TOKYO (Kyodo) -- A new nightlife spot in Tokyo's Shimbashi business district is putting a fresh spin on crane games, blending them with live DJ performances and cyberpunk bar vibes to create an otherworldly experience.

Hama Club is one of the offerings in the Grand Hammer entertainment complex, which opened in November and features nine floors of unique Japanese experiences including live demonstrations by "ama" divers and geisha performances.

Yoshinori Hamakura, president of operator Hamakura Produce Inc., said the idea for the club came from the success of Shinjuku Kabuki Hall, a neon-themed entertainment food court that sprawls under a Namco arcade in Kabukicho Tower in Tokyo's Shinjuku area.

"Our collaboration with Bandai Namco (Amusement Inc.) in Kabuki Yokocho turned out to be a good match. The combination attracts a lot of international visitors as they enjoy playing games then coming downstairs for food in a festive atmosphere," he said.

Now Hamakura is working the same magic in Shimbashi, hoping to shake its reputation as a drinking area for middle-aged businessmen by drawing in young and foreign visitors from neighboring Ginza.

"Shimbashi lacks shopping malls, but we aim to create a vibrant, Golden Gai-like atmosphere with small, authentic Japanese bars. This ambiance is something international visitors seem to love," Hamakura said, referring to the popular drinking area in Shinjuku.

Hama Club, however, is unique in the sense that it merges gaming with late-night restaurant operations and live DJs, all of which require separate licenses in Japan.

As strict Japanese laws prohibit amusement facilities from operating into the early morning, the majority of the 15 crane game machines in Hama Club are programmed to automatically shut off after 1 a.m., allowing the venue to continue as a bar.

"Since we are a restaurant and operate as such, we can shut down the machines and adhere to regulations, while customers continue to enjoy DJ performances," said Hamakura.

The machines, which are completely cashless, cost 500 yen ($3.2) a play. While this may appear expensive compared to game arcades, where a play is usually 100 yen or 200 yen, the setups are easier to win.

In addition to the plush toys, figurines and snacks typically seen in claw machines, prizes at the club also include tabletop games for customers to play over drinks.

Hamakura said that foreign visitors are particularly drawn to popular anime and pop culture character prizes, many of which are exclusive to crane games and produced on a made-to-order basis.

A month on since opening, locals still make up the majority of the establishment's customers, but the company is working on promotional campaigns and collaborating with hotels to target inbound tourists.

"By highlighting Shimbashi's charm, we hope to foster an appreciation for the area while attracting a new audience," Hamakura said.