pronged “Triple Catcher” claw hovered menacingly above them. Modern Japanese arcades now support QR code payments, so you don’t even need coins. This convenience might be the biggest trap for an adult’s wallet.
The Challenge: Aiming for Kuromi with a 5,000 Yen Budget
My mission was clear. With a budget of 5,000 yen (about $35), how much “kawaii” could I bring home? My main target was Sanrio’s Kuromi. Of course, if I saw any other characters that sparked joy, I would go for them too.
It was time to start. I focused all my attention on the fingertips controlling the arm.
Look at this tension. “Opanchu Usagi” plushies are lying in a crawling pose on a white cloth. The moment the silver claw descends is always breathtaking. Judging the center of gravity and calculating the arm’s angle feels like solving a physics puzzle. It provides a unique intellectual thrill.
Today’s Prize Gallery
Let me share the results. With an investment of 5,000 yen, I successfully captured a total of 8 prizes. That averages out to about 600-700 yen per toy. I think it is safe to call this a victory.
First, my main target: the “Good Night” version of Kuromi. Seeing her sleeping peacefully in a purple hood is incredibly healing. The moment I won this, I knew my trip was worth it.
Next is Hello Kitty wearing a pink panda costume. Although the My Melody plushies in the background were tempting, this Kitty’s cuteness was exceptional.
I also secured the Opanchu Usagi I was aiming for earlier. Those teary eyes and trembling mouth are iconic. The blue ribbon adds a nice accent to its “pitifully cute” look.
Here is a colorful duo: the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland and Kermit the Frog from Sesame Street. The contrast between pink and green makes them look great as interior decorations.
In addition, I won a vivid blue frog face mascot and a white cat plushie that looks like the “mofusand” style. If you look closely at the white cat, its expression is irresistible.
It features a winking expression and yellow ears. The slightly open mouth is its charm point. Even the pink stripes on its belly are detailed, showcasing the high quality of modern Japanese arcade prizes.
Strategy: Reading Gravity and Routes
Do you think UFO Catcher is just a game of luck? While there are elements of probability machines, observation and strategy are even more important.
Here are the two points I focused on:
- Center of Gravity: Is the head heavy, or is the body heavy? For example, characters with large heads like Opanchu Usagi are top-heavy. If you try to lift the head, the arm will fail. The correct move is to lift the lighter legs and use the heavy head as a pivot point to roll it over.
- Route Design: How do you move it to the chute? Instead of lifting and carrying, you need to shift your mindset to “sliding,” “pushing,” or “rolling.”
Feeling the feedback from the arm the moment it grabs the prize and planning the next move—that process is the true thrill of this game.
Homework for Next Time: Puppet Sunsun
Although I was satisfied with the results, I have one regret: Puppet Sunsun. A blue Sunsun and a white Nonnon were waiting for me, but the machine settings were too strict. I decided not to chase my losses and retreated. I will leave them as homework for my next visit.
The UFO Catcher experience is not just about getting things; it is about the exhilaration of that winning moment. Why not visit DiverCity this weekend and let your inner child play?
Ultimate Odaiba UFO Catcher Guide: How to Win at Japanese Claw Machines
If you are visiting Tokyo and searching for a UFO catcher near me, look no further than Odaiba. This futuristic island is a paradise for Japanese arcade fans. Whether you call it a claw machine, a UFO crane game, or a UFO crane machine, Odaiba offers some of the best experiences in the world.
Is it a Claw Machine or a UFO Catcher? Understanding the Terminology
Many international visitors are surprised by the variety of names used in Japanese arcades.
The Difference in Naming
In the West, most people are familiar with the term “claw machine.” However, in Japan, these addictive games are almost exclusively called “UFO catchers.” The name originally comes from the UFO-like shape of the crane’s head.
Why “UFO Crane Game” is a Popular Term
Technically, a UFO crane game refers to the specific style of machine with two “claws” or “arms.” While the names vary, the goal is the same: grabbing that elusive prize! When exploring a Japanese arcade, you will see hundreds of these UFO machines lined up, each offering unique challenges.
Top Japanese Arcades: Where to Play in Odaiba
Odaiba is home to some of the most iconic names in the industry.
