By Mindy Tan
Pachinko, a uniquely Japanese form of gambling, is a popular sport in Japan. But interest in the game has been waning, particularly amongst younger players. Parlor operators are trying to revive interest by rolling out luxurious, air-conditioned parlors with uniformed staff, and the industry endeavors to introduce new games on a regular basis. Some parlor operators also offer non-smoking premises, widely considered a radical shift in this industry.
![Pachinko & Slot Cyber](https://news.medill.northwestern.edu/chicago/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2017/02/Pachinko-Slot-Cyber.jpg)
![Entrance to Pachinko Shop](https://news.medill.northwestern.edu/chicago/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2017/02/Entrance-to-Pachinko-Shop.jpg)
![Steel balls](https://news.medill.northwestern.edu/chicago/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2017/02/Steel-balls.jpg)
![Pachinko Machine](https://news.medill.northwestern.edu/chicago/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2017/02/Pachinko-Machine.jpg)
![Big Win](https://news.medill.northwestern.edu/chicago/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2017/02/Big-Win.jpg)
![Couple playing pachinko](https://news.medill.northwestern.edu/chicago/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2017/02/Couple-playing-pachinko.jpg)
![Man playing pachinko](https://news.medill.northwestern.edu/chicago/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2017/02/Man-playing-pachinko.jpg)
Photo at top: One of the many Pachinko parlors in Tokyo, Japan. (Mindy Tan/MEDILL)