Celebrating 60 Years of Gacha Gacha Fun!
First imported from the USA in 1965, “Gachapon” capsule toys have grown into a cultural phenomenon beloved not just in Japan but by overseas visitors too. To commemorate its 60th anniversary in Japan, the “Gachapon Exhibition in Roppongi” is being held at the Roppongi Museum from Friday, February 6th to Sunday, March 2nd, 2026.
The event features 13 domestic manufacturers and 5 creators, who are showcasing their representative works. Beyond just displays, you’ll find explanatory materials on the product development process and actual machines you can try, making it fun for everyone from kids to adults.
During the event, a “Gachapon Exhibition Grand Prize” will be awarded based on votes from fans who visit between February 6th and 16th. This lines up nicely with “Gacha no Hi” (Gacha Day) on February 17th. (Just a note: this is a prize specific to this event, not for the entire capsule toy industry).
And the star of the show? The world’s first “giant vending machine-style Gachapon machine“, “Gachaemon“, making its debut! This incredible machine, born from a desire to deliver new excitement to users, is a must-see embodiment of the Gachapon dream.
This report covers the press preview event, which even featured popular comedian Go☆Jas! Plus, we’ll take a photo-filled look at the 13 uniquely creative participating companies.
◆ What’s the Current State of Gachapon Goods?
The “Gachapon Exhibition” held last July at Marunouchi Building Hall was a dream-come-true event for Onio Katsuhiko, Representative Director of the General Incorporated Association Japan Gachapon Association. He had long wanted to hold a big event for the 60th anniversary and finally made it happen.
This “Gachapon Exhibition in Roppongi“, starting February 6th, 2026, is the second iteration, bigger than last year. It adds “IKIMON” and “BENERIC” to last year’s roster of manufacturers, each displaying their distinctive goods.
Sixty years ago, Gachapon machines were small and typically a simple, cute red color. Back then, items cost around 20 yen and were simple, uncolored molded trinkets. By the 80s, 100 yen became the standard, and now prices range from 200-300 yen, with some luxurious items even costing several thousand yen.
Current trends fall into about four categories: “Character goods from anime, movies, talent,” “Art toys created by designers,” “Ultra-small miniatures,” and “Variety goods with unique ideas.” The 13 companies exhibiting at this event all shine with their own character, showcasing items you’ll definitely want to see. You could easily lose track of time just gazing at each one.
So, let’s introduce each exhibitor one by one! (In Japanese alphabetical order).
IKIMON Corporation
True to its name (“Ikimon” means “living things”), this company focuses on goods spotlighting creatures and nature. Strong in natural sciences, they realistically model marine life, fungi, minerals, and more, blending academic fields with entertainment. Their代表作 include the “NATURE TECHNI COLOUR” series.
Qualia Corporation
Representative Director Ogawa Yuuya is from the Gachapon maker “Kitan Club“, which influences their unique lineup reminiscent of Kitan Club’s hit “Koppu no Fuchiko“. Their代表作 is “Neko no Penoki” (Cat Pen Stand). Other series include “Kampou no Nuigurumi” (Chinese Medicine Plush) and “Kyousei Sousa Gasaire! Stand Figure“.
K-T Station Corporation
This manufacturer entered the market after developing the world’s first paper capsule “eco-pon” made from starch and pulp. The booth displays Kikkoman’s “Soy Sauce Strap“, Del Monte miniature collections (ketchup, etc.), and miniature mascots of menu items from sandwich house “Märchen“.
Ken Elephant Corporation
Aiming for items adults want to collect, they mainly handle art toys and art-design accessories from creators. Their代表作 is the furniture miniature series “Karimoku60 MINIATURE FURNITURE“. Others include “Ito Junji Goods” and “CASIO Historical Calculator Miniature Mascot“.
Stand Stones Corporation
Handling a wide range from character goods to art toys and miniatures. Their代表作 is the “Animal Attraction” series combining “creatures x gems”. They also have series like “Onemutan” (sleepy anime characters) and “Puchibreak” (goods featuring anime characters in a cookie-like design).
Tarlin International Corporation
A Gachapon brand that captures users’ hearts with unique ideas for pouches and charms. Their range is broad, from practical items like the miniature instrument series “Kiramekki Gakki Crescendo“, vegetable-shaped shopping bags “Yasai Bukuro“, and “Fukuramu Mochipouch“, to the classic miniature motor train series.
