It analyzes why pachinko is often legally categorized as "amusement" rather than "gambling" in Japan, which historically downplayed issues of addiction and connections to organized crime.
It uses cultural identity theories (such as those by Stuart Hall and Homi Bhabha) to explain how the characters navigate their "foreigner" status in Japan.
This paper is available through the International Journal of English Literature and Social Sciences (IJELS) . Reader Perspectives
The paper examines the "Zainichi" Korean community's struggle with identity, ethnic prejudice, and the profound sense of dislocation experienced by characters like Sunja and Noa.
It explores the historical development of the game, its immense commercial success, and the social consequences of its addictive nature.
You can find the abstract and full details via ResearchGate or Taylor & Francis . Literary & Historical Analysis
If you are researching the novel Pachinko , the paper offers a deep dive into the immigrant experience.
“Pachinko has a low initial stake; can stimulate visual and aural senses... and can seduce players into continuous play.” ResearchGate · 17 years ago