Japan Amusement Expo 2024 has concluded at Tokyo Big Sight, bringing together major arcade manufacturers, game publishers, prize-machine specialists and location-based entertainment companies. The event remains an important window into Japan’s amusement market, even though it was scheduled only days before IAAPA and produced relatively few brand-new announcements.
The event is the reworked successor to JAEPO, Japan’s main amusement-industry trade show since 2013. Following the COVID-related cancellations and the final JAEPO in February 2023, the Japan Amusement Industry Association reshaped the event to improve attendance. The changes included the shorter name, a move from Makuhari Messe to the more central Tokyo Big Sight, and a stronger programme of public-facing activities. The show is also expected to return in November next year, again close to IAAPA.
For Australian operators and enthusiasts, the show offered a useful mix of established Japanese favourites, export prospects, rhythm-game updates, prize machines and experimental attractions. Here are the main highlights.
Bandai Namco Amusement
Bandai Namco’s display was broadly similar to its previous presentation, but several unreleased or newly updated games made the booth worthwhile. Maximum Tune 7 was again the subject of strong speculation, yet no announcement appeared. At least two Bandai Namco titles are expected to reach Western markets, with both also confirmed for IAAPA.
Taiko no Tatsujin
A new full version of Taiko no Tatsujin was not presented, although Bandai Namco showed useful hardware developments for Japan. Higher-quality drum surfaces are planned, along with sound separators designed for locations running several cabinets together. The company also confirmed that the game will receive an official United States-only launch at IAAPA, following earlier indications that a November release window was being considered.
GoldStorm Pirates
GoldStorm Pirates appeared ahead of its Western industry launch at IAAPA and its Japanese release. Some cabinets had already reached Bandai Namco’s Japanese venues, with a wider Japanese launch planned for the following month. Another United States test was reported at Round1 Fox Valley Mall in Illinois, alongside an Animal Kaiser Plus machine and a Bandai Gashapon Shop.
Bike Dash Delivery
Bike Dash Delivery returned in a more finished form after several Japanese location tests and one Round1USA test, where it reportedly performed only moderately. Activity around the game had been quiet since spring, but Bandai Namco released its first official gameplay trailer shortly before the expo. Its possible IAAPA appearance remained uncertain because it was not listed in the European booth preview.
Idolm@ster Tours and other projects
Idolm@ster Tours was the centrepiece of Bandai Namco’s booth. Announced at the February 2023 JAEPO, the title had undergone extensive testing before its planned spring 2025 release. The game attracted considerable attention, although its prospects outside Japan appear limited because the franchise has a much smaller following in Western markets.
Other Bandai Namco attractions included a new entry in the Fishing Spirits videmption series, new-style Clena crane machines, and a prominent presentation of the company’s sustainability efforts, including Namco amusement-centre staff working on the booth. The Taiko and Wani Wani Panic kiddie rides previously shown at Chinese trade shows were also present, although they did not appear to be intended for Japanese release.
Bandai Namco Technica displayed products imported into Japan from American and Chinese manufacturers. Its selection included the flat-screen version of Adrenaline Amusements’ Drakons Realm Keepers, a new Minions darts game from TouchMagix, and Top Shooting—the latest version of a shooting game originally created by Leon Amusement as Top Gun, later released by JET as Quick Shot and by Electrocoin as Skill Shooter.
exA-Arcadia
exA-Arcadia made a strong return after missing the first reformatted expo. Most of its new software had already been announced during an exALive stream, while several titles received hands-on exposure at the show. Further reveals were expected but were held back.
Earthion EXA Label
Yuzo Koshiro’s new indie Mega Drive shooter, Earthion EXA Label, appeared to be one of the standouts. The game drew praise from Sega historian Yosuke Okunari and attracted attention from visitors on the floor.
Asuka 120% Exallent
Asuka 120% Exallent was shown in a more complete state after its announcement at EVO Japan 2024 in April. Development is further along, but release is still planned for next year.
Airgallet EXA Label and Bunny Bomber Blast!
Airgallet EXA Label, revealed at Shooters Fes 2024, features artwork by original Toaplan artist Junya Inoue and an arranged soundtrack by Keio Keishi. It is expected to arrive soon.
Bunny Bomber Blast! is a new independent game from Hiulit’s Game Studio. Its concept combines elements associated with Dig Dug and Bomberman.
The wider exA-Arcadia line-up included games running in new ARC-32 cabinets, a new 1.5 version of Batsugun EXA Label, and the return of Vanguard Princess R after its rights issues were resolved. Almost all of these games, plus two titles reserved for private viewing, were also scheduled for IAAPA.
Konami
Konami did not stage its Konami Arcade Championship tournament at the venue this year, unlike 2023. Instead, the company focused on competitive features within its rhythm-game portfolio.