Toys Cabin Corporation
A toy maker that quickly made the trendy “Shigoto Neko” (Working Cat) into figures and became a topic. They have many original character figures, like the fully transforming “Tamakero” (from tadpole to frog mode), the popular crab-tank hybrid series “Kani Sensha“, and precise miniature car series.
Toys Spirits Corporation
A manufacturer strong in miniatures with a focus on gimmicks. They have items like “Hontou ni Rokuon Saisei! Portable Game Machine Mascot” with recording/playback functions, “Hontou ni Rokuon Saisei! Ano Koro no Rusuban Denwa“, and “Hontou ni Tsukureru! Die-cast Z! Kakigoori Machine” that actually makes mini shaved ice.
Bushiroad Creative Corporation
A group company of Bushiroad that renewed its business as “Bushicap!” in 2025. While handling many anime and game characters, they also release unique items like “Sanchokusou! Oshiringo” (apples shaped like butts) and “Neko Curling” combining cat figures with curling.
Kitan Club
The manufacturer that gained attention with the boom of “Koppu no Fuchiko-san“. Their unique perspective is shown not just in original characters but also series like “Series Ikiru” where characters from Kinnikuman and Street Fighter II bow down in apology, and “Neko no Kaburimono” you can actually put on your cat.
Studio Sota (SO-TA Corporation)
A toy maker focused on art toys. Beyond Gachapon, they also release box toy versions of Gachapon items. Their代表作 is the hit series “Tsumugibako“. With built-in joint mechanisms, you can enjoy action-style displays.
Brightlink
A Gachapon maker with the motto “Creating the craziest things!“. They release items like “[Snyaiper]” (a cat sniper), “Zettai ni Uchiotosu [Katori Senkou]” (mosquito coil incense + tank), and “[Futebute Panda] -Futoku, Airashiku-” packing a panda’s defiant cuteness.
BENERIC Corporation
While their core business is store operations like “JUMP SHOP” and “Kirby Cafe“, their Gachapon lineup includes many staple series: the frog-type powered suit “KERONEN” series, bobblehead “Shaky! Bubble Head Doll” series, and “Puka Puka” series of penguin and seal figures that float in water.
◆ Go☆Jas’s Memorable Gachapon: “Musha Gundam” & “Kinkeshi”
Popular comedian Go☆Jas appeared as a guest at the press preview. Celebrating the 10th anniversary of his YouTube channel “Go☆Jas Video“, Stand Stones released the “Go☆Jas Video 10th Anniversary Assort Collection“. This Gachapon series includes items like the “Go☆Jas Mask“, which works as a PET bottle marker accessory and a mask for figures, and fun assembly kits with rotating gimmicks.
Go☆Jas, who says he’s loved Gachapon since childhood, collected “Kinkeshi” and “SD Gundam” figures as a kid. His favorites were the Kamen Rider figures you could put on bikes. His treasure is a die-cast figure from the Kidou Senshi Gundam (Mobile Suit Gundam) series, which he brought with him to Tokyo when he moved there.
When first approached by the manufacturer about making his own Gachapon goods, he thought it might be a prank! Nevertheless, he poured his heart into the project. He’s even preparing a second round in the future.
Also at the venue is the world’s first vending machine-type Gachapon machine, “Gachaemon“. Developed by Sanden Retail System Corporation, you select a product, insert money, turn the huge lever, and the item drops from above. The machine is full of details, from the feel and sound of the lever to the mechanism that requires you to turn it. It also supports cashless payments.
Normally, Gachapon machines are limited by capsule size and the number of coins accepted. With rising material costs, manufacturers constantly balance costs during development. However, “Gachaemon” can sell larger items not restricted by capsule size and offers more flexible pricing, making it a machine with great future potential.
As a side note, there once was a vending machine called “Cosmos” that thrilled kids in the Showa era. While structurally different, the ability to handle richer items than standard Gachapon opens up new dreams for both users and makers.
The exact locations for future installations are still being planned. For now, why not visit the “Gachapon Exhibition in Roppongi“, its sole current location? The event runs until Sunday, March 2nd.
You can follow Go☆Jas on X: @Gorgeous55555
Event Overview
■ Gachapon Exhibition in Roppongi
■ Period: Friday, February 6, 2026 – Monday, March 2, 2026
■ Hours: 10:00 – 20:00 (Last entry 19:30)
*First day and weekends/holidays are all-day timed entry.
*Last day: 10:00 – 17:00 (Last entry 16:30)
■ Admission: General 1,500 yen, High School 1,300 yen, Junior High & Below 1,100 yen
《Kigasawa Masashi》
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