Gashapon, ガシャポン, are vending machine containing small plastic capsule-toys. You know the one that you find in front of super markets or in Arcade rooms!
The word “Gashapon”, also written “Gachapon”, is a combination of two terms, or rather onomatopoeia: “Gasha”(がしゃ) for the sound made by the crank handle when being turned, and “Pon”(ぽん), for the noise of the falling capsule. In Japanese “Gachagacha” (がちゃがちゃ) literally means “clatter”, while “Pon” would be close to “plop” in English.
The first machines were imported from USA in 1965, but before the brand Bandai decided to commercialize it in 1977 throughout the whole country, it was still a low squalled success. Since then, Japan witnessed an absolute change. More makers decided to enter the marketplace, new variety of original toys were introduced, in particular copyrighted characters, which helped the popularization of this unusual device. Today this market represents tons of money and many shops are specialized in selling that kind of products. In Japan, Gashapon are part of the landscape, however, Akihabara remains the expert in the subject.
Today I would like to introduce you to an impressive display of savoir-faire with a shop called “Gachapon Kaikan”
When one first steps into this so-called “Gachapon meeting hall”, it is difficult to remain impassive. This shop, or rather should I say “temple”, is an incredible place where almost 500 machines line up in a fairly small space. Plus, in order to fulfill the expectation of a seasoned clientele, the reserve is being restocked nearly every month. The gargantuan amount of toys in all kinds possesses, in addition, a wide diversity of products. Whether it is figurines, food samples, toys, cards, key holders or even sweets, the process is always the same: it’s a “blind purchase”. You never know what’s in there, and I personally think that this feature makes it even more exciting! Don’t you think so? Ok, it can be frustrating sometimes too, especially when you get the same item three times in a row ^^.
Unexpectedly the quality is quite remarkable for goods with a price range of 20 to 500 yens for the regular ones (The price goes higher when it comes to collector ones). Made out of high-grade plastic and featuring nice details, they are neither seen as mere toys nor as by-products. On the contrary these are fully-fledge element of the Japanese modern Pop culture. For some collectors, Gachapon became authentic pieces of a nostalgic past, which is why, you may find ridiculous prices… If that is your thing, “Gachapon Kaikan” will be your headquarter ! Many old/rare figurines can be found in this little boutique so if you visit Tokyo, do not forget to stop by !
Address : Akihabara Gachapon Kaikan, 3-15-5 Sotokanda,Chiyoda-ku, Tōkyō
Website :
http://www.akibagacha.com/The opening hours : 11:00〜19:00
Telephone : 03-5209-6020
If you liked this article, do not forget to share and comment on the section below !
Comments