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For those who are not familiar, a gashapon machine is a type of vending machine found in Japan that dispenses small toys or collectibles when a coin is inserted. Gashapon machines can be found all over Japan and are especially popular with children and collectors.
In this blog post, we’ll take a short history of gashapon machines and how they’ve become such a fixture in Japanese culture.
History of Gashapon Machines
The first gashapon machine was created in 1977 by Bandai, a Japanese toy company. The name “gashapon” is a combination of the two Japanese words “gasha” (which means “capsule”), and “pon” (which means “turn”).
The gashapon was designed by Bandai with the intention of dispensing capsule toys to clients who bought soft drinks from vending machines. However, the idea immediately gained popularity and gashapon machines started to appear all across Japan.
Today’s Gashapon Machines
These machines sprang to prominence in the 1980s as an innovative way for kids to acquire tiny toys and treasures. These machines come in a huge variety today, offering everything from dolls and model cars to keychains and stickers. Even culinary items like eggs and rice balls have been dispensed by gashapon.
Despite the rise of digital entertainment, these machines remain as popular as ever in Japan. In fact, it’s not uncommon to see long lines forming in front of particularly popular machines. For many Japanese people, collecting gashapon is still a cherished childhood pastime.
How Gashapon Machines Work?
If you’ve ever been to Japan, chances are you’ve seen a gashapon device. These capsule toy vending machines are incredibly popular, and can be found all over the country. So how do they work? Let’s take a look.
- Gashapon machines are simple to use. First, you insert your coins into the slot. Then, you turn the knob to dispense your capsule. Once your capsule falls into the chute, it’s yours to keep.
- Each capsule’s contents are unknown, which adds to the pleasure. You can never predict what you will get. In addition to the customary little toys or trinkets they produce, some of these machines also dispense keychains, phone charms, and other collectibles.
In the 1970s, gashapon initially appeared in Japan and soon gained popularity among both kids and adults. Today, gashapon machines may be found everywhere.
Convenience stores, supermarkets, and train stations are a few common places to find these devices. Toys called “gashapons” are often made of little pieces of plastic and packaged in opaque containers.
Many gashapon machines have themed collections, such as animals, characters from popular anime or video games, or food items. Collecting gashapon toys has become a popular hobby in Japan, as it offers a sense of anticipation and excitement with each turn of the handle. Plus, who doesn’t love getting a new toy?
Conclusion
Gashapon machines are a staple of Japanese culture and can be found all over the country. These quirky little machines have been dispensing capsule toys since 1977 and continue to be hugely popular with both children and adults alike. If you find yourself in Japan, be sure to try your luck at one of these unique vending machines.
