What is a Gachapon Machine?
Gachapon is a machine that dispenses figurines of favorite anime characters, key chains, and other items. These machines are a popular attraction at theme stores and cute character cafes.
The machine works just like a gumball machine: insert coins, twist the crank, and watch as your capsule toy pops out!
What is a Gashapon Machine?
In Japan, you’re bound to see rows of brightly colored, coin-operated machines stocked with small capsule balls containing toys and keychains. These machines are called gachapon, and they’re one of the country’s most beloved cultural exports.
The first gachapon machines opened in front of neighborhood sweet shops in 1965, and they quickly became a hit among Japanese children. Today, Gashapon Machine the machines are used nationwide to dispense trinkets for both children and adults. There are more than 360,000 gachapon in the country, and they generate 200 million USD a year. The machines are manufactured by Bandai, and new gachapon are released monthly.
Gachapon are a good example of Japanese monozukuri, or the principle that products should be made with high quality and craftsmanship. The capsule toys, trinkets, and keychains are often very detailed and well-made despite their low price. Additionally, the Japanese culture values cute and adorable things, which is why you’ll find a wide variety of gachapon ranging from anime characters to miniatures of famous buildings.
You can find gachapon at a variety of locations, including supermarkets, department stores, and even some restaurants. The easiest way to spot them is by looking for the red banner that reads “Gachapon!” If you want to plan ahead, there are websites that list locations of individual machines and categories. They’re also common at airports and other public spaces.
What Can You Get in a Gashapon Machine?
The word Gachapon combines the Japanese words for cranking a toy vending machine (“gacha”) and the sound of capsule toys landing in a tray (“pon”). These machines are filled with everything from popular licensed characters like anime, video games, and idols to kawaii (cute) home goods, animals, food, and even household appliances and electronics. The variety of items is part of what makes these machines so appealing, especially for children. There is no guarantee what will be inside, and some people become obsessed with playing until they get their favorite item.
Many of the small figures dispensed from these machines are related to anime or manga, and some are also from nostalgic old series that remind adults of their childhoods. There are also non-character products based on things that are unique to Japan, such as traditional food, architecture, or folk crafts.
Some machines can also dispense trinkets, such as key chains, card game items, and mix-and-match figurines. The quality of the items is usually very high, owing to the fact that Japan is a culture that values craftsmanship and the process of “monozukuri” (creating something from nothing). These small toys are a fun way to add some excitement to your day, and they can be quite addictive! They are also a great way to relieve stress or anxiety, as the risk-taking element can be therapeutic.
Where Can You Find a Gashapon Machine?
The gachapon machine is one of Japan’s most beloved pop culture exports, with new sets released monthly. Whether you’re into anime, manga, idols, video games, or esoteric everyday items, there’s likely a set that’s perfect for you. And of course, there’s also the thrill of not knowing what you’ll get each time you crank the handle.
In general, you’ll find gachapon machines in places that draw large crowds of people. These include shopping malls, main train stations, restaurants and convenience stores. You can purchase the toys and trinkets from them by inserting coins or tokens until you reach the amount listed, then cranking the handle to dispense your prize. Most machines accept Japanese yen, although some will also accept rechargeable IC cards and smartphone apps for payment.
In recent years, gachapon has become more widespread overseas as well. You can find them in places like South Korea, Taiwan, and China, as well as at stores selling Japanese products. If you’re looking for a way to bring some of that capsule toy magic home with you, there are online retailers that will ship Japanese character goods directly from Tokyo. For example, YumeTwins ships a wide selection of kawaii goodies, from plushies and stationery to home goods and toys. You can check out their site here. Britney Budiman (@booritney) is a writer, minimalist, and aspiring effective altruist with a penchant for saying yes.
How to Play a Gashapon Machine
A gachapon machine is similar to a vending machine, but instead of dispensing food or drinks, it dispenses Vending Machine small plastic toys. The toys are usually based on popular anime characters, but can also be other things, such as animals or food items. To play, you insert coins or tokens into the machine and then turn a knob or lever. The machine will then dispense a capsule, and you will be given one of the toys inside. The contents of the capsule are random, so it is impossible to know what you will get before you start playing.
While the toys are generally made of plastic, some are crafted from other materials such as metal. They are designed to be durable and high-quality, which helps make them more appealing to collectors. Gachapon machines are often grouped by series, and it can be fun to try to collect all of the toys from a particular theme. It is possible to buy sets of gashapon toys, which can be cheaper than buying them individually.
Gachapon toys are a fun way to pass the time, and they can be found in many locations throughout Japan. Some of the most popular places to find them are in shopping centers, such as the famous Akihabara district. They are also available at some souvenir shops.