5 Ways Gachapon Machines can Benefit from QR Codes.
Key Takeaways
- Gachapon machines and businesses are expanding outside of Japan.
- QR codes can be used to make the gachapon experience better for all parties involved.
The idea of getting a random toy or accessory out of a machine usually containing candy is a novel concept, but one that has proved extremely successful in certain regions. The practice has even been given its own name, gachapon. This refers to a machine that takes coins and dispenses little trinkets contained in a plastic capsule.
Primarily found in Japan and Asian countries, these machines have only grown in popularity over the years, with more and more gachapon machines popping up all over the world.
But did you know that QR codes, another Japanese creation, can be used in a few different ways to enhance the gachapon experience?
In this piece I will go over just that, five different ways QR codes can be used in relation to gachapon and capsule toy machines. I’ll also share some helpful tips and answer some frequently asked questions on the topic.
So let’s get started!
What is a QR code?
A QR code is an encoded image containing data within a monochromatic pattern, typically in the form of small dots or squares, that can be scanned by a smart device, like a phone or a tablet. These codes can be used as an easy way to share and access things like web addresses, contact information, certain file types, and just about any kind of digital or online content.
QR codes can be easily made on your own, through a service like QR Code Developer, can be customized visually to fit your needs, monitored, edited, and be affixed to just about any surface that can display a simple image. Codes can be found on business cards, flyers, stickers, and much more.
What is gachapon?
Have you ever seen a device next to a gumball machine that dispenses small toys in plastic capsules instead of candy? A gachapon machine is essentially the upgraded version of that machine.
Most popular in Japan, gachapon machines are used to dispense toys and other collectables within plastic capsules. This is a popular phenomenon in the region, with entire stores filled with rows of machines lining the walls and certain products exclusive to these mystery capsules.
We’ve seen glimpses of the practice outside of Japan, with the current blind box craze being especially similar to the gachapon practice. However, in recent years, more and more proper gachapon machines and locations have been opening up outside of Japan, malls and shopping centers being especially popular locations.
The gachapon business has been booming in recent years, and it's easy to see why. Gachapon machines are essentially a way for audiences to get unique blind box style collectibles in a fun and novel way, and require very little effort from business owners.
With a machine set up to exchange currency for tokens, a row of gachapon machines can essentially run itself, with a dedicated fanbase making repeated trips to try and get the perfect item.
How can QR codes be used with gachapon?
Business owners and gachapon item producers can make clever use of QR codes in a few different ways. Here’s just a few:
Collectability
The main draw of a gachapon product is the collection aspect. Machines often come with multiple items in a particular line, like a small plush of a character from an animated series or the gadgets used by a live action super hero. Keeping track of what you have and what you need, however, can be challenging.
Luckily, a QR code included either on the machine artwork itself or in a slip of paper included with the toy in the capsule can help audiences keep better track of what they have as well as keep an eye out for any other new products in the line.
Viewing other products
Expanding on the previous point, QR codes can be used to promote other gachapon item lines and let audiences know what other machines to look out for.
For example; one of the characters in gachapon machines is Nintendo’s Kirby, and there’s a lot of product lines to choose from for just this one character. There’s plushies, Kirby in different hats, Kirby dressed as other video game characters, stuff in Kirby’s home, items from the Kirby cafe, and much more. I’ve personally seen gachapon alleys that were half filled with Kirby themed machines.
So if you’re a Kirby fan and you buy an item out of one capsule, a QR code included with the toy can showcase other products featuring Kirby characters, allowing them to keep up with the franchise and come back to collect more Kirbys.
Translation
Since gachapon machines are still made primarily for a Japanese audience, the text on both the machine itself as well as any included paperwork with each item is likely to be in Japanese, even if the machine itself was in a comic book store in Idaho.
Luckily, the QR codes provided on the machine or with the product can be used to access a website that can then be translated on a person’s own device or relocated to a more localized site.
