Taito Appeals for Information on 'Crown 602,' a Legendary Crane Game from 60 Years Ago, Offering 100,000 Yen Reward

Taito, a game manufacturer, is appealing for information about the "Crown 602," a legendary crane game machine believed to have been released approximately 60 years ago. The company positions this model as "the origin of our technology" and has announced a 100,000 yen reward for the most helpful informant.

The "Crown 602" is a historic game machine said to have been developed during the company's founding period. Currently, only partial exterior photos and design drawings remain, and the existence of an actual unit has not been confirmed. Taito aims to discover this lost "origin" and preserve and research it as important material for the company's technological history.

This call for information has also generated a significant response on social media. On X (formerly Twitter), numerous nostalgic comments like "I hope it turns up" and "I remember seeing it often on department store rooftops, at amusement parks, or in game corners at inns back in the day" have been posted, along with expressions of hope for its discovery. Furthermore, users have shared specific memories regarding its placement and prizes, such as "it had women's underwear as prizes" or "it was found at drive-ins alongside retro vending machines," indicating a high level of interest in retro gaming culture.

Crane games remain a beloved staple at arcades for people of all ages today, but understanding what early models were like is crucial for unraveling their history. Through this appeal, Taito hopes that a valuable piece of Japanese arcade game history will once again see the light of day.

The context

Taito Corporation is a pioneering Japanese video game developer and publisher, best known globally for creating the iconic arcade game "Space Invaders" in 1978. Founded in 1953, the company has a long history in the amusement industry, including the production and operation of crane games (often called "UFO catchers" or "claw machines" in English-speaking regions). Crane games are immensely popular in Japan, found in dedicated arcades, shopping malls, and even smaller establishments.

The search for the "Crown 602," dating back approximately 60 years, highlights Taito's foundational period in the 1960s, a crucial era for the burgeoning arcade and amusement machine industry in Japan. The concept of a "phantom" or "lost" historical artifact often captures public imagination in Japan, leading to widespread engagement. The 100,000 yen reward (approximately 650-700 USD, depending on exchange rates) underscores the company's serious commitment to uncovering this piece of its technological heritage and Japanese arcade history. This initiative aims not just to find a machine, but to connect with the memories and cultural impact of early arcade entertainment.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

A New Species of Cat Discovered for the First Time in Over 100 Years! Meet the 'Tilkayo'

In September 2026, cat lovers and internet users around the world were met with shocking and delightful news: a brand-new species of cat has been discovered for the first time in over a century. This newly discovered species has been named the "Tilkayo." Boasting a wild yet dignified appearance alongside undeniable cuteness, its distinctive striped pattern and other unique features have received rave reviews on social media, with comments calling it "irresistible," "cool," and noting that "even in its small size, it has the eyes of a hunter." While the fact that no new cat species had been discovered in over 100 years came as a surprise in itself, users could not hide their excitement, with posts declaring it "big enough news for news outlets to issue extra editions" and noting that "the world is still vast." Furthermore, many pet owners have been looking upon the Tilkayo with warm affection, projecting the likeness of their o...
Read more

Typhoon No. 25 Disrupts Tokyo Game Show 2026: Cancellation Sparks Refund Confusion and Travel Woes

Due to the approach of Typhoon No. 25 over the weekend, widespread disruptions are occurring at events and transportation networks across various regions. Notably, the Tokyo Game Show (TGS) 2026, one of Japan's largest gaming festivals, announced the cancellation of its events scheduled for Monday, September 21 (National Holiday), prompting a surge of social media posts regarding ticket refund procedures. According to official announcements, while the event will proceed as planned on Sunday, September 20, the final day on Monday, September 21 has been canceled. Regarding ticket refunds associated with this cancellation, visitors are advised to check the instructions provided by the respective ticket agencies where they made their purchases. On social media, while some users expressed relief, saying, "It's a relief that refunds will be processed automatically," others voiced confusion and questions, such as, "I don't know how to get a refund for already issued...
Read more

Ultraman Zero Cosmorize Revealed: A New Form and Transformation Device for the Iconic Hero

On the 11th, Bandai and Tsuburaya Productions unveiled details for "Ultraman Zero Cosmorize," a striking new form for the popular character Ultraman Zero, alongside his new transformation item, the "DX Ultrise Eye." A special movie is scheduled for release on YouTube in the summer of 2026, and the announcement has already ignited significant buzz across social media. The newly revealed "Zero Cosmorize" features a simple yet powerful design based on red and silver, departing from Zero's typical complex aesthetic. Fans have expressed surprise and admiration, with comments such as "He looks just like the original Ultraman" and "The simplicity makes it look so cool." In this form, Zero can reportedly perform a variety of attacks, including summoning previous Ultramen, by attaching and operating the "Ultrise Eye" on the "Ultrise Bracelet" worn on his left arm. Regarding the toy release, the "DX Ultrise Eye" ...
Read more