May 23 (newsonjapan.com) - Japan has a little bit of a mixed history with gambling.
Right now, casinos remain illegal in the country, meaning that while there are plenty of citizens who enjoy playing pachinko, it may be some time before we start seeing full casinos set up on the island. However, that hasn't stopped a few online services opening up.
In fact, new and vibrant casino designs are sweeping the nation. Sites such as Manekichi Casino, for example, blend online gaming action with cute characters and designs. Manekichi is not alone; however, as it seems that fluffy, feminine gaming is on the rise.
The Rise of Fluffy Gaming
Japan may not be open-armed about casino games; however, they do care deeply about having fun. The pachinko phenomenon is a good example of this. Playing games is a family exercise in Japan. That means it's not unheard of to find plenty of cuddly and cute gaming opportunities across the nation.
You only have to look at Japan's affinity for gaming and mascots, for example. Nintendo's Super Mario Bros and Sega's Sonic the Hedgehog characters are prime examples. Therefore, it is unsurprising that the cute and cuddly is transferring to casino fun.
That's why it's getting easier to find casinos online in Japan with a friendlier, fluffier twist. Some insiders and fans may even say that casinos are gearing more towards a female audience. Does this indicate that more and more female casino players are emerging in the country? Perhaps.
The Legal Tangle
However, Japan's gambling laws, or lack thereof, remain difficult to leapfrog. While there are Japanese casinos online, it is technically still illegal for Japanese citizens to play on them. However, hopes remain high that the country will prepare to catch up with other nations in due course.
There are some forms of gambling and betting which are legal in Japan. For example, pachinko is still a popular sit-down sport. What's more, lotteries and horse racing are still open for bets, at least at authorised sites.
Therefore, while online casinos with friendlier, fluffier faces are opening up via Japan, it's still a little murky as to how legal it is to get into them.
That said, there are no reasons why internationals can't take a look at these sites. Some casino players and table game fans based abroad may wish to dive into the new trend in cute casino gaming. However, a rudimentary knowledge of the basic language is likely going to help. What's more, not all casinos will open to global visitors.
Will the Trend Continue?
That all depends on whether or not Japan is likely to relax its gambling restrictions. If hopes hold firm, and games emerge as legal in the years to come, more and more cute games and casinos will likely emerge in time to come.
However, this all hinges on whether or not Japanese lawmakers are going to change their spots. Casino fans will hold their collective breath to wait and see.
