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.