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Article Title: The Gachapon Business Model: How the Element of Surprise Is Transforming Retail

Joel Fukuzawa
3 min readOct 26, 2023

Gachapon, the capsule toys that originated in Japan, have captured the imagination of people worldwide. It’s not just Japanese tourists anymore; visitors from Taiwan, Hong Kong, and even further afield are mesmerized by rows of Gachapon machines. The question is, what is it about these simplistic toys that makes them so universally appealing?

First and foremost, Gachapon toys offer an impressive array of thematic variety. Be it designs influenced by popular anime and manga or items reflecting traditional Japanese culture, the diversity ensures that everyone can find their perfect “egg.” This not only enhances the commercial value of Gachapon but also broadens its appeal across different cultures and age groups. But the real clincher is the ‘element of surprise.’ Not knowing what you will get until you open the capsule adds a layer of excitement to the Gachapon experience that is simply irresistible.

In an age where consumers are increasingly looking for unique experiences, businesses have started to incorporate this ‘element of surprise’ into their sales strategies. For instance, a vending machine in a Tokyo suburb specializes in frozen Wagyu beef. The catch? You won’t know which cut of beef you’ll get until it drops into the collection tray. After inserting…

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Joel Fukuzawa
Joel Fukuzawa

Written by Joel Fukuzawa

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