The Story Behind the Gashapon Machines: A Surprising Journey

Gashapon machines, those colorful capsule vending machines filled with surprises, are a cultural phenomenon that has captivated collectors and curious people around the world. But where did they come from and how did they become so popular? Join us as we discover the fascinating history of Gashapon machines.

 

🧠 What is Gashapon?

The name "Gashapon" comes from the combination of two Japanese sounds: "gasha," which imitates the sound of turning the machine's knob, and "pon," the sound of the capsule falling into the container. This term describes both the machine and the toy it dispenses.

 

🛠️ The First Steps: Ryūzō Shigeta's Innovation

Although toy vending machines were not new, it was in 1965 when Japanese entrepreneur Ryūzō Shigeta installed the first Gashapon machine in his Penny Shokai store, located in the Taito district of Tokyo. Shigeta, affectionately known as the "Grandfather of Gachapon" (Gacha-gacha Oji-san), introduced a key innovation: encapsulating each toy in a plastic capsule, offering a surprise and collectible experience.

 

📈 Bandai's Expansion and Popularization

Although Shigeta laid the foundation for Gashapon, it was Bandai that revolutionized the industry in 1977 by trademarking the name "Gashapon." Bandai introduced figures based on popular franchises like Kamen Rider and Ultraman, elevating the quality and price of the capsules. This strategy appealed to a wider audience, from children to adult collectors, cementing Gashapon as a cultural phenomenon in Japan.

 

🌍 Global Expansion

Over the years, Gashapon has crossed borders. Today, machines can be found in countries all over the world, from the United States to Spain, offering a variety of products ranging from anime figures to everyday items with a creative twist.

 

🎯 Why Are They So Popular?

The magic of Gashapon lies in the surprise. When you turn the knob, you never know what figure or item you'll get, which generates excitement and encourages collecting. Furthermore, the wide variety of themes and the quality of the products have made these machines an accessible and fun way to obtain unique items.