Popular Japanese Sticker Photo Booths For Creating Cute Memories

Where to Find Japanese Purikura

Japanese sticker photo booths, known as purikura, can be found in various locations throughout Japan, particularly in areas frequented by young people. These include arcades, amusement parks, karaoke establishments, and department stores. Some places even dedicate entire floors to these photo booths, making them easy to spot.

Cost and Accessibility

Using a purikura machine is relatively inexpensive, costing between 300 to 500 yen per photo session. The payment typically needs to be made in 100-yen coins, and exchange machines are usually available nearby to convert bills into coins. This affordability makes purikura a popular and accessible hobby for young people.

International Availability

While purikura originated in Japan, these sticker photo booths have also spread to other parts of Asia, such as Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand. They can even be found in cities like Sydney, Australia, making it possible for international visitors to experience this unique Japanese culture.

Choosing the Right Booth

When selecting a purikura booth, it's helpful to look at the sample pictures displayed on the outside of the machine. These samples give an idea of the themes, backgrounds, and effects available. Some booths offer more natural looks, while others provide exaggerated features like large eyes and sparkly backgrounds. Taking the time to choose the right booth ensures you get the desired outcome.

The Purikura Experience

Once you've chosen your booth and inserted the money, you'll be prompted to select a sticker layout on a small screen. This layout will specify the number of pictures and poses for your session. The machine will suggest poses, but you're also free to be creative and invent your own. Keep an eye on the timer, as the photo shoot happens quickly.

Editing Your Photos

After the photo shoot, you'll move to the editing area, often referred to as the rakugaki corner. Here, you can add frames, stamps, filters, glitter, and other effects to your photos. You can also draw directly on the screen or add messages. There is usually a time limit for editing, so it's essential to work quickly.

Collecting Your Photos

Once you're happy with your edited photos, you can choose to receive them as printed stickers or have a digital copy sent to your email address—or both. The printed stickers are of good quality and can be stuck anywhere, such as on the back of your phone. Many people collect their purikura stickers in a special album called a "puricho" (プリ帳).

Tips for Foreigners and Couples

For foreigners and couples, it's helpful to look for purikura machines with minimal effects if you prefer a more natural look. Some brands, like SUU or SUU+, are known for their less exaggerated features. Checking the sample pictures on the outside of the machine can help you avoid booths with overly dramatic effects. Additionally, some machines allow you to toggle off makeup and other enhancements, making them more suitable for those who prefer a more authentic appearance.

Social and Cultural Significance

Purikura has been a staple of Japanese youth culture since the mid-1990s. It's a fun activity that doubles as a memorable keepsake and great social media content. Japanese girls often collect their purikura photos in a puricho, which serves as a scrapbook of their memories. This practice has also become popular among tourists, who enjoy the unique and kawaii (cute) experience that purikura offers.