Bandai Namco will open its flagship Gashapon capsule toy store in Ikebukuro on February 26, 2021. The store will offer a wide variety of capsule toys, including many store-exclusives. The store will also host a campaign on twitter to commemorate its opening, with the chance to win a free Gashapon machine and tote bag. [Thanks, Dengeki!]
With a total of 3,000 capsule toy vending machines, the “Gashapon Department Store” will be the largest capsule toy store in the world according to the Guinness World Records. Along with normal machines, the store will feature “Smart Gashapon,” which will allow you to use cashless payment options and “Premium Gashapon” that offer higher-quality capsule toys. One exhibit in the store will also showcase older machines and offer a timeline explaining the history of capsule toys.
For those who want to plan ahead, the store has a search page that covers all of the capsule toys available at launch. Here are a few notable ones:
Dragon Ball Goku Premium Gashapon
Officially titled Ultimate Luminous x High Grade Series Dragon Ball 01, this recently announced line of Dragon Ball toys is made in collaboration with Ultimate Luminous and High Grade, two Bandai figure brands. The toy can come in three different versions, which are Super Saiyan, Super Saiyan Blue, and Ultra Instinct. Each one has a “Luminous Unit” that lights up Goku’s Kamehameha. The figures will be available in-store for ¥1,500 (about $14).
Demon Slayer Premium Gashapon
At around 7cm tall, these figurines feature popular Demon Slayer characters with a cute design twist. Officially titled Chima! Kyara Kimetsu no Yaiba 1, the first three to launch are Tanjiro, Nezuko, and Zenitsu. A new set of figurines will launch in April 2021. These will be available in-store for ¥800 (about $7.60).
Pokemon Figure Clips
Officially titled Pokemon Figure x Clip 4, these Gashapon figures also double as stationary clips. There are a total of six different figures you can get, including the three starter Pokemon from Pokemon Sword and Shield, Pikachu, Eevee, and Yamper. These figures will be available in-store for ¥300 (about $2.80).
The Gashapon Department Store will officially open its doors on February 26, 2021 and is located on the third floor of Ikebukuro’s Sunshine City shopping mall in Tokyo, Japan. Sunshine City’s open hours are 10am to 10pm, but may vary due to Coronavirus prevention measures. It is going to be the seventeenth Gashapon Department Store to open and will be the largest one to date.
Published: Feb 23, 2021 12:00 pm