Gashapon toys are small, high quality toys in colorful round plastic capsules sold from vending machines in Japan which are similar to the trinkets sold in vending machines located in US supermarkets and shopping malls. The word "Gashapon" is derived from the sound made by the machine when you operate it to win your prize(Gasha-Gasha). Bandai, Yujin, and K&M are the most popular companies manufacturing these items in Japan. Gashapon usually come in 3 different price ranges. 100 Yen (Usually some kind of super-deformed version), 200 Yen(Bandai HG and HGIF series) (Yujin SR series) and 300 Yen(Usually diorama type figures). These are great collectibles! We have seen prices for early Godzilla and Ultraman sets go for more than $300.00 on Yahoo Japan Auctions with bidding on all Gashapon strong. Here in the states, Gashapon figures have become really hot. So have fun and enjoy collecting Gashapon!! Collecting Tips: Make sure that you get and save the small descriptive booklet included with each Gashapon toy. Many Gashapon collectors consider a set worth much less without these booklets. In Japan, some dealers sell the booklets. Another cool Gashapon collectible is the original display placard or "daishi" that is inserted in the front of the gashapon machine to advertise the gashapon inside. These come 1 per case of Gashapon and are obviously rare. For maximum collectiblility, they should be left sealed in their original plastic bags. (I think this is ridiculous because I like to display my Gashapon and the plastic bag is nothing special). The plastic capsule itself does not seem to matter much because they are very common. |
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