Japanese pachinko parlors lure South Korean tourists after gambling ban

By YOICHIRO KODERA/ Staff Writer



FUKUOKA--In four hours, a South Korean couple lost 10,000 yen ($107) at a pachinko parlor here, adding to their previous day’s loss of 100,000 yen in six hours.

But they were undeterred, appearing mesmerized by the loud music, flashing lights and the sounds of metal balls bouncing in the machines around them.

“Pachinko in Japan has bright liquid crystal displays,” said the 37-year-old self-employed businessman, who was on a four-day trip with his wife, 36. “We will play tomorrow, too.”

Like the couple, an increasing number of South Koreans have been traveling to Japan just to play pachinko since Seoul banned similar establishments in 2006 to fight gambling addictions.

The Japanese pachinko industry is encouraging this trend, seeking foreign patrons to make up for the decline in domestic customers due in part to stricter regulations prompted by Japan’s own gambling problems.

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