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Gacha Gacha Are Japan's Mini Capsule Toys That've Become a Global Craze for Collectors – Start Your Own Collection Today!

Created 12/11/2023 5:18:35 PM in japan | toys |

Gacha Gacha - small cheap limited edition toys that you can buy in small vending machines in Japan - are all the craze among collectors around the world. Is it time to start your collection? Mariam gets her coins ready.




 

Introduction

They're small, but the buzz they create? HUGE!

For those who get a rush from hunting down rare and high-quality toys and the pride of showing them off, prepare for endless thrills with Japan's world-renowned Gacha Gacha toys that’ll keep the adrenaline pumping!

 

 

Tons of Joy in Tiny Capsules!

A man holding a Gacha Gacha just received from a vending machine

Gacha Gacha (ガチャガチャ)  or Gachapon (ガチャポン) refers to the Japanese craze of collecting miniature toys from capsule vending machines. These tiny treasures, often inspired by pop culture, are squeezed into plastic capsules and are a surprise with each purchase.

 

Gacha Gacha machines have transformed from a toy trend into a staple of Japanese culture, spitting out capsule toys that perfectly capture Japan's knack for squeezing maximum fun into minimal space. 

 

Pop in a few hundred yen and out pops a capsule of joy that’s about the size of a golf ball and in the shape of a limited-edition anime character or a handy miniature. Tiny? Yes. But the adrenaline rush of seeking these rare collectibles out is enormous!

 

 

From Humble Beginnings to Global Craze

Gacha Gacha capsules with items inside

Gacha Gacha toys come in small plastic capsules and one of the challenges is to make the toy fit into these capsules.

 

A collection of Gacha Gacha toy cats sitting leaning on everyday items

A Melancholy of Cats All 5 Types Gacha Gacha Set featured on ZenPlus.

 

Launched in 1965, Gacha Gacha machines were once humble vendors of basic toys and sweets. Then 1977 rolled around, and Bandai changed the game, offering high-quality toys at just 100 yen. 

 

Their 1983 Kinnikuman (Muscle Man) erasers were a phenomenon, selling over 180 million in four years and establishing Bandai as a market leader. Since then, the diversity and quality of these toys have evolved to offer an impressive array,  ranging from fan-favorite figures to non-character items like workspace accessories​ and beyond.

 

 

Toy Hunt in Japan

A long row of Gacha vending machines lined up on a street in Japan

Today, you'll find Gacha Gacha machines at every turn in Japan, popping up everywhere from bustling malls to airports, even along city streets. These machines offer a vast selection of toys, with character-themed options being especially sought after. 

 

For die-hard fans, places like Akihabara's Gachapon Kaikan, Tokyo Gachapon Street, and Osaka's DenDen Town are like treasure troves waiting to be explored!

 

 

More Than Just Kid Stuff

Five Gacha Gacha animal figures laying on their backs sleeping

A Sleepy Sleep 5 Types Gacha Gacha Set found on ZenPlus.

 

Think Gacha Gacha is child's play? Think again. The Gacha Gacha craze shatters all expectations – these toys aren't just kid stuff. They've captured hearts across all age groups, with a noticeable popularity among women. 

 

Thanks to iconic series like Sailor Moon and Disney, these toys have broadened their reach to become a global sensation. Bandai's already planted these magic machines across Asia, with eyes set on conquering North America and Europe next!

 

 

Rare Gacha Gacha Awaits: Start Your Collection Today!

Set of five Gacha Gacha toys. Cats standing on their back legs with their front legs crossed like a human

A set of 5 Gacha Gacha cats featured on ZenPlus.

Gacha Gacha toys have stepped out of their Japanese origins and become a global phenomenon. Their successful blend of collectability, the surprise element, and the excitement of acquiring new items resonate with many, securing their place as unique and timeless toys in the international entertainment arena.

 

In this globalized world, enthusiasts from all over can easily collect these small Japanese toys, with online marketplaces like ZenPlus bringing them closer than ever.

 

ZenPlus has been a leader in the industry for nearly a decade, opening doors for shoppers outside Japan to a staggering 5+ million rare Japanese products offered by 3,000 retail stores across Japan.

Set of five Gacha Gacha toys: Uupaluupa, Pomeranian, Lop ear, Dax hund, Boss neko.

A set of 5 Gacha Gacha toys listed on ZenPlus.

 

Among these treasures, collectors can find the much-sought-after Gacha Gacha toys and even the Gacha Gacha machines themselves, promising twice the fun for eager toy hunters.

 

Shopping for Gacha Gacha toys from Japan online is surprisingly easy on ZenPlus. A few effortless clicks and your cart is loaded with rare Gacha Gacha toys. Hit 'order', and the fast delivery flying from Japan to your doorstep will be as pleasantly surprising as the charming Gacha Gacha toys you’ll receive!

 


About The Writer

Meet Mariam - a freelance writer whose heart beats for the captivating world of Japanese culture. She's fascinated by the breathtaking cherry blossom trees, the irresistible traditional dishes and snacks, the timeless fashion, the adorable natural makeup, and of course, the world-famous anime, just to name a few of her passions. Now, with boundless creativity and determination, she aims to deliver the most valuable content for readers to offer them a glimpse into her passions in life.

12/11/2023
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