Gitadora Arena Model
The major new attraction was the Arena model of Gitadora, following Japanese location tests. The expo build contained some software differences from the tested version, while availability through Round1USA remained unconfirmed. Konami promoted the cabinets with a stage event featuring Bemani Pro League members and a dedicated photo area.
Minecraft Dungeons Arcade and Oreca Battle 2
Konami will distribute Raw Thrills’ Minecraft Dungeons Arcade in Japan. The game has undergone several tests, and a Round1 Japan financial report identified it as a title being rolled out across all locations.
Konami also presented its Japan-focused card game Monster Retsuden Oreca Battle 2. Earlier tests attracted significant attention, alongside Bandai Namco’s recently released Dragon Ball Super Divers, although reports suggested the latter was not performing as strongly as hoped at launch.
Sega
Sega’s booth covered a broad range of amusement products, including UFO Catcher machines, medal games, photo booths and a dedicated Dartslive area. One medal game had recently been spotted on test in London, suggesting it may eventually reach Western venues through Sega Amusements.
Initial D The Arcade
Initial D The Arcade received prominent promotion through a main-stage event focused on its new team-based tournaments. The format expands the series’ established competitive scene, which had previously concentrated on official one-versus-one events. Western availability remains a long-standing question due to differing market preferences and network complications.
Arcade history and new attractions
Sega created an organised arcade-history area featuring classics such as Daytona, The House of the Dead and After Burner, along with its 1960s SEGA-1000 jukebox, a wall of flyers including Gunblade NY, and a timeline of major releases.
A new Paw Patrol kiddie ride added card vending and simple gameplay to the format, drawing on concepts similar to older Sega rides. The booth also included a variety of medal and non-video amusement products.
Taito
Taito’s smaller booth still packed in several notable products. The coin-operated highlights were the already released Street Fighter 6 Type Arcade and the new prize machine Getter Spin G, whose Wahlap-imported version had recently been tested in the United States through Round1.
Street Fighter 6 Type Arcade
Taito brought Street Fighter 6 Type Arcade out on the public day after it initially appeared to be absent. The game launched in Japan and at Round1USA venues the previous December, and the expo presentation placed additional emphasis on its community and competitive side.
Location-based entertainment
Much of Taito’s space promoted recently opened facilities including Bootverse, Rakugakids and Exbar. One eye-catching concept was Space Invaders Strike, which combines the franchise with baseball inside an immersive reality room. Taito also displayed a Chinese kiddie bicycle game localised for Japan, although little information was available.
Capcom
Capcom returned to the expo after years of reducing its arcade presence and missing several earlier JAEPO events. Its booth was modest, but one major new arcade project stood out.
Onishuma VR Shadow Team
Capcom’s Onishuma hack-and-slash series is moving into arcades for the first time after more than two decades as a console property. Onishuma VR Shadow Team replaces Street Fighter VR, which was location tested before becoming a home release. It remained unclear whether the new VR game would be sold beyond Capcom-operated venues.
Capcom also staged a Street Fighter 6 exhibition match through its eSports Club, using the home version rather than the arcade edition. The remainder of the booth focused on prize machines, photo booths, gachapon stores and location-based uses of properties such as Street Fighter and Phoenix Wright.
Other exhibitors and public events
GiGO had a more substantial presence than at the previous expo, showcasing the Breaking Down punching game and its own GiGO crane machine. The crane attracted considerable attention.
Marvelous presented the original prize game Try Catch and the children’s card battler Pokemon Frienda, which launched earlier in the year. The Pokémon licence could make the game attractive in Western markets, although localisation and licensing would add cost.
Kaga Amusement displayed Ace titles including Air Strike and Surfing League. Safari Games showed Ace’s Skull Of Shadow and what appeared to be a new shooter from UNIS. Other smaller booths featured Chinese neon crane machines, including products from Dreamfuns’ new Japanese base.
The reworked expo also placed more emphasis on public activities. The Amusement Music Festival brought together rhythm-game divisions from Bandai Namco, Sega, Taito and Konami for a shared stage concert. The same stage hosted a seminar about arcade-industry careers for students on the first day.
Overall assessment
Japan Amusement Expo 2024 delivered interesting software and hardware across most major booths, but few completely new game announcements emerged from the event itself. exA-Arcadia had announced much of its pipeline before the show, while Bandai Namco again left the much-rumoured Maximum Tune 7 unresolved.
Visitor numbers had not been published at the time of reporting, although early indications suggested a healthy business day. Crane machines were a major part of that interest, with new models appearing across the show and several Chinese manufacturers promoting updated neon designs. The event may have attracted even more attention if it had not been held so close to IAAPA.
For Australian readers considering the practical differences between full-size cabinets, compact systems and arcade hardware, RETROCADE’s arcade machine buying guide is a useful starting point. You can also browse racing arcades, arcade parts, and the latest updates on the RETROCADE Arcade Blog.
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