Fans snag toys and nostalgia as Japanese claw machine craze hits Maryland
Briefly

The article highlights the booming trend of claw machine arcades in the U.S., with a focus on Meow Claw in Rockville, Maryland. Co-founder George Xie, inspired by Japan's multistory arcades, aims to provide a unique experience filled with Asian-themed prizes, which distinguishes them from traditional American arcades. Xie's background as a Chinese immigrant and his vision of reshaping entertainment in the neighborhood through these claw machines represent not just a business venture but also a cultural exchange embracing Japanese and Asian media.Families, like Jess Smith and her daughter Genevieve, enjoy the excitement and camaraderie that these arcades offer, signaling a shift in recreational preferences.
"I'm trying to bring this experience to our neighborhood," Xie said in his roughly 1,000-square-foot store, inspired by his visits to Japan's multistory claw machine arcades.
George Xie, Meow Claw's co-founder, illustrated the concept, stating, "Claw machines in Japan, known as UFO Catchers, saw a resurgence in the 1980s, driven by innovative toys and video games."
Read at Washington Post
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