Machines selling capsule toys just for a few hundred yen

Varieties range from key chain, Anime figures,

Miniature Bonsai, or even toilet replica

Originally from US, Gashapon has gained great popularity in Japan in 1970s

At that time, the average price of Gacha was 20 yen

In 1977 BANDAI has decided to join the race

And started producing 100yen Gashapon

In 1983, Kinniku-Man erasers became a hit selling 100 million pieces

Nowadays the market size of capsule toy is 40 billion yen

It might not be a surprise but the biggest capsule toy store is located in Japan

The new Gashapon Department Store is located in Ikebukuro Sunshine City

It has a total of 3000 Gashapon machines

Holding the Guiness World Record of the largest capsule toy store in the world

Most of these will cost you 200 yen

But there are also Gashapon with high class toys

Ranging from 800yen to 1500yen

Like for example, the Demon Slayer figurine

On 18th of March, the Gasha Department Store officially broke the Guiness World Record

And we were there to witness it

We were able to talk to the facility producer, Kazumasa Yoshida

And asked him why Ikebukuro was chosen as their location for the world's biggest Gasha store

And what kind of customer do they get?

And what are Yoshida-san's hope for the future?

Now it is time to try some Gasha

Zenitsu

So there is suppose to be Naruto, and that is like my dream come true

This, I want this. I want to get this one

Sakura, no....

Never mind, let's try something else

My last try

Shakuhachi (Japanese flute)

It's also beautiful

It seems that Gasha could bring back some old memories

Ping Pong!

After spending more money than we wanted, it was time to assemble

Some Gasha don't need to be assembled and come in their original form

Like for example, this Bonsai Tree

There are however more challenging DIY models

which let you put together your toy like a LEGO

One of those is also a toilet replica

So realistic -amazing

Once you're done, you can easily get rid of the capsules at the store

As it has a capsule recycling system

where you can drop all the capsules you don't want to keep

so they can reuse them later

Gashapon can be fun for all

No matter the gender or age

Maybe it's a great way to spend a lazy afternoon in case you are tired from all the sightseeing

Even if you're not a fan of Anime, you can also find interesting items

which can be great souvenirs

that always remind you of your time in Japan

Make sure to try it when you visit

OHHHHH! Shamisen!