There's been some updates while I was gone, so lets catch up! Bandai has been updating with a fresh batches of gashapon toys that are sure to add some charm to your collection — though there are a few surprises in the mix. Let’s break it down!
1. Friren Stacking Keychains
For fans of Friren: Beyond Journey's End, this one’s for you! Many have been awaiting some of these releases. Bandai’s new stacking keychains feature Friren, Fern and Stark they have a eyelet, lobster clasp and keychain. They can be stacked by removing the keychain and instead attaching the lobster clasp to the eyelet of another chatacter. The design is simple yet endearing, and the stacking concept adds an interactive element that’s fun to play with.
2. Cardcaptor Sakura: Flat Gashapon Style
If you’ve been dreaming of some new Cardcaptor Sakura merch, you’re in luck. Bandai has rolled out these adorable flat-style gashapon. Unlike the usual 3D figures you’re used to, these are beautifully crafted with a unique, clear-flat design. Expect to see Sakura, Kero-chan, and some of the more popular Clow Cards, all in their charming two-dimensional glory. They're a nice change of pace if you’re after something more compact but just as cute. They are about 10cm, just under 4inches for those used to US rulers, perfect for keychains or display!
3. Made in Abyss
Made in Abyss fans, your time has come! Bandai has launched a new batch of Made in Abyss gashapon, Fitting for the strange theme of the show, these figures come in a melty look, a style I can only previously remember being used in Sanrio designs. Think this will be a more common toy style?
Do you like it?
4. Chikawa
There are 2 gasha featuring the Chikawa characters. For those unfamiliar, Chikawa is a super cute, chibi-style franchise similar to Sanrio offerings. Chikawa has hith instant popularity in Japan with limited releases selling out in mere hours and huge lines for certain gacha releases. These tiny, round characters will tug at your heartstrings with their soft expressions and compact size. It’s cute overload! They come in Hugcot and Capsurium styles.
4. Sanrio's
Sanrio fans will be delighted by the latest release of five new gashapon collections! From Hello Kitty to Cinnamoroll, these new capsule toys feature some of your favorite Sanrio characters in all sorts of delightful forms. Adorable keychains, Clips, hugcots and figures with a new Crying for you Style figure. If you need a little extra cheer in your day, these will do the trick.
5. One Piece: Pirate Paradise!
One Piece fans, it’s your time to shine however we're apparently not starting from the begining. Bandai has just released a set of gashapon figures from the beloved pirate anime the Onpi no Mi series some in a self vending capsule that turns into a Devil Fruit the character can stand in. We've started on vol.20, so if you want past releases I suppose you'll have to check Ebay.
6. Monster Hunter: Prepare for the Hunt!
For all you Monster Hunter fans, Bandai is bringing the heat with a new set of gashapon figures dedicated to the epic world of monster hunting. This release includes some of the most iconic monsters from the series, so you can recreate your favorite battles in miniature form. We're getting this one pretty far behind Japans release so we already know the rare is an Azure Rathalos.
These figures capture the rugged, detailed look of Monster Hunter while also maintaining that fun, collectible charm gashapon are known for. If you’re a fan of the franchise, you’ll want to snag a few of these for your collection!
7. That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime: Cute, Chibi, and Slime-tastic!
Last but certainly not least, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime is getting in on the gashapon action, and it’s as cute as you’d expect. The new set includes chibi versions of Rimuru Tempest and some of the key characters from the series, the catch, only 2 are figures, in the mis is 4 keychains and 8 buttons so its a real mystery what you'll get.
8. Personal Marker Charms: What’s That About?
Now here’s the oddball of the bunch. Bandai is introducing a ton of personal marker charms — little charm-sized markers for your drinks and umbrellas. This might sound odd to American audiences, but here's the deal: In Japan (and some other parts of the world), public spaces like cafes or public transport often don’t allow you to walk around with personal items a wet umbrella. Instead these are left in cages at the front of the store. These markers help identify your stuff, so no one mistakes your umbrella for someone else's.
The concept feels a little out of place for the U.S., where we don’t have the same kind of traditions, but hey, it’s an interesting idea, right? Maybe it’ll catch on in more niche spots, like conventions or workplaces. Time will tell! in the mean time they've released 8 different types of this style gasha.
In Conclusion
As always, Bandai continues to surprise us with its creative (and sometimes odd) gashapon offerings. Thanks for catching up with me!
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