Gashapon Shokugan

Welcome to my toy addiction!


Since 20/10/2002
Last update 13/10/2006

Terms of use

You don't like thieves, do you? Neither do I. I've spent a lot of time scanning and photographing. If you reeeeally have to use the pics, please at least mention my site. A link would be much appreciated.

Pictures and reviews
are over here~!

  • Home

    • These little figurines are addictive!

    Gashapon? Capsule toys? You know, those vending machines that eat up you coins and spit out little toys in capsules. These Japanese ones are amazingly well made. They can be anywhere between 5 to 15 cm tall, wonderfully detailed. Oh yes, they're quite evil. Once you start buying, you'll want to complete the set! :-)

    Shokugan? Candy toys? Japanese again. The candy usually isn't that tasty. The toy takes up over 80% of the box, but there're always exceptions. I can't help but wonder... is the candy so bad, they have to rely on the toy to boost sales? The same principle of randomness applies.

    Not just toys for kids anymore!

    Of course they're basically for kids. However, in recent years, companies like Kaiyodo have driven these little toys to new heights. A lot of garage kit sculptors also work on capsule and candy toys. The resulting quality far exceeds mere toys and reaches the level of artistic sculpture.

    And than there's the perverted type. Another example of "sex sells". This site is basically aiming at a G rating, but alas, there are 2 mildly naughty sets. PG14 is more appropreate? :-)

    You know it when you see high quality:

    • detailed sculpting
    • precise painting
    • generous number of color
    • air-brush gradation
    • thoughtful composition and posing
    • skin-color plastic instead of painted skin (some exceptions apply)
    • well fitted parts
    • clear parts (bonus points)
    • stable footing
    • little or no warping
    • no undesirable character in the set
    • exchangable heads or body parts (bonus points)
    • character likeness