Capchara, a new fun favorite

 Well, 'new' might be a bit of a misnomer; I've seen these for years available even in American toys. I've even still got some Adventure Time and Hello Kitty Capchara still straggling from some old lots of mine. As you can see these wouldn't fit into a normal sized capsule. But I hadn't really seen this type of toy become popular until recently with Bandai seemingly pushing full force into the fun.

Capchara is just Capsule Character mashed into one word. While that name was more accurate when it first came about these days they've gotten really creative. Capchara now means it's a toy, that vends itself. So no capsule is actually involved, the capsule is a part of the toy, so you get something more interactive or a larger character then could have normally been in the machine. Such as these Kirby, or the Adventure Time seen above - the capsule is the head of the toy. When opened the body parts are found inside so your toy comes out larger then what's would fit in the average capsule - seen pictured above.

But, and leave it to Sanrio to take advantage in a heartbeat, the capsule doesn't have to be a head. In the above photo the capsule was a piggy bank. Or in this one that makes a figure/storage container.

Others are getting in on the fun too, such as a One piece capsule that turns itself into a Gumgum Fruit stand for the character inside. Or a yarnball capsule that has a cat inside that plays with the ball. Some of the more intricate ones I've seen become a small game such as a Majong set or a fishing game or one I'll forever regret not buying that turned into a mini Crane game.

Capchara can also be safer for younger kids. I always try to have something on offer for the toddlers and younger siblings. At first I was finding small soft or solid plastic toys with no small parts and capping them myself. Capcharas and their large pieces gave me things to offer the same smaller kids, without having to makeshift something up for them, and they get the same fun experience as everyone else.

All said, Capchara is a great growing toy category and offers things for all ages. But I'd especially seek them out if you've got little ones in tow.