This can help western collectors better understand the machines, how they work, how much each item costs, and other products they may be interested in, all without having to ask an attendant or take a single Japanese class.
Social media
Just about every brand, company, store, and product, is active on at least one social media account, gachapon products and makers very much included. Whether it be Facebook, Twitter/X, Instagram, Youtube, or TikTok, brands often use social media to advertise their products, as well as interact with their audiences.
Makers of gachapon products can provide the social media accounts related to their company or each of their product lines and include them inside each capsule.
Businesses with gachapon machines can also use social media to promote their machines and keep their audiences up to date on the different product lines available at their locations, as well as gauge interest on new products to bring in.
Additional content and storytelling
The toy or plush or accessory you get out of a gashapon machine is often more than that product itself. Items are often tied to popular brands and stories with a wealth of additional information, characters, worlds, and stories related to them.
As mentioned above, Kirby is a popular character in gachapon machines, which is a multimedia franchise with loads of video games, shows, comics, and other media telling the story of Kirby and his adventures with his friends.
This additional information can be provided to anyone who buys a Kirby item out of a gachapon machine through a QR code that links to an official website or other resource with more about the character.
This will help your audience get more attached to these characters and have them coming back for more capsules related to their interests.
Benefits of using QR codes with gachapon
Ease of use
QR codes are both easy to use and easy to make through something like QR Code Developer. Just about every smart phone on the market has a QR code scanner built right in. All you need to do is point the camera at the code and tap the link when it pops up.
QR codes can also be scanned from almost any angle and even when visible damage has been done to the code.
Widely understood
By now, most people with smart phones are at least familiar with QR codes and know how to use them. In many regions, QR code payment is more popular than cash or cards.
Hands free communication
The usage of QR codes surged during the COVID 19 pandemic since it allowed for people to communicate with each other, access content, and share resources, all without needing to touch each other or even be in the same space.
Trackable
If you use something like QR Code Developer to make your codes, then it’s possible to monitor how your codes are used. This can include information like how many scans your code got, where they were scanned, and even on what device they were scanned.
General tips
Know your audience: If you’re certain that most of your intended audience doesn’t know how to use QR codes or just don’t like them, then don’t use them.
Keep instructions clear: Provide clear instructions on how to use and scan QR codes as well as where the codes will redirect to.
Place codes on a flat surface: To make sure that codes are still scannable, only put them on flat surfaces, like walls, tables, posters, or fliers.
Use high contrast: If using custom colors on a code, make sure that the colors are distinct enough from each other to be read as a QR code.
Make sure codes are visible: Don’t place codes where patrons are unlikely to see them.
Only use codes when necessary: If an alternative exists that’s easier for all parties involved, use that.
Test on multiple devices: Make sure your codes work whether scanned on an Android device, iPhone, tablet, or other device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a gachapon machine?
A: A gachapon is essentially a more premium version of a capsule toy machine you might find next to a gumball machine at a grocery store. They’re often used for small toys and collectables and have a wide fanbase.
Q: Can QR codes be used with gachapon machines?
A: Yes. QR codes can be printed on additional information packaged with each capsule or on a sticker on the machine itself.
Q: How can QR codes be used with gachapon?
A: QR codes can be used to help fans keep track of what items they have in each line they collect for, view other products, get local translations for foreign text, and more.
Q: Do I need to hire someone to make my QR codes?
A: No. QR codes can be made by yourself for free through a service like QR Code Developer.
Q: Do I need to download anything to scan QR codes?
A: While QR scanner apps are available for mobile devices, they are not necessary. Most modern smart devices are perfectly capable of scanning codes right from the built-in camera app.
Q: What devices can scan QR codes?
A: Most modern smart devices with both a built-in camera and an internet connection can scan QR codes and access the content within. This includes smart phones, tablets, and even some handheld gaming consoles.
Q: Are QR codes safe?
A: While there are some risks in using QR codes, they are relatively safe.
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