Asakusa Diary - The Staff Blog

You will see so many kinds of claw cranes when you go to the amusement arcade in Japan.
Because claw cranes have various prizes such as dolls and snacks,
it's a very popular game among young people.

Actually, it's quite difficult to catch a prize
There are 12 techniques in order to succeed in playing claw crane.

1) Triangle
The point is two claws and the arm itself.
Lift up the prize while keeping balance of 3 points by using leverage.

2) Kesa-dori
The arm firmly captures the prize by catching obliquely.
It's easy to get the prize by keeping the center of gravity.

3) Yokoshihou-dori ( Horizontal all sides )
If the prize is a doll, this technique works well.
Have a nip between the legs and head, and the prize is fixed firmly while lifting.

4) Space Hook
Hang the arm in the space such as the cover of a box.

5) Himo-kake ( String hook )
Hang the arm in the string of the prize.

6) Tag-kake ( Tag hook )
Hang the arm in the tag attached to a doll.

7) Hole hook
This technique works well on a box-shape prize.
Hang the arm in any holes of the prize that can be caught.

8) Tsubame-gaeshi
When you try to get a big-size prize, this technique is effective.
Lift up the heavy part of the prize.
The prize will move forward under the influence of falling down.

9) Hikiotoshi ( Pulling down )
This technique is also effective on a big-size prize.
Hang the arm in one part of the prize, and bring it close to the goal gradually.

10) Chabudai-gaeshi
When the prize is too big to hang the arm, this technique is useful.
Lift up the edge of the prize, and turn it over.

11) Niagara Fall
When the prizes are piled up, it's a good idea to use this technique.
Don't aim at the prize directly.
Just lower the arm, and destroy the pile dynamically.

12) Push Get
When the prize is caught in the corner of goal, it is a big chance!!
Don't lift up the prize, but push it into the goal by the arm.
Make sure the best part of the prize to add the weight.

In order to see how these techniques work, please visit this site.
http://www.aou.or.jp/douga/main.html

Now, you might be a claw crane master!?