In 1998, the release of Dance Dance Revolution resuscitated the dying arcade industry by challenging often shy, introverted gamers to compete in dance competitions on top of neon platforms in front of eager fans. Yoshihiko Oto and his team of developers premiered the game in Tokyo, and it quickly took the country by storm, with DDR fanatics lining up in queues for their chance to compete. The game was then released in America, where it became a massive global hit, popular for its dedicated fan base, and the social interactions it spawned between users.

Though the arcade scene in the West has since died down, it Japan it still thrives, especially at the Konami Arcade Championships, which invites DDR gods from around Asia to compete in front of teeming audiences for their shot at #1.

In this episode of VICE Gaming Specials, host Nick Norton examines the loyal and seemingly everlasting DDR scene in Tokyo, following the characters who brought it to life and those who continue to hit “Perfect Scores” while also looking at the revival of the arcade genre.

Check out Waypoint: VICE's Guide to Gaming http://bit.ly/2f7pKGM

WATCH NEXT:
SuperHyperCube: The RetroFuturist VR Game 7 Years in the Making http://bit.ly/2fXPZmV

Click here to subscribe to VICE: http://bit.ly/SubscribetoVICE

Check out our full video catalog: http://bit.ly/VICEVideos
Videos, daily editorial and more: http://vice.com
More videos from the VICE network: https://www.fb.com/vicevideo
Like VICE on Facebook: http://fb.com/vice
Follow VICE on Twitter:   / vice  
Read our Tumblr:   / vicemag  
Follow us on Instagram:   / vice  
Check out our Pinterest:   / vicemag  
Download VICE on iOS: http://apple.co/28Vgmqz
Download VICE on Android: http://bit.ly/28S8Et0