Welcome to the vibrant world of Japanese gachapon! In Japan, where toy enthusiasts of all kinds find a haven, capsule toys called gachapon take center stage. These iconic toy dispensers bring simple and affordable thrills that hold a special place in our hearts. Treat yourself to the joy of gacha experience as we learn about these Japanese capsule toys' colorful and ever-so-addictive world!
- Japanese Name: ガチャポン (Gachapon)
- Type of toy: Capsule toy
- Also known as: Gashapon, Gacha Gacha, Gacha
- Fun fact: The capsule vending machine was invented in America
WHAT IS GACHAPON?
A gachapon is a miniature toy that comes out of a capsule vending machine. It’s commonly known as capsule toys because it comes in cute and colorful capsules. These toys are popular in Japan and people sometimes call them Gashapon, Gacha, Gacha-Gacha, or Gashakoko, depending on where you are or who made them. Each machine contains a set series of toys, where each one is a surprise. You never know which one you’ll get, and that’s where all the fun is!
WHY IS IT CALLED GACHAPON?
First things first, let’s dissect the name — gachapon! It’s a word that imitates sound, literally; “gacha-gacha” is the onomatopoeic word for the rattling sound a vending machine makes as you turn the crank, and “pon” describes the popping sound when the capsule drops. It's almost like the machine happily announces, "Your surprise is here!"
GACHAPON OR GASHAPON?
You might come across another term – gashapon. What is the Japanese word “gashapon?” It sounds similar to gachapon because they’re practically the same! The difference is that gachapon is the general Japanese name for capsule toys. On the other hand, Gashapon is the official trademark registered by the toy and game company, Bandai Namco.
GACHAPON HISTORY: WHO INVENTED GACHAPON?
Japan may be the ultimate vending machine nation, but it wasn’t the inventor of the gachapon vending machine. It started in the United States and was made originally for gumballs. In 1965, this machine made its way to Japan, and the concept of adding small toys in plastic capsules was developed by Bandai! Naturally, it became a hit and by the 70s, they were all over the place.
As more people got into the fun, gachapon kept growing. They started adding toys with famous characters to serve as collectibles. Even famous companies like Bandai and Sanrio entered the capsule toy market. You’d find these capsule toy vending machines not only in arcades and candy stores but also in tourist spots, offering local goodies. Fast forward to the 2000s, and there are stores filled with dozens of gachapon machines!
HOW DOES GACHAPON WORK?
Using a gachapon machine is a piece of cake! First, choose the series or theme you like. They’re usually displayed in front of each machine. Then, simply insert a coin, turn the crank, and voila! Your capsule toy will be dispensed to the machine’s tray. If you don’t have a coin ready, no worries, because some gachapon even have an electronic payment system!
WHAT CAN YOU GET FROM A GACHAPON?
Now, let’s talk about the awesome things you can get from a gachapon! While the regular toy vending machines you’d find in the West usually offer toys for kids, gachapon is way cooler! You won’t get some random, cheap stuff. Instead, you’ll have high-quality, limited-edition goodies related to your favorite pop culture things. It’s not just for kids; collectors of any age will enjoy a gachapon!
What’s inside these magical capsule toys covers a wide range of things – it doesn’t matter if you’re into anime, video games, kawaii stuff, or even just quirky everyday items – there’s a gachapon for you. Gachapons can be filled with tiny figures and charms featuring your favorite characters like Demon Slayer and Kirby. You can also snag cute accessories, food-themed collectibles, and even miniature household items! The fun part? You might not know exactly what you’ll get!
UNIQUE GACHAPON TOYS
Along with the countless creative designs of gachapon toys, there are also tons of weird and interesting ones! A rubber pencil pouch that looks like a real banana, mechanical shrimp and crab claws, mini CCTV, and more! In 2022, Bandai even introduced the Flat Gashapon, which as the name says is flat and not in a round capsule. This way, you can get flat prizes like cute folders up to A4 size.
Another unique gachapon prize is the Muscle Chopstick Rest. Though chopstick rests are common in Japan, this one is shaped like a very macho muscle builder. When you place your chopsticks, it looks like the mini figure is lifting them. There’s also the cute series, Animal Bathroom in Groups, where animal figures are in a urinal. You can collect all the designs and line them up. Honestly, there are too many interesting gachapons and it’s impossible to mention all of them!
FUCHICO ON THE CUP
One of the most popular item in the quirky category is the gachapon series “Cup no Fuchico” (コップのフチ子) or Fuchico on the Cup. This capsule toy series started in 2012 is not your typical keychain or magnet. It’s a mini figure that hangs on the edge of your cup! Manga artist Katsuki Tanaka created this tiny office lady named Fuchico who’s in different poses like stretching, dancing, or hanging her legs. She’s here to make your cups way more interesting. This little cup companion is a big hit, selling millions!
WHY IS GACHAPON POPULAR IN JAPAN?
Gachapon fever has swept through Japan, captivating the hearts of locals and tourists. And why is that? Well, the magic lies in the element of surprise as you wait to see which toy you will get. Plus, each gachapon toy is not just any toy – it’s a masterpiece! Through the years, gachapon has contained interesting and cute collectibles that are made for everyone, kids and adults alike!
WHERE CAN YOU FIND A GACHAPON?
These delightful machines can be found in various places all over Japan, from toy stores and arcades to shopping malls and even convenience stores. Some unique gachapon installations can also be found in themed restaurants and cafes, tourist spots, and even train stations! Gachapon adventures are waiting for you everywhere across the country.
TOKYO: GACHAPON HEAVEN!
Did you know that Tokyo is considered the capsule toy heaven? It has special spots like Akihabara and Shinjuku, the gacha-centric locations. There’s the Akihabara Gachapon Hall which houses multiple floors filled with gachapon vending machines. Tokyo Gachapon Street inside Tokyo Station is another cool spot to grab unique gacha treasures! In addition, Gashapon Sky Shop opened in the domestic terminal of Haneda Airport.
There are also small shops in Tokyo where you can sell your gachapon, and someone else can buy it second-hand. It’s like a gachapon swap! At these spots, you get to choose the exact toy or character you want. This is a great idea when you want to collect a gachapon series and you’re missing a specific design! Just keep in mind, the prices may go up or down based on how popular each character is. You’ll find a bunch of these shops in Nakano Broadway.
THE WORLD’S LARGEST CAPSULE TOY STORE
To prove that Tokyo is a gachapon heaven, the world’s biggest capsule toy store can be found in Ikebukuro! The Gashapon Department Store Ikebukuro in Sunshine City is not the first, but is definitely the largest! It features a whopping 3,000 capsule toy machines under one roof! Anime figures like Pokemon, realistic food replicas, and even tote bags are up for grabs. This store is the flagship store of Bandai’s Gashapon nationwide!
WHERE CAN YOU BUY GACHAPON?
If you’re not in Japan but want to get your hands on a gachapon surprise, worry no more! Gachapon machines have made their way through various countries, so keep an eye out in places like specialty toy stores, arcades, or even some Asian markets. What’s more, you can even get gachapon online! Blippo offers a wide selection of gachapon toys, allowing you to browse, choose, and have them delivered right to your doorstep!
There you have it, Japanese culture fans! It’s time to set out on your own capsule toy adventures! Whether you’re in Japan or dreaming from afar, you can always find a way to start your gachapon collection. So turn that crank and let the gachapon fever begin!