One on One Suites Amusement Complex

2008

The earliest iteration of this site from way back in 2008 was a shop that combined a variety of entertainment in a stylish space. That was "One on One". Experience a new type of play space to your heart's content.It was located in the Tenjinbashi shopping district, just steps away from Temma Station in Osaka, Japan.

Address:
4-10-8 Tenjinbashi, Kita-ku, Osaka 530-0041
Get off at Tenma Station on the JR Osaka Loop Line Get off at Ogimachi Station on the Subway Sakaisuji Line Quickly get off at Ogimachi Station on the Subway Sakaisuji Line Business hours in May OPEN 12:00 - CLOSE 20:00

Crane game
The inside of the store, which is color-coordinated in pure white, is clean and refreshing. We have dispelled the gloomy image of game centers so far. Almost all of the game machines installed are crane game machines. It's okay even if you don't have knowledge of difficult operation techniques or strategies. Yes, no matter who you are, everyone as a family can enjoy it and feel happy. There are many different types of prizes. You'll be surprised at how many categories there are. Also, the sincere customer service from the store staff makes your time here even more enjoyable.

Live performance
A variety of events and live performances are held seasonally, monthly, and weekly. A stage full of variety including band performances, dance, comedy, and more will entertain visitors to their heart's content. The fusion of the latest LED MATRIX and stage is a fun experience like no other.

Sweets on sweets
Sweets on Sweets is Japan's first and industry's first groundbreaking amusement corner. A corner where women can get their favorite sweets (cakes) directly from a crane game machine. This is a recreation of the sweets corner of a famous Western confectionery shop located in the basement of a department store. Each game machine is decorated with a logo and is a miniature version of a stylish cake factory, and just looking at it is thrilling.

By 2010 the One on Onesite was no longer active. and disappeared.

2012

A new owner of the domain took over the site and here we are today.

 

 

As the webmaster for the site, I was completely taken aback when I discovered that the site had disappeared from Google search results—absolutely nowhere to be found! I had no idea what was going on, and every developer I reached out to seemed equally clueless. No one could explain why the site wasn't ranking for anything, even though everything else appeared to be working fine.

After some digging, I started to suspect that the site might have been hit by a devastating Google penalty. In desperation, I stumbled upon Bob Sakayama’s site and reached out for help. To my relief, Bob responded immediately and quickly diagnosed the issue—it turned out I had mistakenly left a sitewide noindex tag in place. This is something we always add during development to prevent premature indexing, but I had forgotten to remove it after launching the site!

Thanks to Bob’s sharp eye, what I thought was a major problem turned out to be a simple fix. I’m so grateful for his expertise and quick response, and I will be forever indebted to him for pointing out my mistake. [Sandra Messing]

 

 

Most people are familiar with the infamous arcade game that has a crane machine that lowers a single mechanical claw dangling inside its glass box, which the player controls by a joystick or a pair of buttons in hopes of grabbing a prize. Although it appears quite easy to do, its looks are deceiving. The people who decide to play the game rarely win. You would think that by now most people would already know that UFO catchers are a rip-off, a bygone product of the golden age of video arcade games in the 1980s and 1990s.

Modern Claw Arcade Games

Jump now ahead to the present day. The modern claw machines are now fully computerized and can be remotely programmable by the owner operator, in a way that they will make money, and you will lose money!  The settings and features commonly available and programmable by the owner are:

  • The Claw strength and its aperture. The crane machines can be programmed with a dual strength setting that causes the claw to grip with full strength at first and become loose after a certain amount of time or will be loose a majority of the time, tightening once every so often.
  • The motion speed also can be programmed to move the claw in any direction at varying speeds. For example:  (the claw drops slowly but comes up quickly, or it might move to the right or left faster than it moves forward.
  • Operators can specify the claw’s pick-up strength, how long the claw retains its strength as well as create a delay between pick-up and return.
  • The sophisticated electronics allows the owner to have a predicated payout percentage.  Crane machines equipped with such a setting will cause the claw's grip parameters to be continually adjusted to achieve the pre-set payout percentage.  The payout percentage is usually based on the value of the prizes inside the machine.
  • If the machine dispenses too many prizes in a given time period, the owner can program it for a “Fail limit.”  It the game reaches that limit it will stop accepting coins and declare it is out of order!
  • Free replay is usually granted based on a certain percentage of plays
  • The machine can also be programed for “Instant replay.” This option allows a player to push an Instant replay button at which point the claw automatically moves to where it was last dropped.

Japan and the UFO Catcher

The modern day claw machines, usually referred to in Japan as a UFO catcher, are supposedly randomized, like slot machines. However, understanding how the odds of winning can be stacked against the player could be a turn off for some people. Nevertheless, notably in Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan, claw vending machines are extremely popular.  When you visit these countries you will find that there are entire video arcades dedicated to hosting UFO catcher machines.

