MIMASAKA, Okayama -- A crane game machine at a fruit-picking farm in this western Japan city is attracting attention for allowing visitors to pick up high-end fruits as prizes using just 100 yen (about 68 cents) per play.

The claw machine is installed at a direct sales shop in Mimasaka Farm, which sells Okayama Prefecture specialties such as strawberries and grapes and allows visitors to pick the fruits themselves. Fresh Shine Muscat and Pione grapes in plastic containers, sold for 500 to 1000 yen (around $3 to $7) at the farm, were seen inside the familiar-looking machine with signs reading "grape catcher." The dispenser area is cushioned with towels to absorb shocks when a product drops, reflecting the farm's care for the fruits.

According to 34-year-old president Yuki Kawai, the claw machine was installed in January 2023 in a bid to encourage people to get more familiar with the fruits, and initially offered strawberries grown and sold at the farm for 1,000 yen each as a prize. While the concept received lukewarm feedback internally, it quickly gained popularity among visitors. The prize has since been replaced with different seasonal fruits, including white peaches and grapes.

Some people apparently even visit the farm specifically to try out the crane game. This summer, during the month that the machine was turned into a "white peach catcher," around 3,000 individuals played to obtain white peaches.

While some succeed in one try, Kawai, who admits he's not very skilled at the game himself, reported that he can usually win after three to four attempts, and encourages others to give it a try. He said, "I hope things like games and soft serve ice cream will help people notice the fruits' deliciousness."

The grape catcher will be available until mid-October. Visitors are required to make a reservation for grape picking, with fees starting from 1,500 yen (approx. $10) per adult. For inquiries, contact Mimasaka Farm at 0868-74-3887 or visit the farm's website (in English).

(Japanese original by Rie Kondo, Okayama Bureau)