Every nation has a distinctive characteristic; in Japan, some of the unusual items people buy are called gachapon or gashapon. It's nearly hard to live in Japan and not notice gachapon, even if you're not interested in toys or games. These plastic capsule toys are a common sight, filling up a lot of gachapon machines that are everywhere in Japan. Read on and discover how Bandai gachapon tale over the japan toy culture!

What is Gachapon?

Gachapon or gashapon refers to both the machine and the capsule-encased toys, which gained its name from the sound the machine makes as the toys pop out. "Gacha-gacha" is the sound of the machine handle being cracked, and "Pon" is the sound made as the ball comes out of the machine. The term "Gachapon" originated with these two sounds as a result.

Gachapon, or capsule toy machines, are common in supermarkets, shopping centers, and even on the streets of Japan. These coin-operated machines, which have been a part of Japanese culture for more than 50 years, are stocked with miniature toys, figurines, and other treasures.

Gachapon caters to a diverse range of hobbies for people of all ages, whether those interests are in video games, idols, anime, comics, or strange daily goods. Whatever you're into, the gashapon machine is out there to provide exactly what you need, even if you don't realize it until you actually see it. Although there is no assurance you'll receive what you want on your first spin, there is, of course, a certain amount of chaos in the mix. Yet all of it is randomly enjoyable! You'll just need to be extremely lucky if there is something specific you are looking for in order to receive it on your first try.

History of Gachapon

Ryuzo Shigeta, affectionately known as "gacha gacha Oji-san," introduced gachapon in the 1960s (grandfather of gacha). The concept of encapsulating each toy in the distinctive plastic balls that have come to be associated with gachapon capsule machines is credited to Shigeta, even though toy vending machines have been around since the 1880s. Users could initially only purchase children's toys through the gadgets because those were the only ones that were offered. As time, the choices grew to include things that adults could also find interesting.

Nowadays, practically every country has access to these capsule toy vending machines, which cater to people of all ages. The machines and their capsules were a major success, contributing to their current universal attention level. In Japan, there are close to 360,000 gashapon, and the company Bandai has even registered the name as a trademark. The monthly release of new gashapon increases the appeal and originality of the products.

What is Bandai Co.?

The Japanese toy and video game producer Bandai Co., Ltd. creates a sizable number of plastic model kits (also known as Kabushiki-gaisha Bandai). It is the world's third-largest producer of toys. Following the merger with Namco, a game developer and operator of amusement parks, Bandai is currently run by Bandai Namco Holdings and a component of the Bandai Namco Group. Since the 1980s, Bandai has become the leading toy producer in Japan. The company still holds the majority of the country's toy licenses for well-known franchises like the Super Sentai, Power Rangers, Ultraman, Kamen Rider, and the Daikaiju series.

Moreover, for all types of anime fans, the Gashapon Bandai Official Store is a must-visit destination because it carries all of Bandai's most recent capsule toys, including toys from well-known Japanese anime and manga! The first line of capsule toys from Bandai was released in 1977, making them early adopters of the gacha trend. In search of the newest Sailor Moon, Gundam, Kamen Rider, and Ultraman Gashapon, many ardent Gasha-collectors travel great distances, demonstrating that Gashapon is not just something that kids buy with their allowance. Currently, Bandai produces between 30 and 40 new Gashapon stock collections each month, with popular lines fast selling out.

Why is Bandai Gachapon popular?

Gachapon gained enormous popularity after Bandai Co. trademarked the phrase and started creating toys based on well-known brands. Bandai Co.'s gashapon machines were well-liked despite being more expensive than those produced by rival companies. These gashapon products, including capsule toys, anime merch, keychains, and other objects, are known for their exceptional quality and aesthetic appearance. You can open each capsule to see what kind of things are within. You can open each capsule to see what kind of things are within. Bandai gashapon machines offer collectors a large selection of items to pick from, ensuring the vending machine's popularity. They may be used to purchase anime character sets, unique goods, limited-edition merchandise, and more. Because there is no way to predict what will be in the capsule, customers keep buying more until they finish their favorite set or gather all of their favorite characters.