However, succeeding at UFO catchers requires thinking outside the standard idea of how claws are usually meant to function. The key difference is with the Asian arcade machines the actual grip force of the claws in what the Japanese call UFO catchers is incredibly weak. The claws can’t lift the prizes into the air for a number of reasons: prizes are too heavy or oversized, prizes too small, claws that are poorly designed for gripping the prizes’ surfaces, and other programmable factors. Yet despite these disadvantages, it is possible to win and the crane games are very popular. As a result there are a number of different kinds UFO catcher crane games you will encounter in Japan.  You can ask attendants at any of the arcades to “adjust” the prize or ask about strategy. They'll usually tell you whether a prize needs to be lifted, dragged, or pushed which is always helpful.

One on One Suites Amusement Complex

Perhaps one of the most unusual UFO catcher games I saw the last time I was in Japan. I was helping a Japanese company with their customize Salesforce efforts so their CRM could be compatible with their US sister company. The user interface for the Salesforce CRM application Configuration enables organizations to modify objects, fields, validation rules, workflow, security settings, formulas, etc. to help drive their business growth more efficiently. I was working with a Japanese team to help customize certain applications with attributes that would increase user productivity and improve data quality, as well as automate manual processes. We needed Salesforce to adapt quickly to the company's changing requirements. I had already spent hours looking at the company's objectives and challenges while becoming acquainted with this Japanese counterpart company.

I happened to be staying in a hotel in Osaka near the amazing One on One Suites amusement complex where there is a unique claw vending machine. Customers are able to try for “sweets,” not plush toys or other prizes, from a special crane game case that is kept between 5-8 Celsius – that's between 41-48 degrees Fahrenheit. Inside are individually wrapped goodies, packaged in containers designed to keep their sweet treasure from being damaged as a player attempts to win a delicious confection.  Anyone with a sweet tooth will be tempted to try their hand at winning a freshly baked dessert by using the UFO Catcher.

Let's just say I spent every evening at the One on One Suites amusement complex enjoying some tasty Japanese sweets!

 

 

More Background On One On One Amusement Games

Claw machines, those alluring arcade games with a mechanical claw players use to attempt to pick up prizes, have a long and rich history that spans over a century, reflecting technological advancements and shifting cultural tastes. The evolution of these machines from simple mechanical diggers to the high-tech, computerized versions we see today offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of amusement and gaming.

The earliest ancestors of modern claw machines were mechanical dioramas in the 1890s, designed to mimic the machinery used in significant engineering feats like the Panama Canal construction. However, the mass-produced version of the game we're familiar with didn't emerge until 1926 with the Erie Digger. These early diggers were popular in carnivals and did not require electricity, operating instead on a hand crank that allowed players to try and snag a prize from a pile of hard candy​​.

The claw machines underwent significant changes in the 1930s, becoming more sophisticated and widespread, appearing in bus stations, hotels, and drugstores. These machines were not just about fun; during the Great Depression, they offered a glimmer of hope, a small investment for a potential reward. William Bartlett's Miami Digger, patented in 1932, introduced the electric motor to these machines, significantly changing the gameplay by speeding up turns and allowing more people to play in less time​​.

The popularity of claw machines has varied over the years, with a notable resurgence in the 1980s in the United States, where they became a common sight in arcades, amusement parks, and even local grocery stores​​. However, it's in Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan where claw machines, or UFO catchers as they are known in Japan, have taken on a life of their own.

In Japan, claw machines are not just a casual amusement; they are a significant part of arcade culture, with places like Sega Shinjuku Kabukicho in Tokyo holding the Guinness World Record for the most claw machines in a single venue. These machines are capable of holding a variety of prizes, from plush toys to cakes, and have contributed to more than half of the revenue at Japanese arcades in recent years​​.

The fascination with claw machines spread to South Korea and Taiwan, seeing a sharp increase in popularity due to their economy and as a form of cheap entertainment. In South Korea, the number of claw arcades mushroomed from 20 in 2015 to 1,900 by 2017, driven by economic challenges and a desire for affordable fun. Taiwan saw a similar boom, with the number of claw machine arcades jumping from 920 in 2016 to over 10,000 by 2019, compelling the Central Bank of the Republic of China to increase production of NT$10 coins to meet the demand​​.

The evolution of claw machines from mechanical to electronic and the global variation in their popularity and regulation highlight the changing landscape of amusement gaming. They offer a unique blend of skill, chance, and entertainment, continuing to captivate people worldwide. Whether seen as a simple game or a microcosm of society's shifts, the story of the claw machine is a testament to human ingenuity and the pursuit of joy through gaming.

 

Ownership

Elaut is a significant player in the claw machine and amusement game industry, known for its high-quality amusement machines. Founded in 1959 in Belgium by Achiel Verstraeten, Elaut has expanded its operations worldwide, with manufacturing facilities in Europe and the USA. The company specializes in both manufacturing and operating amusement games, including claw machines, for family entertainment centers, leisure parks, shopping centers, and arcades. Elaut has grown into an international company with subsidiaries in the USA, Germany, and Spain, offering a range of innovative games like the E-Claw, Big One, and ticket games such as Ticket Circus​​.

