Spotlight on Yokoto Co. – The Unstoppable Rise of Japan’s Gaming Giant

By Jordan Charleton

In a world where gaming and technology industries are constantly evolving, few companies have navigated the ever-changing tides with as much precision and success as Yokoto Co. Founded in 1978 by two university friends, Takashi Okahara and Akio Nishimura, Yokoto has grown from a small start-up into a global casino powerhouse. With a diversified portfolio and a presence in markets across Asia, Europe, Australia, and the Americas, the company’s rise to prominence is a tale of ingenuity, risk, and relentless ambition.

We had the privilage of sitting down with the visionary behind Yokoto Co. to discuss his journey, innovations, and what lies ahead for this gaming juggernaut. Note: This is no small feat—Mr. Okahara rarely grants interviews and we were honored that he took the time to answer our questions.

The Beginnings: A Friendship Forged in Engineering and Sake

CTW: Thank you, Mr. Okahara for meeting with us. We have been following the rise of Yokoto for some time. Can you please tell us how Yokoto came about?

TO: Akio Nishimura and I were simply two engineering students at Kyoto University. We were not ideal students and spent most of our class time off-campus taking apart radios and televisions. We quickly realized that there was a much bigger world beyond consumer electronics—one that involved entertainment, and more importantly, gaming.

CTW: So, you left college then to pursue gaming?

TO: That is correct. We left in our second year. We were disillusioned with the courses that were taught and we felt the allure of home electronics was nothing but an illusion. We were hungry for something different, something that would challenge us.

CTW: How exactly did you move forward?

TO: My father had passed when I was a boy and left behind some money—money that was intended for my education. My mother, however, understood my passion and helped launch Yokoto and finance our first gaming machines. Our goal was simple but ambitious: to create gaming experiences that would not only entertain but dominate the market.

From Osaka to Monte Carlo: The First Big Break

CTW: Fascinating, sir. Can you elaborate on those early days?

TO: Yokoto’s early days were anything but glamorous. The company operated out of a small warehouse in Osaka, focusing on building cabinets and acquiring licenses. It took many years until we were profitable. The breakthrough came when we developed gaming software that offered a slightly better payouts than competitors, drawing the attention of a Monaco-based investor. In hindsight, Monaco was the turning point.

CTW: Please tell us more about Monaco.

TO: Certainly. We placed twelve machines in the Four Suns Casino in Monte Carlo, and the response was overwhelming. The machines pulled in 45,000 yen a day. It took another two years of hard work and negotiations before we had installed nearly 400 machines at their casinos. We then expanded into Germany, Australia, and the United States soon following.

Building the Brand: Licensing Astarman and Global Expansion

CTW: I would be remiss not to ask about the beloved Japanese superhero Astarman!

TO: Ah yes, Astarman. Obviously, Yokoto’s expansion wasn’t just about numbers—it was about brand building. We had looked for and licensed various properties with mediocre success. It was Nishimura-san who suggested the 1960’s Japanese superhero Astarman. He was a fan of the tv show as a child and championed Yokoto to purchase the rights for gaming machines. I was initially skeptical about the 60 year old property but quickly recognized its potential, particularly in the booming markets of Macau.

CTW: I loved the series as well! (Go Go Astarman!)

TO: (smiles). I am glad to hear that. Astarman was just one of many properties we licensed, but it became our flagship game series. It resonated with players, and the character became synonymous with Yokoto’s gaming machines.

The Next Evolution: Server-Based Gaming and Revenue Sharing

CTW: It is widely known that you lease gaming devices to casinos. However, this year you introduced another innovation—Server-based gaming. Can you tell us more?

TO: I am surprised you have heard about it. As the gaming industry advances, so does Yokoto. The introduction of server-based gaming has revolutionized the way casinos operate. We realized the problem with traditional gaming machines was that once they were sold, the revenue stream stopped. By moving to a server-based model, we can now offer casinos an extensive library of games that can be downloaded instantly, allowing for continued revenue sharing. This model, which has already been rolled out to over 1,700 machines in California, has positioned Yokoto at the forefront of the gaming industry once again.

CTW: What keeps other casino manufacturers from doing the same?

TO: We have protected both the software and gaming concepts with patents. Of course, if another company wishes to use our technology, we are open to a revenue share.

Looking Forward: The Legacy of Yokoto Co.

(At this point Mr. Okahara has recieved a call from Akio Nishimura and leaves the room in a hurry. After 10 minutes, the CEO returns and apologetically let’s us know that he must leave but will answer one more question).

CTW: Any final thoughts on Yokoto’s success?

TO: Yokoto’s success is deeply personal. Both Nishimura-san and I am proud of what we’ve built but remain focused on the future. Yokoto is more than just a company. It’s a testament to the fact that two friends with a vision, a bit of risk, and a tremendous amount of hard work can create something that stands the test of time.

CTW: Thank you for your time, sir.

TO: It has been my pleasure.

As Yokoto expands into new markets and explores the latest gaming innovations, one thing is clear: the company’s legacy is far from complete. With Okahara and Nishimura at the helm, the gaming world can only expect more exciting developments on the horizon.