Gachapon (capsule toys)

"Gachagacha" or "Gachapon" refers to toys that come in capsules and can be purchased from vending machines in arcades, karaoke venues, and some shops and restaurants.

There are various types such as small figures, assembly toys, pins, wristbands, small bags, and car toys.
Typically, these "gacha" are based on popular franchises, movies, and games in Japan, and the themes and designs are changed regularly.

Gacha is very popular in Japan and can be seen in many places, as mentioned earlier. The price range for each toy is set between 200 yen and 500 yen (approximately £1.8 to £4.5 / $1.4 to $3.5). The most common gacha is 300 yen (about $2.7 / £2). Gacha priced at 500 yen is less common and tends to be larger in size or of higher value.
People who like gacha often want to obtain them in sets, and it can take a very long time and cost a lot to collect them all.
I have spent over 2000 yen (about $18 / £14) on a Doraemon set. I managed to get three different toys on my first try, but it took many attempts and a lot of time and cost to finally get the last type of toy and complete the set.
Since I ended up with duplicates, I gave spare ones to a relative who was a fan of the series, but the fact that I was so obsessed with collecting all types that I couldn't control myself remains unchanged.

The popularity of gacha is increasing year by year. In this digital age, it is only natural for gacha to enter the digital market as well. Many games, apps, and other free games have started adding digital vending machines to their titles, allowing players to unlock special items, characters, elements/features within the game. Of course, this is a smart investment. Digital gacha works the same as regular vending machines, where you always pay to obtain digital items to enhance character abilities or use for other purposes.

Of course, you can choose to ignore it and not be troubled by gacha, but for collectors and those interested in toys and games, it is difficult to prevent oneself from trying to collect another set or obtain the necessary set. There are, of course, other alternative options for collectors. Many online shops tend to sell at the same price range (excluding delivery/taxes). There are also shops in Akihabara and Nakano Broadway that sell entire sets at reasonable prices. Some shops may charge more than double the original price, but instead of gambling at the vending machine until you get the toy, you can get what you want in one go.

I don't particularly recommend trying gacha for those who like to collect sets and can't control themselves, but I definitely recommend it for those who enjoy it as a lovely souvenir from Japan or like to use objects in creative photography. Part of the photo above.

Personally, I enjoy collecting various types of gacha, taking photos, and conveying stories through those photos, or making them look like some sort of impersonation, but that's just one of my hobbies.