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Pachinko parlors are death traps

July 14th, 2009 by James

pachinko-sound

That seems to be the conclusion of this report from “Mezamashi TV,” which tested the ability of pachinko parlor customers to notice fire alarms and warnings from staff:


The same program also found that the narrow corridors between pachinko machines make it very hard for customers to evacuate in a quick and orderly fashion.

Such factors no doubt played a role in the recent case of an Osaka pachinko parlor fire that killed four and injured 19.



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4 Comments »

Comment by helical
2009-07-14 12:56:06

And I thought the title for this article was referring to, how every year during summer, so many worthless parents spend hours in Pachinko parlors while their infant roasts (and very often dies of hyperthermia) in their cars in the parking lots.

Just that’s enough to justify how I hold Pachinko in quite low regards even without mentioning the significant flow of cash from Pachinko to The Dear Leader’s coffers.

 
Comment by Mary Witzl
2009-07-16 03:35:53

Leaving aside the awful tendency of pachinko aficionados to neglect their children while playing, you’ve also got the terrible air quality given all the smokers, the ridiculous noise level, and the lack of personal space (great in a country where there’s already more than enough noise and overpopulation). Even if you don’t die in a fire, playing pachinko is hardly a healthy hobby. Too bad they can’t all be converted to fitness centers…

 
Comment by mitaker
2009-07-16 08:45:54

Not to mention, pachinko is often run by yakuza and are a revenue source/money laundering front for North Korea.

 
Comment by Haf
2009-07-18 22:58:04

I think at least the first fire alarm test where the staff shouted could not be taken for real. If the people would have started running instead of raising their arms, the others would surely have noticed.

I only went to a pachinko parlor to take a photo or to go to the bathroom, everytime the loudness was overwhelming. This can’t be good for your ears.

 
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