#Japan #Minato #W-STA #Mahjong #Pachinko

Bridging Two Industries: W-STA

W-STA (also known as リャンスタ), managed by Pack-X, a Tokyo-based company, recently made headlines by having an article featured in the industry magazine Answers. This service aims to bridge the worlds of mahjong and pachinko by providing promotional materials and PR tools featuring popular professional mahjong players. By leveraging these players' likenesses through a subscription model, W-STA is set to create a synergistic effect between both industries, paving the way for a new fan base.

The Numbers Behind the Excitement

According to the Leisure White Paper 2024, there are approximately 6.6 million pachinko enthusiasts and around 4.7 million people who play mahjong. With the rising popularity of the M-League, recent data indicates that around 2.5 to 3 million viewers are tuning in, many of whom are not regular players. This emerging audience could potentially expand the mahjong market to around 7 million, especially among the younger demographic.

In pachinko halls, it's not uncommon to see players enjoying the game while watching M-League matches, which highlights the synergy that exists between the two sectors. W-STA is capitalizing on this connection, providing fresh opportunities for pachinko venues to harness the appeal of professional mahjong players in their promotions.

Expanding Promotional Possibilities

W-STA allows for various promotion avenues using the likenesses of pro players. Venues can implement these materials in-store through decorations, banners on their official websites, and even social media posts. Utilizing professional players for announcing new game machines or local events can significantly increase visibility and engagement.

In addition to these standard promotional items, W-STA offers supplementary projects, such as promotional stickers and cards, urging players to engage with stores via social media, and organizing events with professional players visiting the halls. There is also an annual 'Advertising Awards' where professional players compete, fostering a deeper connection with fans and broader exposure.

Challenges and Opportunities

While the mahjong industry continues to evolve competitively, there are still challenges. Out of more than 2,000 professional mahjong players, only a handful can sustain a living solely from competitive play. Most engage in side jobs, such as producing content for YouTube or making appearances at pachinko halls, to supplement their income. Thus, creating an environment conducive to full-time professional play remains a significant hurdle for the industry.

Similarly, the pachinko industry faces stringent advertising regulations, which has led to a cry for diversified customer attraction methods. While celebrity endorsements are effective, they often come with exorbitant fees that only a few companies can afford. The emergence of subscription-type talent-sharing platforms is gradually lowering these financial barriers; however, many celebrities still avoid the pachinko scene, limiting the options available.

This is where W-STA stands out. By allowing pachinko halls to creatively utilize professional mahjong players' likenesses, it creates a unique promotional angle. This also offers professional players a new income stream and a venue for their talents. The exposure they gain while appearing in pachinko settings may lead to increased recognition and broader opportunities in the future.

Cultivating a Win-Win Relationship

The ultimate goal of W-STA is to explore new avenues where fans from both pachinko and mahjong intersect. By providing mahjong enthusiasts with opportunities to appreciate pachinko, and vice versa, both sectors can benefit from this mutual engagement. The aim is to foster a gradual increase in visit frequency from once a week to twice a week, building long-term relationships that create a new culture uniting pachinko and mahjong. This collaborative spirit embodies the essence of W-STA.

More About W-STA

W-STA is a service that allows companies to use the likenesses of popular professional mahjong players for a nominal monthly fee. As the mahjong market continues to expand—thanks to the influence of professional leagues and manga—the demand for promotional use of pro players becomes evident. Although employing celebrities can be pricey, W-STA provides a cost-effective option at only 350,000 yen a month, with flexible utilization of materials across various media.

W-STA’s offerings include a range of assets—photos, signatures, and videos that can be tailored to the company’s needs without extensive restrictions. This allows for a high degree of creative freedom in promotional campaigns and quicker turnaround for campaigns, resulting in a win-win scenario for both industries.

As Pack-X continues to build partnerships across the entertainment and gaming landscape, W-STA aims to extend its outreach, pioneering a connection that benefits both mahjong and pachinko enthusiasts alike, bridging gaps between industries for collective growth and excitement.

Written by Pack-X