A day for pachinko - for some, but not for me

Today, and November 14th annually, is Pachinko Day. I have been to a pachinko parlor a couple of times, just to see what all the fuss is about, but I have ZERO interest in it. The first time I visited, as a student with college friends, we even tried playing it. I don't get it! It's such a boring activity and colossal waste of money. But it is a big and very popular business in Japan.

This commemorative day was established in 1979 by the National Federation of Amusement Industry Cooperatives (now the All Japan Amusement Industry Cooperative Federation). It was established as a day to commemorate the association's official approval from the Ministry of International Trade and Industry on November 14, 1966. 

The aim of the anniversary is to honor the history and role of the pachinko industry, and promote its future. Pachinko is not only used as  a form of entertainment in Japan, but the parlors have created jobs and influenced the local economy and community. However, not all the influence is positive. It is relatively common to hear of people spending too much in pachinko parlors and having financial issues because of it. 

The feature photo is of a mascot for a pachinko parlor in Saitama Prefecture. I find it interesting that he was designed with a frown. I would imagine that the pachinko parlors have nothing to frown about, but their customers who have lost money have plenty to frown about!