Gashapon (aka gachapon), are small, plastic globes made of clear or colored plastic (or both) that can be opened and contains a small toy or prize, sometimes along with a collector’s guide. A gashapon machine is a large transparent tank that contains a supply of gashapon and sits atop an apparatus that deposits one globe randomly at a time for a set price. Each gashapon machine usually features an assortment of prizes revolving around a single concept or theme, and display them on a guide attached to the front of the machine. For instance, a machine may feature something like erasers shaped like a variety of baby animals. Gashapon originated from Japan, but gashapon machines can now be found throughout Asian countries, often outside of convenience stores or toy stores.
The novelty, abundance and relatively low cost of gashapon make them popular amongst both tourists and natives. When I was a child, I loved gashapon and insisted on trying every machine I could find whenever I visited my relatives in Asia. Even as I got older, I never really grew out of the habit, and I still get excited at the sight of a gashapon machine (much to my family’s dismay (｡￫∀￩｡)), which is why I decided to name my blog thetravellinggashapon! Keep reading to learn how to use one of these machines!
1) The idea behind gashapon machines is that you can’t choose which prize you want- it’s randomized!- so make sure you check the guide on the front of the machine so you can assess your options! The machine pictured contains sushi keychains.
2) To obtain a gashapon from a machine, place the indicated number of coins into the slot. This machine requires 3 coins.
3) Turn the knob until the coins disappear into the machine and/or the resistance of the knob slackens.
4) The capsule should slide into the little hollow carved into the machine (it kind of looks like a large coin return chute).
5) Open up the gashapon to see which prize you got! Sometimes the capsule will also contain a guide that shows all of the prizes that the series features.
Gashapon machines yield so many different prizes! I’ve attached some photos of my own collection of gashapon. If you decide to start collecting them too, you’ll be able to see for yourself how amazingly detailed and unique they are!
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