Naturally, it is alluring to spend only 100 to 500 yen on a tiny toy related to your favorite manga, anime, games, etc., especially since the toys are growing better and better and occasionally only come in small amounts. It's also a great chance to enjoy yourself while spending less money on some unique Japanese gifts and collectibles. The high-quality and frequently limited-edition products are a fantastic way to get a taste of Japan. The distinctively Japanese toys make wonderful gifts and souvenirs to take home.

What can you Get inside Bandai Gashapon Machine?

The Gashapon Bandai Official Shop is a must-visit destination for all types of anime fans because it carries all of Bandai's most recent capsule toys, including toys from well-known Japanese anime and manga! One piece, Spy x Family, Doraemon, Pokémon, and Jujutsu Kaisen are just a few of the well-known names. Of course, there are more items here besides capsules of anime and manga. There are many different kinds of capsule toys, including animals, dinosaurs, and even tiny replicas of Japanese food!

They include series like "Ikimono (alive creatures)," "Cool," and "Variety," so you can look for your preferred capsule toy by genre. A variety of cute figures, including Sanrio, Sumikko Gurashi, and Blanc Blanc Miffy, are also available. Even Donburing, which are tiny (non-edible) figurines of Don Buri, or Japanese rice bowls, are also available. These toys are produced of high-quality plastic that will survive very long, and now since they are frequently collected as souvenirs all over the world, the quality has even greatly improved. In fact, devoted collectors prefer to acquire sets from Bandai gachapon shops because, occasionally, they may receive a better value than when purchasing them separately from a machine.

How to Use Bandai Gachapon?

It's really simple to use the Bandai gachapon capsule toy machine. Don't be fooled by the Japanese text on the machine. The first step is to identify a machine that has what you need. Next, find the pricing, which is on the front left side of the device. Some people just say the price, while others employ red and blue digits. You need as many 100 yen coins as the first blue number indicates and as many 10 yen coins as the second blue number indicates. Most gacha items cost around 300 yen.

Simply place the necessary number of coins in the slot on the right. Turn the machine's center knob once the "gacha gacha" noise stops, and you hear your prize "pon" as it falls. Open the dispensing cover in the bottom left corner, reach inside, and hope you found your gift inside. A circular plastic container holding the toys is made of plastic. Open the cylinder after removing the tape to reveal the toy inside.

Where to find Bandai Gachapon machine?

Any area of Japan is likely to have capsule toys. Because they typically contain multiple machines, tourist information offices, grocery stores, and train stations are some of the best places to look. These locations typically have machines that are region-specific. You can find the machines either within or outside of Yodobashi Camera stores, a network of technology and home goods stores in major cities. Additionally, gachapon sections are frequently found in arcades, which are found all around Japan. Particularly in Tokyo, Akihabara is the center of Japanese otaku culture and is home to numerous gachapon machines.

Specifically, one specialized store that sells only Bandai Gashapon goods is in Tokyo station. All of the new products are available, and 240 different vending machines offer a wide range of products. Inside the store, you can experience Gashapon's true charms, such as Gashapon Station, where you can practice using the empty capsule collection box's "handle operation" and a showcase that features significant goods. You probably won't need to make a special journey to find some gachapon if you're visiting Japan; they'll find you.

Experience the Best of Bandai Gachapon Machines!

Gashapon, also known as capsule toy dispensers, have joined vending machines and high-tech restrooms as one of the trademarks of contemporary Japan. Rows of them can even be seen at Narita Airport, Tokyo's international airport! The Gashapon Capsule Vending Machine is come to revolutionize your house, place of business, or school thanks to Bandai, Japan's largest toy manufacturer! Indeed, Bandai has been active in the gachapon culture since 1977 and is one of the leading producers. They have sold more than 3 billion toys so far. Customers can collect different figures from each series. Gachapon machines are great if you enjoy losing yourself in your imagination and tuning out the outside world. The suspense of not knowing what will be inside the capsule or if it would be a popular choice is a fundamental appeal of using these devices to receive the toys. If you are a true fan of Japanese pop culture, you cannot afford not to have one of them in your living room!

It's Japan Crate Time!

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