Hey there, gacha enthusiasts!
Ever
wondered what it’s like to work as a Gacha importer? For someone like
me it’s a pretty fun gig, filled with excitement, challenges, and of
course, a lot of toys! If you’ve ever dreamed about turning your passion
for gacha into a career, here’s a little peek into the world of
importing.
My day usually starts with a cup of tea, feeding the
family and a review of the latest shipment updates. Working for yourself
has its perks, it's WFH everyday! So starts the treasure hunt—sorting
through the newest arrivals, checking out the latest trends, and
figuring out which toys are going to be the next big hit. It’s a mix of
excitement and strategy, balancing what’s popular with what’s in demand.
Also balancing my own feelings, my Japanese contacts feelings, and
those of the American market.
As it turns out Chiikawa, Rilakuma
and Moomins might be popular in Japan but they're pretty unknown in
America. Some big enthusiasts will always tell you you're wrong, so you
take the risk. But then only a handful sell and you're stuck with
hundreds of loose toys. Always use your own judgement and don't let
people bully you into doing something different. Also watch out for
people who ask for something super rare or obscure and act like it's the
only thing they want. They don't. They're just justifying not spending
money. I run into these all the time especially if the thing they name
is something known to be hard to get or expensive. "Oh you don't have
Cirno Fumo? Oh well then..." When you do have the thing they name it's
suddenly "Oh but it doesn't have the badge extra with it." Or "Well
ACTUALLY I wanted Alice..." It's all excuses to not spend - this tends
to mean someone's been a pushy seller and now they feel they need and
excuse. Or they're just timid; the point is they will always have an
excuse and they were never going to spend, just ignore it and don't let
it effect your purchasing.
A big part of the job involves dealing
with international suppliers. This means lots of emails, phone calls,
and sometimes late-night meetings to coordinate shipments and ensure
steady supply and quality standards. Negotiating deals and managing
logistics can be tricky, especially when it comes to Japan. Japan has
very strict business rules which can make it difficult to get anyone
that wants to work with outsiders - and those who do so openly, charge
high premiums for it. For instance no big supplier will not talk to you
without a Gaikoku Kaisha and Toukibotouhon. Basically you've got to
register with their government which means you or someone you know or
pay must speak Japanese. Whenever I'm asked about how to do it, or want
my contacts, my answer is 日本語を話されますか? I've yet to have someone answer
the question that wasn't a Japanese person tickled to see a piece of
their childhood, which makes any information I could share, sadly,
worthless.
I got my start by playing Japanese mmos. Making
friends and connections in games like PSO2 and using Line. You don't
have to be all serious! But once the toys arrive, it's time to buckle
down, I promise it will all be worthwhile. Unpacking and inspecting each
item is like opening a series of surprises. It’s thrilling to see the
finished products after what is sometimes months of planning and
anticipation. Task one is to count and inspect, sometimes the toys come
pre-capsuled, my favorite. Shipping costs a bit more but they're fully
protected in their little capsules. If they're not them I have to prep
them for capsules myself. Which means buying empty capsules as well.
Then comes the task of getting them ready for show—packaging, labeling,
pop sheets, and ensuring everything is in tip-top shape. Some people
take all their boxes and empty machines and setup at the show. I suppose
it's personal preference but I could never. I get everything packed
loaded and ready before we leave so there's only machine stacking and
display once we get there.
Of course, not every day is smooth
sailing. There are always unexpected hiccups, like shipping delays or
sudden changes in demand, Drama between vtubers. But overcoming these
challenges is part of the thrill. Plus, there’s nothing quite like the
satisfaction of seeing a new toy hit the show and watching it bring joy
to kids and collectors alike. New vendors may not think it, but just
like you, fans travel around too. You'll see a lot of the same faces in
your fellow vendors and visitors alike, make friends, everything will be
less stressful. When new things come out they're usually your first
buyers.
Of course, then you pack up, go home, and after some good sleep, do inventory and maintenance.
At
the end of the day, working as a Gacha importer is incredibly fun and
rewarding. It’s a job that combines passion with business savvy,
creativity with logistics. Whether it’s the latest figures, plush toys,
gimmicks, quirks or keychains, being a part of the journey from factory
to convention is an amazing experience.
So, if you’ve ever
thought about diving into the world of toy importing, go for it! You may
have to learn a new language but it’s a field that’s as fun as it
sounds and a great way to turn your love for toys into a fulfilling
career.
You can see some of the things we pick up here:
Instagram: @crane.kitsune
TikTok: @cranekitsune
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