When is Pachinko Day?

Pachinko Day is observed every year on November 14.

When was Pachinko Day established?

Pachinko Day was established in 1966.

What other anniversaries fall on November 14?

November 14 is also "World Diabetes Day", "Good Stone Day (Ii Ishi no Hi)", "The 100-Year Life Day". See the November 14 page for details.

November 14

Pachinko Day

Q: What is Pachinko Day?

Pachinko Day is an annual observance in Japan, held every year on November 14. What Is Pachinko Day? November 14th is "Pachinko Day" in Japan, established in 1979 by the National Amusement Business C

Industry Days

What Is Pachinko Day?

November 14th is "Pachinko Day" in Japan, established in 1979 by the National Amusement Business Cooperative Federation (now the All Japan Amusement Business Cooperative Federation). The date commemorates the day in 1966 when the federation received official approval from the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (now the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry).

Why Was November 14th Chosen?

There was reportedly a proposal to set the date as August 8th, playing on the onomatopoeia "pachi-pachi." However, August — like February — is known in the industry as a slow month for customer traffic, so that idea was scrapped. Choosing November instead, just ahead of the year-end bonus season when customer numbers tend to rise, reflects a conscious effort to energize the industry as a whole.

The History of Pachinko as Entertainment

Pachinko developed as a uniquely Japanese form of amusement and became one of the defining features of the postwar entertainment industry.

Nationwide spread: parlors spread across the country, and pachinko has long been one of Japan's largest leisure industries
Evolving technology: machines have continually evolved alongside technology, from electromechanical designs to fully digital systems
Government oversight: as an amusement industry, it operates under government licensing and oversight

Tips for Marking This Day

Learn more about the history and mechanics of pachinko
If you do play, set a time and budget in advance and enjoy it in moderation
Ask an older family member about the entertainment culture of the Showa era
Check out the latest technology and trends in the pachinko industry

An Industry Anniversary Marking Over Half a Century of Entertainment

More than half a century since its official approval in 1966, pachinko has continually reshaped itself while remaining part of Japan's entertainment culture. Let November 14th be a day to learn about the history of this familiar pastime — and if you play, please do so in moderation and within your means.