How gacha machines work

Gacha (also called gashapon or capsule toys) are vending machines that drop a small toy inside a plastic capsule. You will find rows of them in train stations, shopping malls, airports and stores that sell nothing else. Each machine holds one set, and each turn gives you one item from that set at random.

Using a machine

1. Check the price on the front of the machine. Most cost ¥200 to ¥500 per turn, and the price already includes tax.
2. Put in ¥100 coins, one at a time, until the full amount is in. Most machines only take ¥100 coins.
3. Turn the handle clockwise until the capsule drops. It can take a full turn or two, and it clicks as it goes.
4. Open the flap at the bottom and take your capsule.

Getting ¥100 coins

Large gacha stores have change machines that turn ¥1,000 bills into ¥100 coins. Elsewhere, staff at a nearby counter can usually help. Some newer machines in large stores also take cashless payment; look for a card logo next to the coin slot.

You can't choose which one you get

The card on the front of the machine shows every item in the set. Which one you get is random, so you may get the same item twice. People often trade duplicates with friends, and some buy several turns to collect the whole set.

Reading the card on the machine

• 全5種 means there are 5 kinds in the set.
• 1回 300円 means ¥300 per turn.
• 対象年齢 15才以上 means for ages 15 and over (usually because of small parts).

The empty capsule

Most stores have a recycling box next to the machines for empty capsules. Please use it rather than leaving capsules on top of the machines. Keep the small paper slip inside if you want the list of items in the set.

When new sets arrive

Makers release new sets every week, and stores restock on their own schedule, so a set that came out this month may arrive at a store a little later. Popular sets can sell out fast. Large gacha stores have the widest choice.