Darts in Japan

iDarts Club, a futuristc darts-bar chain started in Japan

VegaDarts is focused on bringing the best quality Japanese darts and accessories to the world. Not many non-Japanese dart players are aware that darts is so popular in Japan in the form of soft-tip electronic darts. While the Japanese certainly did not invent soft-tip darts, they have perfected it.

Unlike steel tip, Soft-tip darts and their corresponding machines can utilize new technology to continually improve the player's experience. Automated scoring is the first thing that comes to mind. Although calculating scores are part of the British tradition, the time required to rapidly compute scores and memorize checkouts may intimidate new players from partaking in the sport. Soft-tip dart machines have a variety of other advantages, like large LCD screens that show scores and stats and back-lit dartboards that are easy to see in a dimly lit bar.

Japan's "DartsLive" system is pushing the concept of infusing 21st century technology with a traditional game. A DartsLive2 machine has far more features, functionality, sound, and graphics than the latest Medalist Darts Machine (the latest being the Spectrum Elite).

DartsLive is an interconnected online network that spans across Japan, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. DartsLive unites dart bars across Asia with the technological benefits of the Internet. Players purchase a DartsLive card that has a variety of features:

-Ability to store cash to use in dart machines
-Webcams built into the machines that allow you to play an opponent across the globe
-Automated sensors that detect whether or not the player is across the throw line
-Statistics, including averages, win percentages, and many more, that can be viewed online (there is even an iphone app that allows dartsLive users to view their stats)
-System-wide rankings that facilitate the organization of in-person tournaments
-History of where you played

Dartslive stats can be viewed on the computer or mobile phone

Below is a video from the DartsLive YouTube channel of a match between two top-ranked players. If you are unfamiliar with soft-tip darts, the bullseye is often programmed to count as 50 points, regardless of whether or not it hits the single or double bull. Since the bullseye is a larger target than the treble 20, most soft-tip players shoot for bullseye. Also, in soft-tip darts, the player does not have to double out, and can checkout on a single, double, or treble. Therefore, it is easier to record high averages in soft-tip darts, so games usually count down from 701 or 901 instead of 501. Additionally, players alternatve between '01 and Cricket in a single match adding variety to the game.




DartsLive is an enourmous success. Japan's DartsLive website lists over 700 bars and clubs that feature DartsLive machines. Many of these locations feature ten or more machines. Ikebukuro's Taito Darts Stadium features an astounding 55 DartsLive machines.

L-Style Lippoint

We can say with confidence that L-Style's Lippoint are the best soft-tips on the market. Although they are a bit more expensive than traditional soft-tips, they last on average 3-4 times longer, meaning that they are great value and players will spend less time replacing their tips and more time shooting!

Additionally, these tips are less likely to bend and stay straighter, resulting in more consistent grip and accuracy.

Lippoint secures seamlessly to the barrel, resulting in a smooth feel.

L-Style Hard Lip Conversion Point

Japanese dart manufacturer L-Style's new Hard Lip conversion points are designed for easy transitions for players who play both hard-tip and soft-tip darts. These conversion points are made from carbon fiber and weigh exactly the same as normal plastic soft-tips but are nearly indestructible.

Every set of Hard Lip comes with six points.

The Hard Lip are quite sharp. During my testing, I had no problems with the tips penetrating the board. Since the carbon material has more friction than most steel tips, they gripped the bristle much tighter than traditional steel tips.

L-Style's Hard Lip are perfect for dart players interested in throwing their set of soft-tip darts on a bristle board with the same grip and feel as soft-tip. In addition, the Hard Lip do an excellent job in sticking to the board and are less likely than normal conversion points to bounce-out.

Hard Lip is offered in two different lengths at VegaDarts.com.

Dynasty A-Flow Twin Flame Kiyama Premium Edition

Don't let the long name prevent you from trying Dynasty's A-Flow line of darts. Dynasty is a new barrel manufacturer from Japan that focuses on top-end quality darts with precise grip and balance. Pictured below is the Twin Flame Kiyama Premium Black model. Unlike the standard model, the Premium Black model is coated with a sleek black coating giving the barrel a smooth and satisfying feel. The barrel is 16.5 grams, but feels slightly heavier due to its balance.


The darts are nicely packaged and come with high quality Laro SilentSpin Shafts and durable dee.Flights.

The Twin Flame is an incredible 95% tungsten and its unique look and feel surely helps justify its $130 pricepoint. Although Dynasty, along with other Japanese barrel manufacturers, are relatively unknown outside of Japan, their quality in machining and attention to detail is above and beyond top-quality dart manufacturers, such as Unicorn, Winmau, Target, or Puma.

Introducing Flight-L by L-Style

Available at VegaDarts.com:


VegaDarts.com brings you the highest quality flights available on the market today. Unlike traditional paper flights, Flight-L are molded from high-quality plastic and always snap to a 90-degree angle allowing for the perfect flight trajectory in every throw.


Although these flights cost a bit more than traditional flights, they are far more durable - some customers have stated that they lasted as much as five times longer than normal flights.


The Flight-L is cleanly packaged so that the flights are never bent in storage or shipment. VegaDarts.com offers the Flight-L in a variety of styles and colors, including standard, kite, teardrop, small, and slim.

VegaDarts.com also offers the L-Case to store and protect the Flight-L.