A Day in the Life of a Japanese Game Center Worker

Introduction

• Profile of a 40-year-old woman living in central Tokyo.
• Overview of her morning routine before work.

Morning Routine

• Wakes up and washes her face.
• Lives in a one LDK apartment with a cat.
• Starts the day with a cup of tea and briefly plays with her cat.
• Commutes to work via train (3 stops, 30 minutes total).
• Enjoys a 15-minute walk to the train station through a serene neighborhood.

Workplace Overview

• Tao Station: A popular game center chain in Japan.
  • Known for early arcade games like Space Invaders and Bubble Bobble.
  • Over 160 game centers across Japan.
• My's Position: Store manager at Takadanobaba game center.

Workday Begins

• Changes into her uniform upon arriving at work.
• First tasks:
  • Checks emails.
  • Reviews previous day's sales results.
  • Confirms sales targets for the day.
• Participates in a morning meeting about prizes to boost sales.

Managing the Game Center

• Adjusts game machine locations to maximize profits, likening it to a puzzle.
• Powers up machines and ensures all are functioning properly.
• Prepares for the opening of the game center.

Customer Service Training

• Conducts a morning meeting with staff to review appearance and customer service etiquette.
• Workers recite key customer service terms.
• Adheres to strict hair regulations to maintain a friendly atmosphere for customers.

Opening Hours

• The game center opens, and workers greet customers at the entrance.
• My observes the gaming scene:
  • Popular games include music rhythm games and card action games.
  • Players often use gloves for better gameplay.

Game Operations

• Regular adjustments made to machines (e.g., crane games) according to prize availability.
• Maintains cleanliness of the gaming area.
• Helps customers with inquiries about winning tactics.

Lunch Break

• Takes a break at a nearby fast-food restaurant.
• Discusses a broken game machine and coordinates with the tech team for repairs.

Afternoon Operations

• Continues to assist customers and ensure enjoyment.
• Notes on the decline of game centers but recent resurgence due to popularity of prize games.

End of Workday

• Briefs the afternoon shift workers and reviews the day's sales.
• Plans to go out for drinks with co-workers after work.

Conclusion

• Overview of her evening plans and wind-down routine at home (bath and sleep).