 

Popularity

Claw machines have experienced significant popularity globally, with notable spikes in countries like Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan due to their appealing nature as both entertainment and skill-based gaming. Japan's arcades, for instance, generate substantial revenue from these machines, which can offer diverse prizes, including cakes. In South Korea and Taiwan, their popularity surged due to economic factors and the search for inexpensive entertainment, leading to a remarkable increase in the number of claw machine arcades within just a few years.

 

Audience

The audience for claw machines is broad, encompassing all age groups and demographics. While children are naturally drawn to the bright colors and potential rewards, adults also find these games appealing, often driven by nostalgia or the challenge they present. In countries with a significant arcade culture, such as Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan, claw machines are a popular form of entertainment for families, young adults, and tourists, making them a staple in arcades, shopping centers, and amusement parks.

 

History

The claw machine, a staple of amusement and entertainment venues worldwide, has a rich history that dates back to the early 20th century. Its origins can be traced to the fascination with steam shovels and mechanical innovation, particularly those used in significant construction projects like the Panama Canal. The first mass-produced claw machines appeared in the 1920s, inspired by these steam shovels. These early versions featured a hand-crank mechanism that allowed players to operate a small steam shovel within a glass and wood enclosure, attempting to scoop up candy as prizes​​​​.

The evolution of claw machines saw significant advancements in the 1930s with the introduction of the Erie Digger, influenced by the Erie Canal construction, and later, the Miami Digger, which was patented by William Bartlett in 1932. Bartlett's innovation included the use of an electric motor to speed up gameplay and a business model that involved renting machines instead of selling them outright. This period also saw claw machines becoming fixtures in luxury venues and carnivals, featuring not just candy but also valuable items like coins and jewelry as prizes​​.

However, the claw machine industry faced a major setback in the 1950s with the Johnson Act, which categorized these machines as gambling devices and led to their removal from public spaces. This regulation significantly hindered the industry until compromises were reached, allowing the machines to return in a more regulated form, without coin slots and electric automation​​.

The revival of claw machines began in earnest in the 1980s, particularly in Pizza Huts, leading to a resurgence in popularity that expanded into the 1990s and beyond. The machines began to feature a wider variety of prizes, including sports memorabilia and electronic gadgets, and became a common sight in supermarkets, restaurants, and entertainment centers across the United States and Asia. This era also saw the rise of the UFO catcher in Japan, a variant of the claw machine, which became incredibly popular and influenced claw machine culture worldwide​​.

Today, claw machines are not just about the thrill of winning prizes but also embody a piece of arcade history, reflecting technological advancements and cultural shifts over the past century. Their continued popularity attests to the enduring appeal of skill-based amusement games​​.

 

Cultural And Social Significance

The cultural and social significance of claw machines extends beyond their function as entertainment devices in arcades and amusement venues. These machines have become embedded in various cultures worldwide, symbolizing more than just a game of chance or skill.

Cultural Symbolism

In many cultures, claw machines are not merely seen as amusement devices but as symbols of luck, skill, and the thrill of the hunt. They represent a microcosm of life's unpredictability and the human desire to control outcomes with skill and determination. In countries like Japan, claw machines, or UFO catchers, are part of the broader otaku culture, which celebrates anime, manga, and video games. They often contain collectible items related to popular franchises, making them a staple in the social lives of enthusiasts who value these as collectibles rather than mere toys​.

Social Gatherings and Community Building

Claw machines are often located in social spaces like arcades, malls, and restaurants, where people gather for entertainment. This placement fosters communal experiences, as players often cheer each other on and share tips and tricks. They can act as ice breakers, bringing people together over a shared goal of winning a prize. In many cases, the excitement and anticipation of watching someone play a claw machine can be just as enjoyable as playing the game itself.

Nostalgia and Sentimental Value

For many adults, claw machines evoke a sense of nostalgia, reminding them of childhood and simpler times spent at arcades or seaside amusement parks. This sentimental value contributes to their continued popularity across generations, as parents share these experiences with their children, creating new memories while reliving their own.

Representation in Popular Media

Claw machines have been featured in various forms of media, from movies like "Toy Story," where they played a pivotal role in the storyline, to episodes of popular TV shows and video games. These portrayals often highlight the suspense and excitement associated with claw machines, further embedding them into the cultural fabric of societies worldwide.

Economic and Psychological Aspects

Economically, claw machines can be seen as micro-businesses within larger venues, generating revenue and adding to the diversity of entertainment options available. Psychologically, they offer a mix of risk and reward that can be thrilling for players, providing a sense of achievement when successfully winning a prize. This aspect of claw machine gameplay taps into the human penchant for gambling-like behaviors, albeit in a more controlled and lower-stakes environment.

In summary, claw machines hold a unique place in global culture, symbolizing luck, skill, nostalgia, and the human desire for entertainment and reward. Their presence in social spaces contributes to community building, while their depiction in media underscores their significance beyond mere amusement.

 

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