The Japanese photo booths, or purikura, are a unique aspect of popular culture in Japan. They are not only fun to use but also provide lasting souvenirs that capture good memories.
Purikura Phenomenon
Purikura, an abbreviation of Print Club, has been popular since 1995, primarily among high school girls. Each photo booth offers a different concept and method of photo enhancement. Some focus on making your face vibrant, while others aim to beautify the photo overall. As a 22-year-old university student, I have explored the latest purikura trends.
Photo booths are taken seriously in Japan, with some machines offering the ability to level up and use props or outfits for the photoshoots. You can find these super-cute booths, equipped with beauty functions that digitally enhance your appearance, in gaming arcades across cities.
How to Use Purikura Booths
You start by paying and choosing your preferred background, mode, color, and other options. After posing in the private booth, you get the opportunity to decorate your images before collecting the prints. Some machines even allow you to have the images emailed to you or create short videos.
Whether for passport photos or just for fun, using a purikura booth is an enjoyable and interactive process, underlining the cultural significance of photo booths in Japan.
On our last day in Japan at Sega Joypolis, we tried these booths and the results were colorful and memorable: purikura of the tofugu team. Whenever I am in Tokyo, purikura is a must-do activity because the photos are fantastic souvenirs, with most places offering a variety of booths with different themes or features.