クレーンゲーム

くれーんげーむ

noun

claw crane game; claw machine

1. claw crane game; claw machine; UFO catcher

An arcade game where players use a joystick to maneuver a mechanical claw to grab prizes such as stuffed animals, figures, or snacks. A staple of Japanese game centers.

クレーンゲームでぬいぐるみを取(と)った。

I won a stuffed animal from the claw machine.

クレーンゲームに千円(せんえん)も使(つか)ってしまった。

I ended up spending a thousand yen on the claw machine.

ゲームセンターのクレーンゲームで限定(げんてい)フィギュアを狙(ねら)って何度(なんど)も挑戦(ちょうせん)した。

I tried many times to get a limited-edition figure from the claw machine at the game center.

Cultural note

Extremely popular in Japan, where game centers (ゲームセンター) often dedicate entire floors to claw machines. The brand name UFOキャッチャー (UFO Catcher, by SEGA) is often used as a generic term. Prizes range from plush toys to high-end figures, snacks, and even electronics. Staff can sometimes reposition prizes if a customer has spent enough.

Common collocations

クレーンゲームで遊(あそ)ぶ (to play the claw machine)
クレーンゲームの景品(けいひん) (claw machine prizes)
クレーンゲームに挑戦(ちょうせん)する (to try the claw machine)

Writing

Also called UFOキャッチャー (brand name) or simply クレゲー in casual speech.

general

Added 2026.3.15 16:20 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01

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