Where Stars Are Born: In The Arcade

Satoshi Tsumabuki, 16, stepped into an arcade in the Japanese city of Yokohama one Saturday afternoon and left it with a shot at becoming a star. His means of propulsion: Japan's newest electronic game, Star Audition. Tsumabuki had merely deposited $2.30 into the slot of the arcade game, stepped behind the red flap, and had his photo taken reacting to a series of situations posed by the machine to test whether an aspiring performer has what it takes to make it in show business. Tsumabuki is now in talks with national talent agencies about landing an acting role. "I was so lucky," says the slim, telegenic teen with a dark tan and sharp features.

Earlier this year, one Japanese electronic hit, the Tamagotchi egg, swept the world by appealing to youngsters' desires to raise a pet. Now Star Audition plays off another basic human urge--to pout and pucker before a camera in the hope of becoming a star. So far, Japanese wannabe stars have made more than 3 million tries at finding Lady Luck through the gaming arcade since Star Audition debuted in September. Rather than take on the chore of writing resumes, sending photos, and making demo tapes, Japanese teens are happy to pay a small sum for a chance at fame. The game produces a scorecard, with three photos and a grade, which aspirants can send to designated talent agencies when the audition ends.