GiGO (Formerly SEGA): The Classic Experience
If you want to experience a high-quality SEGA UFO catcher (now known as GiGO), the arcades here are world-class. They are famous for the latest SEGA UFO catcher machine models and exclusive collaborations with popular anime series.
Round 1: The Massive Entertainment Hub
Round 1 is known for its massive scale. Round 1 UFO catchers often feature large-scale plushies and a high-energy atmosphere. It is the perfect place to see the full variety of Japanese UFO catcher culture in one spot.
Master the Game: How to Win at Japanese UFO Catchers
Walking into an arcade can be overwhelming. To help you succeed, you need to understand the mechanics of the ufo claw.
5 Pro Tips for Success
- Watch Others Play: Before you spend your 100-yen coins, observe. See how the ufo claw moves and how heavy the prize is.
- Aim for the Edges: Don’t always try to grab the center. Sometimes, nudging a prize toward the drop zone is more effective than a direct lift.
- Check the Claw Strength: Every ufo catcher arcade is different. Test the grip on your first try to see if the ufo claw machine has a strong hold.
- Ask for Help: In Japan, arcade staff are often helpful. If you’ve spent a lot and are stuck, they might give you a “positioning” tip.
- Focus on Specific Prizes: Search for machines featuring Kuromi or Opanchu Usagi for high-quality, authentic Japanese collectibles.
Winning Exclusive Anime Plush and Rare Prizes in Japan
The real draw of the ufo catcher game in Odaiba is the quality of the loot.
Hunting for Kuromi, Opanchu, and Anime Plush
Unlike international machines, Japanese arcades offer high-quality anime plush, figurines, and even electronics. From Sanrio favorites like Kuromi to viral sensations like Opanchu Usagi, the prizes are often limited-edition and only available in Japan.
Why the UFO Crane Experience is Unique
This is what makes the UFO crane experience so special—you aren’t just playing a game; you are winning a piece of Japanese pop culture. If you are looking for the best ufo catcher arcade experience in Tokyo, Odaiba is undoubtedly the place to be.
UFO Catcher Tips & Guide
For those planning to visit a Japanese arcade, here is a breakdown of essential keywords and tips.
UFO Catcher Tips
The basic rule is not to “lift” but to “shift” or “roll.” Use the elbow of the arm to push the prize or use the closing force of the claw to flick it. First, spend 100 yen to check the arm’s strength and opening width.
UFO Catcher Spots
Tokyo has many large arcades like the ROUND1 in DiverCity I visited, as well as GIGO and Taito Station in Shinjuku and Akihabara. Large stores have a high turnover of goods, so they often have the latest prizes. Also, stores with many staff members make it easier to ask for “assists” (repositioning the prize) when you get stuck.
UFO Catcher Prizes
Recent prizes are of very high quality. They range from anime figures to practical snacks, electronics, and limited-edition plushies like the ones I won. Collaboration goods with popular characters can sell out on the first day, so checking information beforehand is crucial.
How to Win UFO Catcher
The method depends on the machine type. For “Bridge” setups (prizes on bars), turn them sideways to drop them. for “Ring” setups, aim for the front. Searching for “[Machine Type] Strategy” on YouTube will show you many gameplay videos, which are great for image training.
UFO Catcher Probability Machine
Many three-pronged claw machines are called “probability machines.” Until a certain amount of money (the ceiling) is reached, the arm is weak and often drops the prize mid-air. However, you can sometimes win by skill, such as hooking the arm onto a tag or string, or bouncing the prize off the exit shield.
Crane Game Plushie Tips 3 Claw
Triple Catchers often pretend to grab firmly but then release at the top. To prevent this, some machines allow a “double click” (pressing the button again to close the arm mid-air). However, generally, it is better to imagine “gathering and rolling” the prize rather than carrying it.
Crane Game Top Heavy Plush
Characters with big heads are very heavy at the top. The arm will lose if you try to lift the head. In this case, lift the lighter feet or bottom and use the heavy head as a fulcrum to flip it over like a table.
Ofiicial site: Round 1 stadium Diver city Tokyo Plaza Store
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