In the project conducted by Taito Corporation (Headquarters: Shinjuku, Tokyo) to find the "Crown 602," the first domestic* crane game machine, the number of tips received via the web and social media exceeded 4,400.

We are reporting the final results of our search, which we reached alongside the passionate sentiments entrusted to us by everyone.

*It is said that several types of domestic crane game machines were released in 1965.

・ Project Trajectory: A Search Led by Over 4,400 "Voices"

This project was launched to call for information from the general public in order to find an old crane game cabinet that was fading from records. Immediately after the start, we received a continuous stream of "pages from people's lives" etched into a single machine, such as "I begged my parents and won my first prize as a child" or "I saw one installed on the rooftop of a department store that no longer exists."

The vast collection of over 4,400 submissions was not merely a list of information, but proof that amusement culture is deeply rooted in people's hearts.

・ Search Results: While a Perfect Match Was Not Found, We Discovered a "Successor" That Keeps Hope Alive

We reviewed every piece of information sent to us, but unfortunately, we were unable to identify the specific "Crown 602."

However, there is a miracle that this project created. In the process of the search, we were able to locate the "Crown 603," a successor model that strongly inherits the DNA of the "Crown 602" we were looking for.

As a company, we are filled with surprise and gratitude. The "memories" you shared with us have become our greatest treasure. Although we could not find the exact item we were looking for, it was only because of your enthusiasm that we were able to reach a new hope in the form of a successor model. Thank you very much.

Crown 603

・ Current Status of Discovery: The "Crown 603" cabinet itself still exists, but due to the passage of many years, it is currently unknown whether it is operational.

・ Significance: The lineage of the phantom model "Crown 602," for which there were no clues, has been reconnected to the modern day through the pieces of your memories, marking a valuable step in filling a gap in the history of amusement.

・ Regarding Incentives for Information Providers

Although we did not reach the discovery of the actual "Crown 602," we received many heartwarming episodes from all over the country regarding the "memories of crane games" that we were also soliciting.

Therefore, we will conduct a strict lottery among those who submitted, and present three people with our latest game software or invitation tickets that can be used at our operated facilities. Please note that the announcement of winners will be replaced by notification to the registered email address.

・ Regarding the Future of the "Crown 603"

Since it is currently unknown whether it can be operated, our Technical Support Division (TAITO TECH)—which has long performed maintenance on amusement equipment regardless of whether it is our own product or another company's—will perform an overhaul and maintenance to make it operational.

Official Website: https://www.taito.co.jp/

Official X: https://x.com/TAITO

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TAITO.Jpn/

[Contact Information]

For inquiries regarding this matter: PUB＿WEB@taito.co.jp

*We cannot respond to individual inquiries, such as the selection process for the provided content.

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: research