Project to Find Japan's First Crane Game Machine "Crown 602" [Search Report]: A Miracle Connected by Over 4,400 "Memories" in 85 Days, Finally Capturing the Image of its "Successor"
Taito Corporation's project to find Japan's first domestically produced crane game machine, "Crown 602," received over 4,400 pieces of information via web and social media. Although "Crown 602" itself was not identified, the search led to the discovery of its successor, "Crown 603," marking a significant step in filling a gap in amusement history.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: March 30, 2026 at 22:35
- 🔍 Collected: March 30, 2026 at 22:56 (20 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 24, 2026 at 07:33 (584h 37m after Collected)
Taito Corporation (Headquarters: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo) conducted a project to find Japan's first domestically produced* crane game machine, "Crown 602," and received over 4,400 pieces of information through the web and social media.
We are pleased to report the final results of the search, which was driven by the passionate thoughts entrusted to us by everyone.
*It is said that several types of domestically produced crane game machines were released in 1965.
## Project Trajectory: A Search Guided by Over 4,400 "Voices"
This project called for information from the general public to find an old crane game cabinet that was disappearing from records. Immediately after its launch, a continuous stream of "pages from life" etched into a single machine were submitted, such as "I begged my parents for it as a child and won a prize for the first time" and "I saw it installed on the rooftop of a now-defunct department store."
The enormous number of over 4,400 submissions was not just a list of information, but proof that amusement culture is deeply rooted in people's hearts.
## Search Results: No Exact Match, but a "Successor" Found, Connecting Hope
We carefully reviewed each piece of information submitted by everyone, but unfortunately, we were unable to identify "Crown 602."
However, this project created a miracle. In the process of the search, we were able to identify the location of "Crown 603," a successor machine that strongly inherits the DNA of the "Crown 602" model we were looking for.
We at Taito are filled with surprise and gratitude. The "memories" shared by everyone have become our greatest asset. Although we could not find the exact machine we were looking for, reaching a new hope in the form of its successor was only possible because of everyone's enthusiasm. Thank you very much.
## Current Status of Discovery:
The "Crown 603" cabinet itself still exists, but it has aged considerably, and it is currently unknown whether it is operational.
## Significance:
The lineage of the phantom machine "Crown 602," for which there were no clues, has been reconnected to the present day through everyone's fragmented memories, marking a valuable step in filling a void in amusement history.
## About Benefits for Information Providers
Although we unfortunately did not find the actual "Crown 602," we also solicited "memories of crane games," and received numerous heartwarming episodes from all over the country.
Therefore, we will conduct a strict lottery among those who submitted, and three winners will receive our latest game software or invitation tickets that can be used at our operated facilities.
The announcement of the winners will be made by notification to the registered email address.
## Future of "Crown 603"
As it is currently unknown whether it can be operated, our Technical Support Division (TAITO TECH) will consider the future of the amusement machine that has been around for many years.
We are pleased to report the final results of the search, which was driven by the passionate thoughts entrusted to us by everyone.
*It is said that several types of domestically produced crane game machines were released in 1965.
## Project Trajectory: A Search Guided by Over 4,400 "Voices"
This project called for information from the general public to find an old crane game cabinet that was disappearing from records. Immediately after its launch, a continuous stream of "pages from life" etched into a single machine were submitted, such as "I begged my parents for it as a child and won a prize for the first time" and "I saw it installed on the rooftop of a now-defunct department store."
The enormous number of over 4,400 submissions was not just a list of information, but proof that amusement culture is deeply rooted in people's hearts.
## Search Results: No Exact Match, but a "Successor" Found, Connecting Hope
We carefully reviewed each piece of information submitted by everyone, but unfortunately, we were unable to identify "Crown 602."
However, this project created a miracle. In the process of the search, we were able to identify the location of "Crown 603," a successor machine that strongly inherits the DNA of the "Crown 602" model we were looking for.
We at Taito are filled with surprise and gratitude. The "memories" shared by everyone have become our greatest asset. Although we could not find the exact machine we were looking for, reaching a new hope in the form of its successor was only possible because of everyone's enthusiasm. Thank you very much.
## Current Status of Discovery:
The "Crown 603" cabinet itself still exists, but it has aged considerably, and it is currently unknown whether it is operational.
## Significance:
The lineage of the phantom machine "Crown 602," for which there were no clues, has been reconnected to the present day through everyone's fragmented memories, marking a valuable step in filling a void in amusement history.
## About Benefits for Information Providers
Although we unfortunately did not find the actual "Crown 602," we also solicited "memories of crane games," and received numerous heartwarming episodes from all over the country.
Therefore, we will conduct a strict lottery among those who submitted, and three winners will receive our latest game software or invitation tickets that can be used at our operated facilities.
The announcement of the winners will be made by notification to the registered email address.
## Future of "Crown 603"
As it is currently unknown whether it can be operated, our Technical Support Division (TAITO TECH) will consider the future of the amusement machine that has been around for many years.