Have you ever heard of gashapon? The capsule machines, very popular in Japan, have won over the world with the simple game of inserting a coin, turning the crank, and receiving a random toy surprise. The combination of anticipation and luck is so effective that gashapon are loved by both children and adults, especially collectors.
In this article, we will explore the spectacular culture of gashapon, discussing its history and the specialized types that exist. Additionally, we will discover some curiosities and understand why these machines captivate people all over the world, predominating in stores and galleries.
Table of Contents
What are Gashapon?
The gashapon (ガシャポン) or gachapon (ガチャポン) are capsule machines originating from Japan. The name is an onomatopoeia that combines two sounds: "gasha" or "gacha" (the sound of the crank turning) and "pon" (the sound of the capsule dropping). The concept is simple: insert a coin, turn the crank, and receive a toy or collectible figure.
These machines are popular not only in Japan but also in various other parts of the world. Unlike common toy vending machines found in the West, the Japanese gashapon offer products of much higher quality, especially when manufactured by renowned companies like Bandai, Tomy, and Kaiyodo.
But what makes gashapon machines so fun? The answer lies in the combination of quality, surprise, and limited editions. The capsules often contain highly detailed small figures, often inspired by animes, mangas, and even video games. This mix of expectation and chance is what keeps the fascination surrounding gashapon alive.
History of Gashapon
Although the first capsule machines were launched in Japan in 1965, the trend only became popular in the 1980s and 1990s. Due to the increasing quality of the items released and the improvement of the machines, gashapon became part of Japanese popular culture.
Today, it is common to find these machines in places like shopping malls, train stations, game centers, and even tourist spots. In cities like Tokyo and Osaka, they are even more common, with specialized stores on the theme, such as the famous Bandai store in Ikebukuro, which features various machines of popular characters.
Despite the renowned gashapon market being the standard, there are collectors who seek rare and specific items. Have you ever imagined finding a capsule of Hatsune Miku or a rare character from One Piece?
Types of Gashapon
Sure, not all gashapon are simple miniatures inside a capsule. There are different models that make the experience even more fun. Shall we check out some?
Blind Boxes
The concept of blind-boxes has gained popularity in recent years. These toys come in sealed packaging, instead of capsules, maintaining the surprise factor. They are sold in both specialty stores and vending machines, offering a variety of themes.
Bottle Cap Figures
bottle cap figures are another interesting example. These figures have a in the shape of a bottle cap and are especially collected by fans of themed drinks and popular franchises.
Specific Topics
There are also gashapon specific to famous characters like Gundam, Pokémon, and elements of Western pop culture. Some complete sets, such as the Kula series, are extremely rare and highly sought after by collectors around the world.
Conclusion: The Fascination of Collectors
Gashapon are known for their incredible quality, especially those made of PVC. Some have intricate details in the paintings and moldings, which makes them extremely valuable. Collectors can pay a high price for specific pieces, especially if they are from limited or rare editions.
Although it's normal not to end up with duplicate pieces, many fans still enjoy the experience of spinning the wheel and relying on luck. For those who don't like the dog part, there are stores that sell complete collections, but for the majority, the dog part remains part of the fun.
Meanwhile, in Japan, each gashapon costs between ¥100 and ¥600, providing you with the experience of original figures to modern models. The popularity of gashapon is not limited to Japan; the phenomenon is popular worldwide. Have you ever been lucky enough to play with one?
