Exploring Gashapon Vending Machine Companies in Hong Kong
Gashapon (or gachapon) vending machines, the beloved coin-operated dispensers of capsule toys, are a cultural phenomenon in Hong Kong, delighting collectors and casual fans with their element of surprise. Originating in Japan, these machines dispense random toys, often featuring characters from anime, manga, or popular franchises. In Hong Kong, several companies sell and stock these machines, with notable players including Daniel & Co and Small Toys Vending. This blog post explores these companies, alongside others contributing to Hong Kong’s vibrant gashapon scene, including Chinese manufacturers and Japanese retailers,
based on industry insights and available information.
Daniel & Co: A Major Player in Hong Kong’s Gashapon Landscape
Daniel & Co is a prominent name in Hong Kong’s toy and novelty market, renowned for its extensive network of gashapon vending machines. While the company no longer operates traditional retail shops, it maintains a strong presence by placing banks of gashapon machines in high-traffic locations such as shopping malls and outside retail shops across the city, including popular spots like Cityplaza, Harbour City, and Mongkok. These clusters of machines, often numbering a dozen or more, make Daniel & Co a go-to destination for gashapon enthusiasts.
Their machines are stocked with licensed collectibles from major franchises like Pokémon, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Sanrio characters, sourced primarily from industry leader Bandai. Priced between HK$20–50 (approximately US$2.55–6.40) per capsule, these toys appeal to both casual buyers and dedicated collectors. Daniel & Co’s strategic placement of machines in malls and outside retail spaces ensures accessibility, creating mini gashapon hubs that draw crowds. While they no longer have a physical storefront, their focus on vending machine operations keeps them at the forefront of Hong Kong’s gashapon culture.
Small Toys Vending: Niche Charm with a Focus on Surprise
Small Toys Vending is a lesser-known but dynamic player in Hong Kong’s gashapon market. Specializing in operating and maintaining capsule toy vending machines, this company brings a sense of spontaneity to the gashapon experience by placing machines in unique locations like arcades, small shops, or pop-up events. Unlike larger operators, Small Toys Vending emphasizes quirky, trendy, and sometimes locally inspired toys, catering to those seeking a quick, fun purchase.
Their machines, often fewer in number per location compared to Daniel & Co’s banks, are designed to attract impulse buyers with vibrant designs and collectible items. Small Toys Vending likely partners with suppliers like Bandai or Chinese manufacturers such as DOZIYU to keep their stock fresh and aligned with market trends. Their niche approach adds diversity to Hong Kong’s gashapon ecosystem, appealing to locals and tourists alike who stumble upon their machines in unexpected places.
Other Companies and Retailers in Hong Kong’s Gashapon Scene
Several other entities, including Chinese manufacturers and Japanese retail chains, contribute to Hong Kong’s thriving gashapon culture. Here’s a look at the key players:
- Bandai Namco: As the Japanese originator of gashapon, Bandai Namco is a global leader and a major force in Hong Kong. They manufacture and distribute capsule toys, partnering with local operators like Daniel & Co to stock machines in malls and other venues. Bandai’s influence was evident in events like the Gashapon Plus Summer Camp at Central Market in 2022, which featured 220 machines with anime-themed collectibles from series like Demon Slayer and Spy x Family. Their innovative “Flat Gashapon” machines, dispensing items like mini posters or writing boards, are also popular in Hong Kong’s entertainment venues.
- DOZIYU: Based in Guangzhou, China, DOZIYU is a leading manufacturer of gashapon toys and machines, focusing on B2B clients. Their capsule toys, made from non-toxic, eco-friendly materials, feature creative designs suitable for Hong Kong’s market. DOZIYU’s durable and customizable machines are likely used by smaller operators like Small Toys Vending or arcade chains, providing a reliable supply of gashapon equipment and toys to keep the market vibrant.
- Wangerbao: Also headquartered in Guangzhou, China, Wangerbao specializes in producing gashapon machines and collectibles for arcade games and toy vending. Known for their “unexpected collectibles,” Wangerbao’s machines align with the surprise-driven appeal of gashapon. In Hong Kong, their machines may be found in amusement centers, malls, or smaller retail settings, contributing to the city’s diverse capsule toy offerings.
- Japanese Retail Chains: Japanese retail giants like Don Don Donki and Aeon play a significant role in Hong Kong’s gashapon scene by hosting banks of machines in their stores. Don Don Donki, particularly at its Causeway Bay and Tsim Sha Tsui locations, is a hotspot for gashapon fans, with dozens of machines stocked with Bandai’s latest releases. Aeon stores, such as those in Tsuen Wan and Kowloon, also feature extensive gashapon setups, offering collectibles from popular franchises. These retailers enhance accessibility, making gashapon a staple in their vibrant, Japan-inspired shopping environments.
- Other Retail and Entertainment Venues: Beyond dedicated companies, malls like D2 Place ONE, Nan Fung Centre in Tsuen Wan, and Hysan Place in Causeway Bay host clusters of gashapon machines, often supplied by Bandai or Chinese manufacturers. Log-on, a lifestyle retail chain, also offers mini gashapon machines and toys, catering to collectors. Local arcades in areas like Mongkok and Sha Tin further expand the scene, with machines maintained by operators working with distributors like DOZIYU or Wangerbao.
The Gashapon Culture in Hong Kong
Hong Kong’s gashapon scene is a dynamic mix of retail innovation and cultural obsession with collectibles. Daniel & Co’s banks of machines in malls and outside retail shops make gashapon widely accessible, while Small Toys Vending adds a spontaneous charm with placements in arcades and pop-up events. Chinese manufacturers like DOZIYU and Wangerbao, both based in Guangzhou, ensure a steady supply of machines and toys, while Japanese retailers like Don Don Donki and Aeon bring an authentic flair with their extensive gashapon offerings.
The thrill of gashapon lies in the chase, whether it’s snagging a rare My Hero Academia figurine or discovering a machine tucked
away in a mall corner. Popular locations like Causeway Bay, Mongkok, and Sha Tin’s Central Mall are known for their gashapon clusters, often featuring themes from anime to local pop culture. Social media discussions, such as those on Reddit, highlight the community’s passion, with fans sharing tips on finding machines at places like APM in Kwun Tong, though some note a growing presence of claw machines in certain venues.
Gashapon’s affordability (HK$20–50 per capsule) and the joy of unpredictability make it a beloved pastime for all ages. Events like the Gashapon Plus Summer Camp showcase the market’s vibrancy, drawing crowds with exclusive items and immersive setups. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a curious passerby, Hong Kong’s gashapon culture offers endless opportunities to uncover a tiny treasure.
Conclusion
Hong Kong’s gashapon vending machine scene thrives through a blend of local and international players. Daniel & Co dominates with its widespread banks of machines in malls and outside retail spaces, while Small Toys Vending brings a niche appeal with its quirky placements. Guangzhou-based manufacturers DOZIYU and Wangerbao fuel the market with innovative machines and toys, complemented by Japanese retail chains like Don Don Donki and Aeon, which host vibrant gashapon setups. Together, these companies create a dynamic ecosystem where collectors and casual fans can indulge in the joy of capsule toys. Next time you’re strolling through a Hong Kong mall or arcade, keep some coins handy—you might just find your next favorite collectible inside a gashapon capsule!
