Gashapon machines were a very big part of my childhood. I remember begging my parents for S$1 just to try my luck at the Gashapon machine. It’s hard to walk past one and resist the urge to just give it a go. Good news for Gashapon lovers, Gashapon Bandai is opening its first ever official shop in Southeast Asia on 16 March 2023 at IOI City Mall in Kuala Lumpur.
In case you’re wondering what’s the hype surrounding these machines – well, It’s kinda like unboxing and collecting POPMART figurines. The toys come packed inside these little capsules – “blindbox style” – and you’ll have to crack them open in order to know which character you got.
Speaking from personal experience, these machines will appeal to your competitive trait, in that, you’ll feel even more compelled to try again just to get the character you want. Funnily enough, that’s also part of the whole appeal of these machines, coupled with the thrill of opening the capsules not knowing what to expect is also why people (like young me) get hooked onto Gashapons.
Bandai is a renowned Japanese toy manufacturer and distributor, most famously known for their capsule toys. If you thought walking into a POPMART store was exciting, wait till you check out this Gashapon store.
The shop is lined with over 300 machines and will feature some of the brand’s latest range of figurines. There’s plenty of options available, you’ll be spoilt for choice just choosing which machines are most deserving of your tokens.
You’ll be able to find some figurines from your favourite anime, manga, and tokusatsu at the store in Selangor. Some of the popular names include Spy x Family, Pokémon, Doraemon, Jujutsu Kaisen, One piece, and more.
Not into the whole anime craze? There’s also a selection of kawaii figurines like the Sanrio, Sumikko Gurashi, and Blanc Blanc Miffy. You can even find a selection of Donburing, which are miniature (non-edible) figurines of Don Buri, or Japanese rice bowls.
Potterheads will be delighted to know that you’ll be able to find some Harry Potter figurines here too like the Flying Car and the iconic Honeydukes Express trolley. Other acrylic collectibles spotted here include the Honda Super Cub 50 collection and the Animal Orchestra, amongst many others.
Tokens can be purchased from the counter at RM5 each. The store has different types of Gashapon machines with the normal range priced between RM15 to RM35, and the premium range priced between RM35 to RM125.
Can’t get enough of the blind box craze and want more? Head down to Gashapon Bandai Official Shop’s and indulge in a Gashapon shopping spree the next time you find yourself in KL!
Gashapon Bandai Official Shop
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????Lot L3-217, IOI City Mall Phase II, Lebuh IRC, IOI Resort, 62502 Putrajaya
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