Piri Kura: Say Cheese or Throw up a Peace Sign

Pirikura -lets get one thing straight, it is not a pokemon. This misconception might get you a WTF look by  an avid pirikura member. Pirikura is actually a Japanese photo booth and is very popular in Japan. Its kind of like the American photo booth but with a variety of decorations and effects.  Pirikura is  more technology advanced than the American photo booth. American photo booths pictures can be in color or  black and white, at times come with a border decorations. On the other hand, with pirikura you have variety of ways to decorate your pictures-with stamps decorations, a variety of color pens and much more.

The first time I went strolling through Japan town in San Francisco, I went along with my friend Stephanie. I did not want to encounter a forever alone moment so I was happy I had someone to join me. I remember walking out of the crepe place holding my strawberry-vanilla crepe, and straight ahead of me I read a sign saying Pika Pika which is the place you can take pirikura. I could not believe  I missed it, however my friend was kindly enough to comment how I think more with my stomach, but it was ok because not even her can ruin this moment for me.  I was acting like a high school girl all over again. I wanted to go in the photo booth and  be corny as hell  and take pictures with my friend.

 My first experience with pirikura was when I went to Japan. It was amazing. I had a great time just being silly and bedazzling my pictures on the machine with the Japanese students I don’t know if it was the bright colored booth, or the happy music or even just the fact it was a Japanese product; all I had known was that I had enjoyed it. 

When I entered the booth everything was in Japanese, this is when I was grateful for being a Japanese major. However it was not necessary since there were instructions written in  English. The employees there are not only there to help the clueless but they also help in providing change.  

America's Tips of advise:

 1.Remember to be on your guard and be ready to take a picture or else you might end up with your eyes close or in a weird pose.  

      2. Bring cash. (try to avoid the ATM fee because every dollar counts.)

      3. Each machine cost differently. There are booth designed for big groups and small groups so decide wisely. (Sometimes the more expensive the machine is the better the quality)


    5. If you are in a group, splinting the cost will be cheaper. 

     4. Also remember just to have fun with it and think of poses (just standing in front of the camera like your posing for a school picture is not very exiting).

When you finished taking the pictures you can decorate them as you wish  (like the picture above). Oh and something you may not know about is the pictures are also stickers. It  took me five years to figure that one out. You can also exchange them among your friends and use them for decorations.