Not many people might immediately think of a game maker when they hear the name K.Amusement leasing. However, tracing its history reveals that it was a particularly unique entity within the industry. It originally began in 1972 as Suzusei Shoji, a company specializing in foodstuff procurement, rooted in the food and beverage industry. In 1983, when it changed its name to the current one, it simultaneously made a major shift, challenging a completely different field by moving into the sales and leasing of amusement equipment, and entrusted management of arcade centers. The fact that it also operated a financing business was unique, characterizing its bold stance in expanding its business scope.

In 1986, it entered the home video game market by releasing the Family Computer port of SNK's arcade title, Ikari (怒). At the time, porting from arcade to console was not yet commonplace, and this challenge breathed new life into the market. Subsequently, it ported numerous SNK titles to the Family Computer and Super Famicom, playing a role in creating an environment where arcade games could be enjoyed at home. It can be said that the company, going beyond mere amusement equipment and leasing, delivered the “arcade experience” to players through their home TV screens.

Besides its portfolio of ported works, K.Amusement leasing's own original titles are also notable. Koshien, released in 1989, garnered attention as a game themed around high school baseball, gaining enough popularity to be later developed into a series. Works that incorporated distinct Japanese themes within the sports game genre suggest a creativity that transcended the role of a mere porting manufacturer. Furthermore, in 1993, it handled the Super Famicom port of Art of Fighting, whose high quality remains firmly imprinted in the memories of players from that era.

Unfortunately, the game business did not last long. Influenced by the slump in its main leasing business, the company was forced to withdraw after the port of Art of Fighting in 1993. Despite the short period, there is no doubt that it left a clear mark through the home console ports of arcade works and the development of original titles. The unique transformation of a foodstuff company into a game maker, and further venturing into the financing business, makes the company seem less like a mere manufacturer and more like a challenger symbolizing its era.

The history of K.Amusement leasing can be said to be a microcosm of the changes and challenges within the game industry. Its role in spreading arcade culture to homes through ported titles, showcasing Japanese uniqueness with original works, and tackling diversified management alongside its main leasing business, is unconventional yet vivid in retrospect. Should a title bearing its name reappear today, it would undoubtedly make a strong impact not only on long-time fans but also on new generations of gamers.

Here is the software lineup for K.Amusement leasing, a maker involved in various games including arcade ports!