Gachapon is an iconic capsule toy dispenser that appears almost at every corner in Japan’s busiest streets. These collectable goods known as “Gacha-Gacha” are iconic for a reason, it is originated from a vending machine which dispenses capsule toys that can be kept as a decoration or collectable souvenir.

In the recent years, these creative collection toys have attracted attention among adults and travellers, Japanese animation film fans even collect gachapon of their favourite characters as souvenirs. Let’s dig down and explore further on these little magical capsule toys.

 

 

The History

Gachapon was created in 1965, by a company called Penny Shokai who imported vending machines from America. Back then, you only have to insert 10-yen coins and the machine will dispense a cheap capsule toy and candy.

Initially, these toys were made of cheap quality plastic that do not last a long while, however, these days the quality have improved tremendously as people usually collect them as souvenirs.

 

 

Where Can You Find It?

Gachapon are often seen in the city, or at some local convenience stores in Japan. These little toys may bring back some childhood memories that are embedded as a part of the Japanese culture. Recently, there are a variety versions of Gacha-gacha that are sold, it is quite popular among foreigners.

In some popular places in Japan like Harajuku, you will find 100s of these Gachapon machines almost everywhere you look. Visit "Gachapon Kaikan" in Akihabara to enjoy more than 500 of Gachapon machines.

 

 Photo: Flickr

 

 

How to Use Gachapon

 

 

Gachapon machines are quite simple to use, but you may want some guidance particularly if you don’t read Japanese. Usually, there are pictures of the different selection of toys displayed on the machine.  There is no guarantee that you will get your top pick, but half of the thrill of gachapon is the unknown factor.

 

 

You can simply insert the correct amount of coins and spin the machine to the direction of the arrows. Turn it a few times until the capsule toys fall down, just reach in and grab the toys. There is usually a basket for disposing the capsule nearby. Now, let’s have a look at different varieties of Gachapons.

 

 

 

 

1. Anime Characters

 

Photo: Amazon.co.jp

 

Animated characters is one of the main reasons why people collect gachapon when they visit Japan, there are a variety of characters and different figures that can be found in these capsule toy machines.

Some iconic characters such as Sailor Moon, Pokemon, Totoro and many more. Disney characters are also very popular in Gacha Gacha. Including Mickey Mouse, Disney movie princesses, these characters are being developed in various prizes.

 

Photo: Hobby.dengeki 

 

 

2. Animal Figurines

 

Photo: Amazon.co.jp

 

Figurines of animal can be found at capsule toy machines in Japan as well! Some cute animals such as Shiba Inu and cat figurines are particularly adorable, people usually collect them because of their love for these animals and not to mentioned that is it super cute! You can use them to decorate your desk at work or add as adorable touch to your home space.

 

 Photo: twitter/Shirotanu0821

 

 

 

3. Food Keychains

 

Photo: kogose.blog5.fc2

 

Fake food is another type of gachapon that is particularly popular among tourists. Japan is known for their fun and creative way to make your life more enjoyable, and this may be one of them. They even have some small food model attached to a keychain that can be found at gachapon toy machines.

The adorable miniature size is just hard to resist, there is  miniature keychain versions of ketchup, Karashi and even Japanese omelette. The food look so good you might even want to give it a try! 

 

Photo: gamedrive 

 

 

4. Fuchico on The Cup

 

 Photo: Flickr

 

One of the successful series of gachapon, Fuchico on the Cup, this is said to have changed the world of Japanese capsule toys. After its launched in 2012, these unique gachapon toys that are not the usual keychains or magnets has taken over Japan.  Fuchico is a tiny office lady that sits on the edge of your cup as a decoration.

The figurine was designed by Katsuki Tanaka. From the idea to get rid of the usual boring food pictures on social media and make it more interesting. Fuchico was an instant hit; it was sold millions and to this day it is still all over Japanese social media.

 

Photo: Flickr 

 

 

5. Edge of The Cup Series

 

 Photo: Flickr

 

Followed by the success of Fuchico, PUTITTO are a series of 'edge of the cup' figures. There are anime characters like Pikachu, Osomatsu-san and Golgo 13, as well as animals and people. This recent pigmy hippo collection was just too adorable to let go. The details are just amazing for its miniature size. Something to impress the guests when you have them over!

 

 Photo: kitan

 

 

6. Takara Tomy Arts

 

 Photo: Takaratomy-arts

 

“Takara Tomy Arts" manufactures and sells toys. They have a large selection of items with great quality, the miniature series that creatively reproduces the real thing, such as "Super-ripe Pasco bread miniature squeeze" and "Katsushika police 24 o'clock! Thorough pursuit” are also popular.

 

 

Places in Japan That You Can Find Gachapon

Tokyo and Osaka

 

Photo: share-style

 

If you visit Tokyo, you most definitely have seen gachapon machines in places like the train stations or at arcades. The city has numerous locations with capsule toy machines, but there are two main locations that you can find all kinds of gachapon, they can be found in Akihabara and Tokyo Station.

These places are known for its anime, manga and electronics toys, you can find these machines simply by walking down the street. If you are looking for a place that is packed with capsule toys, visit Akihabara Gachapon Kaikan, this store has all kinds of toys and you might find yourself hanging in there longer than you should! 

 

Photo: wikipedia

 

Nipponbashi is also a popular shopping district in Osaka that you can find many capsule toy machines around the area. They have plenty of anime and manga toys that will draw you in. You might want to consider visiting these places if you are a gachapon collector.

 

The Rest of Japan

 

Photo: president

 

Capsule toys can be found almost everywhere in Japan. From train stations, shopping centres to local convenience stores. Usually, you can find plenty at Yodabashi Camera, an electronics and homeware equipment store that are located all over Japan.

They usually have gachapon machines located in the front and inside of the store. Sightseeing information centres are also great places that usually have capsule toy machines where you can find interesting and cool region-specific items. It is a great gift to bring back as souvenir for friends and family.

 

 

Sources:

Icotto

Matcha-jp

 

Photo:

Unsplash