Japanese capsule toy brand GASHAPON rules world as largest of its kind

GASHAPON, a toy capsule brand by Japanese toy manufacturer Bandai, is now officially recognized as the largest capsule toy brand in the world.

Toy capsules are like a small vending machine that dispenses toys. The concept was imported to Japan in the mid-60s, and the toys have become a super popular item throughout the country.

They've become a big pull for tourists too.

To use the capsule toy machine, you simply insert a coin and turn the rotating lever. Then, a toy sealed in a capsule comes out.

Bandai entered the capsule toy market in 1977 with GASHAPON. The name derives from the sound it makes as you turn the handle (i.e. GASHA) and capsule being dispensed (PON).

One of the things that made GASHAPON so popular is the sheer variety of products. Currently, they place over 120 products into the market every month.

Upon receiving the official certificate, Yusuke Takiguchi, an Executive Officer at Bandai, said: "All the work that our predecessors have put in in the past 48 years, to continue making attractive products, have resulted in this record. So I'm overjoyed with the outcome."