New capsule toy specialty store opens at Osaka's main airport

A specialty store dedicated to capsule toys, known as “GACHA MATSURI,” designed around the concept of a traditional Japanese “festival,” has opened its doors on the 4th floor of Kansai International Airport’s Terminal 1 building.

The new capsule toy specialty store officially opened on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, as part of an ongoing renovation project.

Capsule toys, or “gacha,” were initially introduced to Japan from the United States by Penny Shokai (currently Penny) in 1965.

As such, 2025 marks the 60th anniversary of their introduction to Japan, with commemorative celebrations commencing on February 17th, designated as “Gacha Day.” Penny’s parent company, Takara Tomy Arts, previously known as Eugene Co., Ltd., entered the capsule toy market in 1988.

2025 is the 60th anniversary of the introduction of capsule toys to Japan

Since then, the company has been involved in the planning, manufacturing, and sales of capsule vending machines (gacha machines) and the toys contained within them for over three decades. Their capsule toy brand, “Gacha®,” has become widely recognized and enjoyed by individuals of all ages and genders.

Takara Tomy Arts and Penny initiated the installation of gacha sales areas in airports nationwide in 2016, specifically targeting foreign tourists.

Takara Tomy and Penny have installed gacha machines in many airports, such as these in Tokyo’s Narita Airport

At Kansai International Airport, a total of 285 gacha machines (capsule vending machines), containing 570 boxes of toys, were installed across seven locations, including the domestic departure and arrival floor on the second floor of Terminal 1 and the international departure lobby of Terminal 2, beginning in 2017.

Sales figures at these locations significantly exceeded the company’s average at that time. Although sales experienced a temporary decline due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they have demonstrated a steady recovery in line with the recent resurgence of inbound tourism.

In addition to these existing sales areas, a new gacha specialty store, “GACHA MATSURI,” has been established within the commercial zone on the 4th floor of Kansai International Airport’s Terminal 1 building, as part of the ongoing renovation efforts.

“GACHA MATSURI” is a specialty store conceived through a collaborative effort between Takara Tomy Arts and Penny, with the objective of “providing a festival-like space, available throughout the year, at the gateway to the Kansai region, for the enjoyment of customers from both Japan and abroad.”

The store is home to 155 capsule toy machines

The excitement associated with operating a gacha machine is often likened to the experience of attending a festival.

The store, situated adjacent to the international departure lobby, features 155 gacha machines.

At the store’s entrance, a capsule collection box, designed with a motif incorporating lanterns and offering boxes, which are essential elements of festivals, is present.

When five empty capsules are deposited into the box, a projector displays fireworks onto the ceiling, creating a visually impressive display.

Returning 5 empty capsules to a dedicated machine will project a special “firework” animation onto the stores ceiling

To add to the festive atmosphere, the store’s staff wear original happi coats, and various other festival-themed elements are incorporated throughout the store’s design.

Celebrating its 60th anniversary in Japan this year, gacha has evolved into a recognized component of Japan’s cultural heritage.

Through “GACHA MATSURI,” the aim is to provide an entertainment space where not only the appealing products contained within the capsules, but also the act of turning the handle of a gacha machine itself, can serve as a memorable souvenir.

Source: PR Times