Japan's amusement arcades are experiencing a sudden resurgence in the popularity of the timeless crane game, locally known as 'kuren gēmu.' The trend appears to be nationwide, although reasons for the resurgence are yet to be clarified. As arcade owners ride on the unexpected wave of popularity, experts are analysing various factors that might be driving this trend.

Arcades, or "gēsen," play a substantial role in Japanese culture. They offer a variety of amusement games, with the crane game, a machine where players maneuver a mechanical arm to win prizes, being an iconic fixture. The recent expansion of crane games in gēsen could be returning nostalgia or new players finding joy in the tangible rewards that come with the game.

In the US or EU, arcades also hold a nostalgic charm. However, they've largely been phased out due to home gaming consoles and mobile gaming popularity. While there are still enthusiast-driven arcade locations, this sudden resurgence of a specific arcade game is not something commonly experienced outside Japan.