If you’ve ever wandered through the streets of Japan, you’ve probably seen them—rows upon rows of colorful vending machines filled with tiny treasures. These are Gashapon, Japan’s beloved capsule toys, and we’re excited to share that we have partnered with Bandai to bring the excitement of Gashapon to Uwajimaya!

What is Gashapon?

The word Gashapon (also known as Gachapon) is an onomatopoeic term that combines the sound “gasha” or “gacha” (the cranking sound of the machine) and “pon” (the pop of the capsule dropping out). The Gashapon machines feature a variety of themed toys from Sanrio, popular anime series, and other fun collectible items, making them a surprise for anyone who tries them.

Gashapon at Uwajimaya

We’re excited to offer our customers a taste of Japan’s vibrant pop culture right here in the Pacific Northwest. This is not a pop-up—our Gashapon collection is here to stay!  Plus, we’ll be updating our collections monthly, so there will always be new surprises to discover.  You can discover Gashapon machines at each of our locations:

• Seattle: 164 machines
• Bellevue: 90 machines
• Renton: 90 machines
• Beaverton: 136 machines (Opening March 8, 2025)

One token is $2 and most machines require 2-4 tokens.  We have convenient token machines in-store that accept both cash and credit.

Next time you visit Uwajimaya, give our Gashapon machines a spin—you never know what special surprise awaits!