Way before the Sonny Angel, Smiski, and Hirono blind box and anik-anik craze, Bandai’s Gashapon capsules had already captured the hearts of generations as one of the OG mystery collectibles since the 1990s. With a wide range of categories from video games from the 90s like Tamagotchi to Minecraft, anime like Naruto and One Piece, movies like Godzilla and Harry Potter, characters in Sanrio and Snoopy, and even mundane objects like Nissin Cup Noodles and Spam, collecting these little toys has surely been a joy to people of all ages and tastes.
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Blind boxes may be all the craze now but remember the joy from spinning vending machines to get these mystery capsules A.K.A. gashapons? Well they’re actually made in the Philippines since 2015!
Read more on https://t.co/GbmrGgK17K pic.twitter.com/ueTQgwKV6z
— Tiffany (@tiffany_glz) August 8, 2025
Despite being a popularized souvenir brought from Japan, did you know that 80-90% of these globally known capsules of joy and the machines that dispense them are actually manufactured in Batangas? Since the start of its production in 2015, the Philippines has been exporting between 300 to 400 machines daily, which sums up to 8,000 to 9,000 units each month. The facility is specifically located at the LiMA Technology Center in Lipa City.
“In terms of our quality at tsaka yung craftsmanship ng pagkakagawa ng mga toys namin siguro ayun talaga yung hinahanap nila (In terms of our quality and the craftsmanship of how our toys are made, I think that’s really what they’re looking for),” Bandai Namco Philippines Inc. Senior Manager Arvin Salud shared in an interview with BusinessWorld.
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Driven by higher demand, Bandai Namco Philippines expanded its capsule toy and vending machine production in 2023, followed by another boost in 2024. The company is now preparing for further growth with plans to open additional manufacturing sites by 2026.
Since the Gashapon toys and capsules are made out of plastic, Salud highlights that the company’s “mission extends beyond manufacturing toys,” as their creations serve as a celebration of creativity and craftsmanship to spark joy and inspiration for fans globally.
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Senior Planning Supervisor Ivy Sheena Llarena shared, “Bandai Namco Philippines has given me the chance to turn my passion into a career. The company’s culture of creativity and collaboration makes every day exciting and fulfilling.” Her story highlights the artistry and dedication of Filipino employees who carefully craft Gashapon capsule toys that bring joy to fans around the world.
The joy isn’t just in the gashapons but in the experience of these vending machines too! Imagine getting a mini gashapon machine from a gashapon machine? (Video from gbophilippines on Instagram)
Check out their local stores at https://t.co/GbmrGgKyXi pic.twitter.com/vApOUDBKCZ
— Tiffany (@tiffany_glz) August 8, 2025
Moreover, they also advocate for sustainability by collecting the plastic capsule packaging of the toys and recycling them at their factory. They are also exploring ways to utilize eco-friendly materials for their packaging.
Despite being popularly known for its stores in Japan, Filipino fans don’t need to travel abroad just to get a hold of these collectibles, as they have local stores in the country. Gashapon Bandai official stations can be locally located at the following places:
- MITSUKOSHI BGC
- Greenhill Mall
- Robinsons Opus
- Rustan’s Makati
- J Mall Cebu
- SM Mall of Asia
- Eastwood
- SM Aura
- SM North Edsa
- Robinsons Magnolia
- Robinsons Manila
- SM Laoag
- Lucky Chinatown Mall
- SM City Fairview
- SM City Grand Central
- SM City Davao
Buying Gashapons today is not just about celebrating pop culture—it’s also a way to support Filipino manufacturers.
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