GLAY’s 30th Anniversary Marks First-Ever Gashapon Debut
Adorable “Machibouke” Figures Fulfill a Decade-Old Promise, Capturing Hearts of Fans Worldwide
Japan’s iconic rock band GLAY, celebrating the 30th anniversary of their official fan club “HAPPY SWING,” is making their highly anticipated debut in the world of Gashapon. The first series, titled “Machibouke GLAY,” features charming deformed figures inspired by a heartfelt promise made by vocalist TERU ten years ago. These collectible figures will be sequentially released across Japan from the third week of January 2026, priced at 500 yen (tax included) per capsule.
The “Machibouke” series, known for its endearing pose of characters patiently waiting, perfectly encapsulates the spirit of TERU’s famous declaration during GLAY’s 20th Anniversary live: “I want to hold a 30th-anniversary fan club live in Venice! TAKURO, JIRO, HISASHI, staff, TOSHI, please let me hold a live in Venice!” This playful yet earnest sentiment, a shared dream among fans, is now immortalized in these 5cm-tall figures, each member posed as if waiting for that special Venice concert.
The lineup includes all four band members, each with their signature instrument:
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TERU (Figure + Stand Microphone)
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JIRO (Figure + Bass)
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TAKURO (Figure + Guitar)
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HISASHI (Figure + Guitar)
Each figure is meticulously crafted, capturing the essence of the band members in a “kawaii” (cute) style. Imagine these miniature rock stars, instruments in hand, patiently awaiting their grand Venetian stage. It’s a delightful blend of rock ‘n’ roll legend and adorable Japanese collectible culture.
These figures will be available at Gashapon Bandai Official Shops, toy stores, mass retailers, electronics stores nationwide, and through the online shopping site “Gashapon Online.” For those eager to secure their set, “Gashapon Online” will begin sales from January 14th (Wednesday) at 13:00 JST, with deliveries expected around late February.
For more details on the product, visit the official Gashapon product page:
https://gashapon.jp/products/detail.php?jan_code=4582769936258000
To purchase via Gashapon Online:
https://parks2.bandainamco-am.co.jp/item/PRE_4582769936258.html
GLAY: A Legacy of Rock and Innovation
GLAY, originally formed in Hokkaido in 1988 by TAKURO (Gt.) and TERU (Vo.), solidified its current lineup with HISASHI (Gt.) in 1989 and JIRO (Ba.) in 1992. Since their major debut in 1994, the band has consistently set records in CD sales and concert attendance, maintaining its position at the forefront of the Japanese music scene.
The band’s 30th anniversary, spanning 2024-2025, has been marked by extensive activities under the theme “GLAY EXPO,” culminating in grand finale lives at Tokyo Dome on May 31st and June 1st, 2025, and Kyocera Dome Osaka on June 8th, all met with immense success. In December 2025, their 63rd Single “Dead Or Alive” achieved an unprecedented 30 consecutive years in the Oricon Weekly Single Ranking Top 10, setting a new historical record. A visual work capturing their 30th-anniversary dome lives, “GLAY 30th Anniversary GLAY EXPO 2024-2025 GRAND FINALE,” was also released. Looking ahead, GLAY is set to embark on the “HIGHCOMMUNICATIONS TOUR 2026 “GLAY-complete BEST”” with 16 performances across 15 locations nationwide starting March 20, 2026.
GLAY Official Website: https://www.glay.co.jp/
GLAY Official Fan Club “HAPPY SWING” Website: https://www.glay.co.jp/feature/fanclub
The Ever-Evolving World of Gashapon
Gashapon, a registered trademark of Bandai, has been a vibrant part of Japan’s capsule toy market since 1977. The name itself, derived from the “gasha” sound of turning the handle and the “pon” sound of the capsule dropping, perfectly captures the thrill of discovery. With over 120 new products introduced monthly, Gashapon has evolved beyond traditional coin-operated machines, now supporting various payment methods and expanding globally with official shops since 2021. This constant innovation led to “Gashapon” being recognized by Guinness World Records as the “World’s Largest Capsule Toy Brand” based on global annual sales in 2024.
The “Machibouke GLAY” series exemplifies how Gashapon continues to innovate, turning beloved music icons into accessible, charming collectibles. For fans, it’s a tangible piece of GLAY’s history and a playful nod to a cherished band promise. For those new to GLAY, these figures offer a whimsical introduction to the band’s unique charm, potentially sparking new fandoms. This collaboration not only celebrates GLAY’s enduring legacy but also showcases the global appeal of Japanese “kawaii” culture, proving that even rock legends can embrace their adorable side.
Find Gashapon stores near you: https://gashapon.jp/shop/gplus.php
Learn more about Gashapon Online: https://parks2.bandainamco-am.co.jp/gashapon.html
