Gachapon: The Latest Types and Trends

With mystery boxes such as Smiski rising in popularity, why not try your luck buying a cheaper but equally cute mystery item from a gachapon machine? 

Gachapon goes by various names; gacha gacha, gashapon, and gacha are just a few of them! Typically, a gachapon machine contains a themed series with a set number of possible items that can be obtained. To play: Insert your coins, turn the knob until you hear the capsule fall, and collect it from the opening! 

Regular gachapon types

A common toy from classic gacha capsules is the personal marker, also known as a marker charm! These charms come with a rubber ring attached to the clasp, which helps you mark or identify your items. The ring makes it easy to slip onto personal belongings such as water bottles or umbrella handles. However, if you prefer the charm without the rubber ring, you can simply remove it. These marker charms can add joy and personalization to everyday items in your life!

Figurines are another popular gachapon that people love to collect! Anime, famous characters, and animals are some of the standard figurines available. Miniaturized items of almost anything you could think of exist, too! Tiny makeup, food, furniture, and so much more are available for you to take a gamble on. Keychain versions are also prevalent, which allows you to accessorize and makes it easier to carry your gacha around. 

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Flat gachapon

One of Japan’s biggest toy companies, Bandai, has been a leading force in the increased popularity of gachapon. Producing thousands of new gacha every year, they have also created variations of the regular gacha. 

People usually think of gacha as spherical containers containing a mystery toy.  However, did you know that there are also flat gachapon? Recently introduced in 2022 by Bandai, as the name suggests, these gachapon are flat products. Posters, clear files, coasters, and fans are just a few examples of the dispensed items! 

The flat objects produced by these unique gachapon machines are often reasonably practical and usable in daily life. This differs from most regular gacha toys, which are usually for decoration or as accessories. So, if you’re looking to gamble but still make good use of whatever item you get, getting a flat gachapon may be the way to go. These machines are clearly marked as “flat gashapon,” although they are less common than regular gacha machines.

Premium gachapon

One of the reasons gacha games are so popular is their low price point. However, if you believe in spending more for higher quality, be on the lookout for premium gachapon machines. Rather than the usual ¥100-500 ($0.60-3 USD) price range, these gacha are upwards of ¥800 ($5)!

Since its selling point is “better quality,” anime-themed gacha makes up a significant portion of the premium gachapon options. For example, one premium collection will focus on a single anime character. The options you could get would be various poses or style variations of that character. 

Where to find them

Gachapon machines can be found everywhere throughout Japan. Whether it’s in train stations, on the streets, or inside stores, it won’t be hard to find them. However, if you are looking for a specific series or want hundreds of options to browse, visit a gacha store!

One example in Tokyo is the Gashapon Department Store in Ikebukuro, located within Sunshine City Mall. It has over 3,000 gacha machines! This makes it one of the world’s largest gacha stores. Additionally, Sunshine City Mall has numerous attractions, including a planetarium and a museum. This means there is a lot to do once you get your fill of gacha!

In Osaka, the Gacha Gach no Mori Umeda Chayamachi Store has approximately 2,400 gacha machines! It has two floors filled to the brim with gacha and is within a five-minute walk from Umeda Station. This station has a variety of stores to browse and an underground shopping mall that connects it to Osaka Station. 

Another option in Hokkaido is the #C-pla store in Tanukikoji 5 chrome! With around 650 gacha machines, it is one of the largest gachapon specialty stores in the prefecture. 

The pull of gacha

With reasonable prices and a guarantee to win an item, it’s understandable why many young children and adults enjoy the thrill of collecting gacha toys. The mystery and excitement of getting a gacha is an addictive feeling. With so many gacha being made every year, the possibilities are endless! As a result, these trinkets will not disappear anytime soon.

Gachapon capsules make great, compact souvenirs to take home and remember your time in Japan! They are also exciting gifts to bring back for friends and family. With so many gacha capsules available, there is bound to be a gacha out there for you! Which type of gacha would you want to get? Let us know in the comments below!