The Downfall of Takahashi-senpai, Who Became a Pachinko Parlor Manager

This is the story of Takahashi-senpai, who loved pachinko so much since his student days that he climbed the ranks to become a pachinko parlor manager, only to end up getting arrested by the police.

My classmate, Yamazaki, got a job at a major pachinko company through his connection with Takahashi-senpai, who was his senior in the club activity. Three years have passed since then, and now Yamazaki is a section chief working under Takahashi-senpai.

Today, I will share a surprising story I heard from Yamazaki about his senior.

Last Place in Sales Among All Stores

Among the pachinko stores with over 100 locations nationwide, the one managed by Takahashi-senpai was always at the bottom in terms of sales.

As a result, it became a routine for him to be reprimanded by the area manager during the monthly meetings.

"How many times do I have to tell you, Takahashi? Why is your store the only one that's not improving its sales?"

"W-well, it's because the location is not that great. It's a bit far from the station..."

"It's your job to do something about that, isn't it?"

"Y-yes..."

Takahashi-senpai, at a loss for what to do, decided to consult with his friend Yoshida, whom he had known since his student days and often played pachinko with.

Despite their busy schedules, they made time to meet at an izakaya to discuss the issue.

"I see, so that's why you reached out to me..."

"Yeah, I'm just so clueless about what to do..."

"Are you regularly holding events?"

"Of course. But because our sales are low, I've been keeping the settings tight and avoiding days with high payouts."

"I see..."

Then, Yoshida made a suggestion.

He asked to be allowed to play on the new machine with higher settings during the next event.

By showcasing that the new machine was paying out well, they could attract more customers. Then, after letting the customers win, they could set a day for recovery, and the customers would think, "I want to experience that thrill again."

In essence, it was like the parlor hiring "sakura" (fake customers) to create a positive image. Instead of the parlor paying an hourly wage to these sakura, they would refund the full amount of the exchanged balls, and the parlor would bear the cost of the games. However, this plan was a little different. Yoshida proposed that he would give half of his winnings to Manager Takahashi.

Although he felt a little uneasy, Takahashi-senpai decided to follow Yoshida's suggestion.

A Huge Success!

On the day of the event, Yoshida approached Takahashi-senpai at night.

"I made a good profit today. Here, this is your share for today..."

"Wow, 100,000 JPY... T-thank you..."

"Don't mention it. I'm counting on you from now on too!"

"Y-yes..."

With just a slight adjustment to the settings, he had earned 100,000 JPY. This was such an easy way to make money. Well, it was just for this special occasion, and it wasn't like he was doing it every day. It should be fine.

He could make money for himself, and the store's sales would also increase. It was a win-win situation.

As the word spread that "the store is paying out," customers started flocking to the parlor, and its sales gradually improved.

After about three months of implementing this strategy, they finally climbed out of last place, and Takahashi-senpai even received praise from his boss.

"You can do it when you put your mind to it. Keep up the good work!"

"Thank you very much."

Strengthening the Strategy!

Manager Takahashi, aiming to break into the top 10 in sales within the group, consulted with Yoshida about increasing the number of "Uchiko" (pachinko player who wins using insider knowledge of the machines).

"You want me to increase the number of Uchiko?!"

"Yes, I want them to take turns playing in a rotation of about 10 people so that it doesn't become obvious that it's always the same person winning."

"That's fine, but the more people we involve, the higher the risk of getting caught. Are you sure it'll be okay?"

(Does he think there might be someone who can't keep a secret?)

"Don't worry. To avoid getting caught, we'll provide separate phones for communication. Just follow my instructions, and we'll be fine."

"Alright, I'll gather some people..."

"I'm counting on you."

"Yes..."

Thus, Manager Takahashi successfully regained control of the operation from Yoshida.

Internal Whistleblowing?!

Manager Takahashi was managing a rotation of 10 Uchiko, and the money exchanges always took place in the parking lot after closing.

Today, it's 100,000 JPY; next time, 80,000 JPY; and so on...

Their sales continued to grow, and they finally made it into the group's top 10.

About a year after they started the Uchiko strategy, Manager Takahashi's remarkable V-shaped recovery became known throughout all the stores, and he became an overnight sensation. His base salary increased, and he even received higher bonuses.

The pachinko industry is merit-based, so salary increases can happen quickly.

With the money he made, he frequented a cabaret club and lived a luxurious life, thinking that there was no better way to enjoy himself.

However, this lifestyle didn't last long.

One early morning, a police officer visited Manager Takahashi's home and asked him to accompany them to the police station for questioning, as he was suspected of embezzlement.

His home and the parlor were thoroughly investigated, and evidence such as parking lot camera footage, data from the settings table, and records of ball removals were seized.

This was a pure profit-making scheme, and it was completely illegal.

Most likely, one of the staff members found Manager Takahashi's behavior suspicious and reported it to the headquarters or the police.

As a result, Manager Takahashi, who had been exposed, was criminally charged with embezzlement and theft.

He was sentenced to three years in prison and ordered to pay 600,000 JPY in damages.

Conclusion

That was the surprising story I heard from Yamazaki.

Who would have thought that a strategy initially intended to boost performance and earn some pocket money would lead to such an incident? What a foolish thing Takahashi-senpai did.

We should always abide by the law...