What is gachakatsu?
05/18/26: This was one of the blog posts I wrote for a job interview. As such, the tone of voice is very promotional and may not reflect my full opinions. Regardless, there weren't any other English pages about the topic so I'm sharing it here.
Following the popularity of oshikatsu (ζ¨γζ΄») in the pandemic years is the new capsule toy trend gachakatsu (γ¬γγ£ζ΄»). Gachakatsu combines gachapon (γ¬γγ£γγ³ capsule toys) and katsudou (ζ΄»ε activity), and refers to the activity of collecting, storing, and displaying capsule toys. This isn't just a hobby for kids; with the wide range of gacha collectibles available in what is known as the 5th capsule toy boom, gachakatsu is also popular with adults and teens.
All images obtained from harajuku-pop.com.
The 5th capsule toy boom (5欑γ«γγ»γ«γγ€γγΌγ go-ji kapuserutoi buumu)
From 2022 to 2023, gachapon exploded in popularity for the fifth time in Japan. As detailed by TRANS, reasons for the resurgence of gachapon include:
- Increase in gacha specialty stores: Because gacha machines don't take up much space and don't need an active operator, they can be set up without much expense. Thus, gacha specialty stores became more common during the COVID-19 pandemic as vacant buildings became available due to business shutdowns.
- Higher quality collectibles: Gacha toys were usually sold at Β₯100~Β₯200 until the 90s, when costs increased to Β₯300~Β₯500. Now, it's even possible to find gacha that sell at Β₯1000 or above. With the higher cost came higher quality and a wider range of collectibles.
- Online gacha: There are now services that allow customers to play gacha online and have their prize be delivered directly, making the activity more accessible.
- Cashless payment methods: Many gacha machines no longer require customers to carry around coins. Using electronic payment is convenient and allows for the products that don't fit traditional 'capsules' to be sold in gacha.
- Variety of gacha collectibles: There are a wide range of products available, including figures, accessories, acrylic goods, rings, plushies, and flat items such as cards and posters.
- Gachakatsu: Showing off gacha displays on social media has driven the popularity of capsule toy collecting further. Everyone wants to present their cute collections!
Gachakatsu display methods
Gacha toys are small and compact, so it's easy to carry and display them wherever you go. Two popular display methods are the gacha filled pouch (γ¬γγ£θ©°γγγΌγ gachatsume poochi) and the acrylic carabiner (γ’γ―γͺγ«γ«γ©γγ akuriku karabina). A small plastic pouch allows you to display loose items together without worrying about damage. Likewise, an acrylic carabiner lets you show off keyring collectibles fashionably and securely. The gachakatsu Instagram tag, with over 54k posts, features both of these methods extensively.
Popular display trends include:
- Absolute maximalism: Stuffing the pouches to the brim and attaching an excessive amount of keychains to the carabiners.
- Theme coordinating: Displaying objects with similar colors or themes cohesively.
- Oshi matching: Using objects that match the image color of your oshi (favorite idol or character), and attaching acrylic stands or keychains of your oshi to the pouch or carabiner.
With the resurgence of gachapon in Japan and the pandemic popularity of oshikatsu, collecting and displaying gacha toys cutely has become a trendy activity as well. It's inexpensive and fun to coordinate, so you can try it regardless of where you are!