Before diving into the history of the beloved capsule toy machines, it’s fascinating to first explore the origins of the vending machine itself. A vending machine is generally defined as a device that automatically dispenses products, such as snacks, cigarettes, lottery items, etc. Today, vending machines come in a wide variety of types. From the more common drink and snack machines to unique examples you might not immediately think of as vending machines, like jukeboxes or photo booths, these devices have evolved significantly over time.
Highlights of the Birth of Vending Machines
Did you know that the vending machine's creation started during the First Century in Egypt?
Its creation is credited to the Greek mathematician and engineer Hero of Alexandria, during the First Century in Egypt. His machines were used to dispense holy water (and some say wine) after receiving coins as payments. There was a slot where the coins were inserted that pushed down a bar to release an exact quantity of liquid, ensuring that everyone received the same amount each time.
Let’s go to the 19th Century
In 1883, the machine created by Percival Everitt was said to be the first modern coin-operated commercial vending machine that was used to dispense postcards, envelopes, and notepaper in locations such as railways and post offices in England. Following that, there were other companies that proceeded to try give the vending machine business a go: including The Sweetmeat Automatic Delivery Company (in 1887) with their light vending machine and coin-operated gas meter, along with Stollwerck (in 1893) a German chocolate manufacturer, that sold their chocolate in 15,000 vending machines.
The Thomas Adams Gum Company introduced the vending machines to the United States in 1888. These vending machines were used to sell gum on New York City train platforms. The Pulver Manufacturing Company followed this innovation by adding moving figurines inside the machines that moved around with each gum purchase. These new types of machines were dubbed as the “trade stimulators”.
The Emergence of gacha Machines in Japan
In 1965, Ryuzo Shigeta encountered an American vending machine after receiving them from a business partner in the United States. Inspired by vending machines he received, Shigeta adapted the concept for the Japanese market, establishing the first gacha machine in his Tokyo shop. He is credited with popularizing the gacha machines, earning him the nickname "Gacha-Gacha Oji-san" (Gacha-Gacha Uncle).
From the year 1990 the gacha machines gained significant popularity in Japan, driven by the increased interests of anime and video games. Today, these capsule toy machines can be found everywhere across the country. Selling all sorts of collectable products that cater to everyone from children to adults.
The capsule toys machine or the gacha machines is considered to be one of the many kinds of vending machines that are in operation across the world.
Fun Facts
Video games and Gacha 🎮
Did you know that the gacha mechanism has been adopted and incorporated by many MMOs (massively multiplayer online games) and mobile games available in the market. Allowing the players to draw in order to get their hands on the character or items they want in the game.
3000 Gacha Machine in One Spot‼️
Gashapon Bandai Official Shop Ikebukuro in Tokyo holds the Guinness World Record for the most capsule toy vending machines in one place. Carrying more than 3000 Gacha Machine in one spot!
Limited Edition Capsules! 🎊
A lot of the items inside the gacha capsules are often limited edition and seasonal items. So if you find one in person or online that you’re interested in, make sure to get your hands on them before they run out. Because once they’re out (more chances than not) they’re out.
🛒Make sure to check out our gacha selection on our website so you don’t miss out!
