The Gachagacha Exhibition in Roppongi is now open at the Roppongi Museum until March 2, 2026. The exhibition features roughly 400 series, including new displays, and around 200 vending machines where visitors can purchase gachagacha capsules. Visitors can grab not only the newest gachagacha releases but also items scheduled for sale after the exhibition.
Last year, to celebrate 60 years since gachagacha machines were first imported to Japan, the Gachagacha Exhibition held at Marunouchi Building drew 38,000 visitors. This time, two additional manufacturers joined the lineup, bringing together a total of 13 companies and 5 creative teams. The Gachagacha Exhibition Grand Prize, voted on by visitors via app from February 6–16, will also be revealed on February 17, known as Gachagacha Day.
Appealing Design and Quality Even Grown-Ups Can’t Resist
In the manufacturers’ exhibition area, the booths are lined up side by side, letting visitors compare the unique style of each company. From the booth of Kitan Club, known for the wildly popular Koppu no Fuchiko, to Kenelephant, famous for its miniature furniture of Karimoku 60, there’s a constant stream of surprises as visitors discover which company is behind each item.
1st and 2nd images: Kitan Club, 3rd image: Kenelephant
The two new participating companies: Ikimon Co., Ltd. (1st image) and Benelic Co., Ltd. (2nd image)
Ikimon’s Whales and Dolphins series is one I’m personally attached to as I poured all my 1,000-yen bills into trying to get the orca. Unfortunately I had no luck, and the memory will probably stay with me forever. The quality is superb, and at 400 yen a turn, it’s basically free! The suspense you feel not knowing what you’ll get can’t be beat, and that’s why gacha can be so addictive.
Adjacent to the exhibits, you’ll find related merchandise and pre-release gacha machines, creating a setup where visitors don’t just look, they’re invited to play.
The Past and Future of Gacha
On display at the venue is a Gacha machine from 1965, and Gacha’s origins date back even further, first appearing in 1880s America. At that time, gum vending machines included random toys, delighting children with the thrill of surprise. Later, machines dedicated entirely to toys were developed, and the contents were produced by Japanese manufacturers. After World War II, Gacha machines were imported to Japan, where children flocked to candy stores to try them. Today, Gacha has evolved into a uniquely Japanese phenomenon that even captivates adults worldwide.
Now, a new machine has been unveiled that hints at the next stage of Gacha’s evolution. Its name, Gachaemon, exudes a futuristic vibe.
Developed by Sanden Retail System Co., this vending machine-style Gacha can handle up to 12 series at once. Using a touchscreen, players can select the product they want and get their Gacha. Since it doesn’t use capsules, it can even handle larger items like plush toys. On top of that, it supports cashless payments, so there’s no need for coins or change. (Goodbye savings. It was nice knowing you!)
Sales are set to begin in late February, so best to brace yourself as chances are we’ll start seeing these machines around town soon.
A Fun Cafe and Shop to Satisfy Hunger and the Thrill of the Spin
At the cafe attached to the venue, visitors can enjoy special menu items created in collaboration with the Gacha Gacha Exhibition. Highlights include capsule-shaped omelets and pancakes topped with gacha figures, all designed for fun and shareable moments.
One thing on the menu not to miss is the option to enjoy the day’s meal with your ingredients decided through gacha spins (¥1,780 including tax). First, choose a base, curry or gratin, then spin the gacha once for a main ingredient and twice for topping ingredients. Big hits can include items like 2 jumbo fried shrimp or Wagyu sirloin steak. Even if you end up with a quirky combination, it only adds to the fun.
At a typical exhibition, the gift shop would sell catalogues and souvenirs, but here, it’s a full-on gacha corner. If you spot something in the display that catches your eye, don’t hesitate to give it a spin. Original gacha exhibition merchandise is also available, so be sure to check it out.
From gacha’s history to today’s hottest toys and cutting-edge machines, this exhibition has it all. Gacha fans, Roppongi is calling!
Gachagacha Exhibition in Roppongi
Venue: Roppongi Museum (5-6-20 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo)
Dates: February 6 (Fri) – March 2 (Mon), 2026
Hours: 10:00–20:00 (last entry 19:30)
Admission: Adults ¥1,500 | High school students ¥1,300 | Elementary & middle school students ¥1,100
Tickets: https://www.asoview.com/channel/tickets/tkCSnSEgQ7/
