Even if you’re not interested in games or toys, it’s near impossible to live in Japan and not see gachapon. These small plastic capsule toys are a common sight, filling up special gachapon machines that are everywhere in Japan.
But what is a gachapon toy? And why are they so popular? Read on to learn all about what gachapon is.

What is “gashapon”?
Gachapon ガチャポン, also known as gashapon ガシャポン, are toy dispensers that resemble Western toy vending machines. You insert a coin, usually between 100 to 500 yen, and turn the handle to release a capsule. It’s all luck of the draw in terms of what you get, but the toy inside will be a quality collector’s item.
The name itself comes from the sound the machines make. The “gacha” is when you turn the handle and the “pon” comes from the sound of the capsule coming down.
The history of gachapon in Japan
The gachapon machine we know today first came to Japan in the 1960s. A man named Shigeta Ryūzō 重田 龍三 modified an American vending machine so that it would be able to dispense toys encased in a plastic shell.
The popularity of gachapon skyrocketed once Bandai Co trademarked the name “gashapon” and created toys of existing popular brands. Bandai Co’s gashapon machines were extremely popular, even though they were much more expensive than other brands.
What can you get?
As mentioned, the toys inside gachapon are usually desirable collector’s items. Nothing is a guarantee when it comes to the machines though, but that’s a big part of the fun.
Some potential items include mini anime, manga or games figurines, keychains, phone accessories, stationery, and more.
There are some more “unique” toys out there, such as a bouncey ball.
The issue of waste and sustainability
While gachapon are a beloved part of life in Japan, it’s undeniable that they create a lot of plastic waste. The toys are encased in a plastic ball, which is usually discarded. Sometimes there is a basket to place the cases in after you open them. But if there isn’t, they will need to be thrown out with the right type of rubbish.
The makers of these toys are aware of the issue and are making some attempts to reuse the plastic waste. Bandai Co has been recycling empty casings since 2006. In September 2021, the company started a capsule recycle program where they collect empty cases and mix them with new material to produce recycled capsules. And earlier in 2022, the company stated it would begin recycling plastic shells and reuse them for new shells.
Another toy company, the TOMY group, is also attempting to reduce its plastic waste production by creating smaller gachapon cases.

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