To a foreigner, the world of purikura can be confusing and difficult. Hopefully, I will be able to explain how they work, so that you can make the most of your purikura experience. Firstly, a lot of purikura shops are located underground, so even though the entrance is shady looking, most likely, once you reach your destination you will be greeted with a warmer atmosphere. However, if this is not the case, do not hesitate to leave immediately – chances are, this is not a purikura shop.

A purikura shop/place will consist of a paying station, several {maybe even 20 or more} purikura blocks, and a help desk. First, you will need to pay for your photos. Follow the prompts on the electronic screen as you would any other and you will receive a code / ticket. Next, you need to find a purikura block that is not occupied. There are hundreds of different types of purikura, so choose one to suit your tastes. For example, there are beauty blocks {that allow you to apply makeup}, themed blocks {such as space age themed}, and also idol blocks {involving famous Japanese idols}. Most photo booths function the same way, but the difference lies in the editing, so choose wisely.

Once you have picked your purikura, enter the photo booth, and enter your code/scan your ticket to begin the session. The screen will count down to when the photos are being taken, so just make sure you are ready and give your best smile. There are normally six shots in one package, so do a different pose and don’t worry about how you look, the purikura will greatly modify your face anyway.

After the photos have been taken, exit the photo booth and move around your purikura block to the editing station. If you can’t read Japanese, don’t worry! First, you will need to select a theme for your pictures {within the themed block}. This theme will set the background and determine what stickers, phrases and stamps are available to you. Once this is done, you will need to confirm by clicking the orange button. As a ground rule, the orange button is to confirm, and the non-orange is to deny. Edit your photos by applying stamps or phrases, using a stylus. Two people can edit at once. Remember to act quickly, as you only have a limited amount of time to add things to all six of your photos {around 250 seconds}.

Once you have finished editing, you are given a series of options for layout, and number of purikura. The higher the number of purikura, the smaller your photos will be. Therefore, I really suggest only doing this in pairs, though any number up to four should be okay. Choose a layout that appeals to you and click next {orange button}.

Now that you have chosen the number and layout of your purikura, move along to the final part of the block. It will have no curtains around it, just a screen and a slot. If you want, you can enter your email address {only if you have a Japanese carrier} to receive digital images. So, I suggest doing this with a Japanese person so you can have multiple copies. Then, your purikura will be printed.

Collect the purikura and head to the help counter. There will be several pairs of scissors there. Cut along the dotted lines and give out the purikura. They will be relatively small, so store them in a safe place, like your wallet until you get home. Just a reminder, this guide is purely based on my experiences, so some purikura places may differ. Though they can make you look like aliens, purikura are fun and lighthearted. I definitely recommend giving them a try!

As always, below are some new vocabulary words:

-H