A New Gashapon Wonderland Unfurls in Omiya: Bandai’s Official Capsule Toy Shop Brings “Waku-Waku” to Saitama!

Bandai’s Official Gashapon® Shop Opens in Hands Omiya, Promising a Treasure Trove of “Waku-Waku” Moments!

Japan’s beloved capsule toy culture is set to expand its vibrant presence with the grand opening of the “Gashapon Bandai Official Shop” at Hands Omiya in Saitama City on April 17, 2026. This dedicated store, a collaborative effort by Bandai Namco Experience and Bandai Namco Amusement, aims to deliver the unique thrill and joy of Bandai’s original Gashapon® brand directly to its enthusiastic fanbase.

The Rise of Capsule Toy Culture and Bandai’s Vision

In recent years, the capsule toy industry has seen a significant surge, with large-scale specialty stores becoming popular entertainment hubs. Gashapon, a portmanteau of the Japanese onomatopoeia “gasha” (the sound of turning a toy capsule machine handle) and “pon” (the sound of the capsule dropping), has become synonymous with miniature collectibles. Recognizing this burgeoning trend, Bandai, in partnership with Bandai Namco Experience for planning and production, and Bandai Namco Amusement for operational expertise, is strategically expanding its official shop network.

This new Hands Omiya location, featuring an impressive 220 Gashapon machines, is poised to become a central point for fans in Saitama. It will not only showcase all of Bandai’s latest Gashapon releases but also offer an exclusive “Gashapon experience” designed to highlight the brand’s unique appeal.

Unveiling the Charms of the Gashapon Bandai Official Shop

The Gashapon Bandai Official Shop is more than just a place to buy capsule toys; it’s an immersive world built around the excitement of discovery. The store is designed to offer a multifaceted experience:

• Comprehensive Collection: It houses all new Bandai capsule toy products, ensuring fans have access to the freshest and most diverse lineup. The official website allows real-time checking of product availability.

• Online Order Pickup: While currently in preparation, the shop will soon offer a convenient service allowing customers to pick up items purchased from the “Gashapon Bandai Official Shop Online Store” directly at the store counter.

• Unique Gashapon Experience: The store enhances the core “gasha-pon” thrill with features like the “Gasha Point Station,” where customers can return empty capsules and engage in interactive activities. Showcases displaying featured products add to the allure, creating a dynamic and engaging environment.

A Glimpse into the Latest Gashapon Treasures

The store will feature a wide array of meticulously crafted and uniquely designed capsule toys, embodying the essence of Japanese miniature collectibles. Here are just a few examples of what awaits:

• Powerpuff Girls Kigurumi Swing: Adorable swings featuring the Powerpuff Girls in unicorn and rabbit kigurumi outfits. (400 yen/play, all 6 types)

• Capsule Flockies Nezumi-kun no Chokki: Fluffy flocky figures from the popular picture book series “Nezumi-kun no Chokki.” (400 yen/play, all 4 types)

  

• KING BLADE Miniature Penlight vol.4: The fourth installment of miniature penlights, perfect for cheering on your favorite idols. (400 yen/play, all 6 types)

  

• Coji-Coji Capsule Flockies: Soft-colored, flocky figures of the charming Coji-Coji characters. (400 yen/play, all 4 types)

  

• Keroro Gunso Machibouke de Arimasu Sono 2: The second series of “Machibouke” figures from “Keroro Gunso,” featuring even more expressive poses. (300 yen/play, all 5 types)

  

• Digital Monster Card Game Acrylic Charm Collection: Relive the glory days of the “Digital Monster Card Game” with these acrylic charms, featuring two-layer printing for a three-dimensional effect. (300 yen/play, all 12 types)

  

• [Flat Gashapon] MLB™ Clear File Collection: Gashapon-exclusive clear files featuring Japanese MLB™ players with unique designs and signatures. (400 yen/play, all 12 types)

  

• Hatsune Miku Happy Jump! Figure: Figures of Hatsune Miku, Kagamine Rin, Kagamine Len, and KAITO with transparent bases, allowing dynamic jumping poses. (500 yen/play, all 4 types)

  

• Narabundesu. Katamari Damacy 2: The second series of “Narabundesu.” figures, featuring the Princes of “Katamari Damacy” in nearly life-size form, perfect for lining up to create a marching scene. (400 yen/play, all 5 types)

  

An Engaging Gashapon Experience

The store goes beyond simply dispensing toys. It encourages interaction with features like the “Gasha Point Station,” a clever empty capsule collection box that lets you physically turn a handle, just like a real Gashapon machine. This playful element ensures that the “gasha-pon” action, the very origin of the brand’s name, remains a central and enjoyable part of the experience.

“For fans around the world, Gashapon embodies that delightful anticipation, the ‘waku-waku’ feeling before each turn of the handle. This new shop is a testament to that joy, bringing beloved characters and unique designs closer than ever!” says a fan of Japanese pop culture.

Grand Opening Campaign: Collect and Earn!

To celebrate its opening, the “Gashapon Bandai Official Shop” Hands Omiya will host a special “Empty Capsule 3-Piece Collection Campaign.” By linking with the Namco App and depositing three empty capsules into the “Gasha Point Station,” customers will receive an original shopper bag.

Download the Namco App here:
https://bandainamco-am.co.jp/others/gashapon-bandai-officialshop/app/

Store Details

• Facility Name: Gashapon Bandai Official Shop Hands Omiya Store

• Location: DOM Shopping Center 5F, 2-3 Sakuragicho, Omiya-ku, Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture

• Business Hours: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM

• Facility Area: 39.4㎡ (approx. 11.9 tsubo)

• Number of Machines: 220

• Official Website: https://bandainamco-am.co.jp/others/gashapon-bandai-officialshop/store/H_omiya/

This new store is set to become a vibrant hub for Gashapon enthusiasts, further solidifying the brand’s role in spreading the unique entertainment value of Japanese capsule toys both locally and, surely, inspiring kawaii culture globally. The continuous expansion of such dedicated spaces suggests a bright future for these miniature marvels, bringing joy and collectible excitement to more fans worldwide.