Gashapon Day

What Is Gashapon Day?

August 8th is "Gashapon Day" in Japan. The date comes from the numeral "8" resembling two stacked capsules from "Gashapon," the capsule toy machine first released in 1977. It was established by Bandai Co., Ltd.

Named for the Day with the Most "Circles" of the Year

Gashapon machines dispense a random toy inside a capsule when you insert a coin and turn the handle.

• Origin: the "8" is read as two overlapping circles, evoking the image of stacked capsules
• Another reason: the date is also said to be the day of the year with the most numerals resembling "circles" (capsules) lined up together
• History: since its debut in 1977, the toy has changed shape over the decades while remaining beloved across generations

The Sounds Behind the Name "Gashapon"

The name "Gashapon" comes from onomatopoeia combining "gacha," the sound of turning the handle, with "pon," the sound of the capsule dropping out. The thrill of not knowing what you'll get is one reason the toy has stayed popular for so long.

Tips for Marking This Day

• Check out a nearby gashapon shop or corner
• Try your luck with a capsule toy that catches your eye
• Think back on the capsule toys you collected as a kid
• Look up the latest gashapon releases for your favorite characters

A Small Capsule Holds a Treasure Called Excitement

The thrill of not knowing what's inside never really fades, even as an adult. August 8th is a day to rediscover the big excitement packed into a small capsule.