How to Buy Ichiban Kuji: Complete Guide | Purchase Procedures at Convenience Stores and Online, and Important Points for Beginners

Ichiban Kuji is a popular character lottery in Japan, a fun way to obtain official merchandise from anime and games. However, first-time buyers, especially foreigners who are not familiar with Japanese, may feel anxious about questions like "Where can I buy it?" and "What should I say at the register?" This article provides a detailed explanation of how to buy Ichiban Kuji at convenience stores and online, ensuring that even beginners can understand it with ease. It comprehensively covers purchase procedures, important points, and etiquette, so by reading this article, you can quickly challenge yourself to try Ichiban Kuji.

Basics of How to Buy Ichiban Kuji

There are two main ways to purchase Ichiban Kuji. One is to buy it directly at stores like convenience stores, and the other is to purchase it online. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages, allowing you to choose based on your situation.

Two Ways to Buy

Store Purchase is the method of drawing the lottery directly at convenience stores such as Seven-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart. The advantage is that you can receive your prize immediately on the spot and experience the fun of drawing the lottery. The disadvantage is that popular series often run out of stock quickly, and stores tend to be crowded on the release date.

Online Purchase is the method of buying through the Ichiban Kuji ONLINE website. The advantages are that you can purchase it from home 24/7 without needing to go to a store, and you can save on shipping costs with consolidated delivery when buying multiple times. The disadvantages are that it may take a few days for the prizes to arrive, and there are shipping costs involved.

About Purchase Vouchers

Ichiban Kuji has a system called "Exchange Voucher." This is a ticket issued in advance at convenience store terminals (like Loppi or multi-copy machines) to facilitate smooth payment at the register. However, you can purchase Ichiban Kuji even without an Exchange Voucher. If you directly inform the register staff at the store, you can buy it on the spot, so there's no need to worry. Exchange Vouchers are mainly used for pre-reservations or specific campaigns and are not required for regular store sales.

Purchase Flow Overview

The basic flow for purchasing at a store is a simple four-step process: ① Inform the register that you want to draw Ichiban Kuji, ② Pay the fee, ③ Draw the lottery, ④ Receive your prize. The price per draw is usually around 650 to 800 yen, depending on the series.

For online purchases, the flow is as follows: ① Register as a member on Ichiban Kuji ONLINE, ② Select the lottery box for the series you want, ③ Draw the lottery online, ④ Make the payment, ⑤ The prize is delivered to your home. Neither method involves complicated procedures, making it easy for beginners to try.

How to Buy at Convenience Stores

Purchasing Ichiban Kuji at convenience stores is the most accessible and popular method. It is handled by the three major convenience store chains: Seven-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart, and the purchase procedures are basically the same at each store. Here, we will explain the procedures in detail for both cases: with and without a purchase voucher.

Purchase Procedure with Purchase Voucher

If you have a voucher, the purchase is very smooth. First, look for the location where the Ichiban Kuji is set up in the store. It is usually displayed near the cash register or in a prominent place.

Next, take the voucher to the register and tell the staff, "I would like to use this, please." Since the voucher already indicates the number of purchases and the amount, the staff will process it as is. After paying, the staff will hand you the Ichiban Kuji ticket (a peel-off sticker type).

You can peel the ticket on the spot and check the prize level (A prize, B prize, C prize, etc.). When you inform the staff of the level, they will give you the corresponding prize. If the prize is large, they will put it in a bag, so you can take it home with peace of mind.

Purchase Procedure Without a Voucher

Even without a voucher, you can purchase without any problems. In fact, many people buy this way. First, go to the register and tell the staff that you would like to draw Ichiban Kuji. If you want to convey this in Japanese, you can use phrases like:

"I would like to draw Ichiban Kuji once."
"Ichiban Kuji, please."
"Can I draw Ichiban Kuji twice?"

If you are not confident in your Japanese, you can point to the Ichiban Kuji display and say, "This one, please," and the staff will understand. Showing the text "I would like to draw Ichiban Kuji once（一番くじを1回引きたいです）" on a smartphone translation app is also effective.

After confirming, the staff may ask, "How many times would you like to draw?" You can indicate the number you want to purchase with your fingers or by saying the number. After paying, the staff will hand you the ticket, and you can peel it on the spot to check if you won.

Drawing & Receiving Prizes

The Ichiban Kuji ticket is of the "peel-off" type, where you peel a small silver sticker with your finger to reveal the prize level (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, Last One Prize, etc.). When peeling, it is polite to check quietly so that others around you cannot see.

Once you confirm the prize level, show the ticket to the staff and say, "I would like to use this, please." The staff will take out and hand you the corresponding prize. If the prize is a large item like a figure or plush toy, they will put it in a bag, making it easy to carry.

For small prizes (like keychains or acrylic stands), you simply receive them and that’s it. After receiving the prize, be sure to check the contents. If you receive the wrong prize, you can inform the staff on the spot, and they will exchange it for you.

Store-Specific Information

Ichiban Kuji is handled by major convenience store chains, but each store has its own unique features. Let’s take a closer look at the characteristics and points to note for the three convenience stores: 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart.

7-Eleven

7-Eleven is notable for handling the "7-Eleven Exclusive Series" within Ichiban Kuji. Limited designs from popular anime and games that can only be obtained at 7-Eleven make it a must-visit store for collectors.

At Seven-Eleven, there are a large number of stores, so you can visit multiple locations to search for stock. However, popular series often sell out on the morning of the release date, so it is recommended to visit early. The staff is also polite and often provides kind explanations to foreigners.

Lawson

Lawson is also one of the main retailers for Ichiban Kuji, handling a wide range of series. A feature of Lawson is that you can issue a voucher using a terminal called Loppi. There are also series that can be reserved in advance, so if you want to ensure your purchase, using Loppi is convenient.

Additionally, the stock situation for Ichiban Kuji can vary greatly by store at Lawson. Large stores in front of stations have abundant stock, but competition is fierce. On the other hand, small stores in residential areas may surprisingly have desirable prizes still available. If you ask the staff about the stock situation, they are often kind enough to inform you.

FamilyMart

FamilyMart offers a wide variety of Ichiban Kuji products and launches various series each season. If you have a Famima T card, there are benefits such as earning points, which is a nice advantage for those who frequently participate in Ichiban Kuji.

At FamilyMart, you can also issue vouchers using a multi-copy machine, but it is more common to purchase directly at the register. In some stores, the Ichiban Kuji display is placed in a prominent location, making it easy for first-timers to find. The staff is also polite, and there is a friendly atmosphere where you can easily ask questions if you are unsure about the purchasing process.

How to Buy Online

For those who do not have time to go to a store or want to avoid the risk of stockouts, online purchasing is recommended. By using Ichiban Kuji ONLINE, you can easily draw lots from home. Here, we will explain the process from member registration to purchase and delivery in detail.

About Ichiban Kuji ONLINE

Ichiban Kuji ONLINE is the official online service operated by BANDAI. Similar to in-store, you can draw lots online, and the prizes you win will be delivered to your home. The main differences from in-store purchases are that you can buy 24 hours a day, check stock status in real-time, and save on shipping costs with consolidated delivery when purchasing multiple times.

The disadvantages include that it may take a few days for the prizes to arrive and that shipping fees are required separately. However, considering the hassle and transportation costs of going to a store, online purchasing is often more convenient. This is especially true for those living in rural areas or foreigners who may be anxious about communicating in Japanese, as online purchasing provides peace of mind.

Registration Process

To use Ichiban Kuji ONLINE, you first need to create a BANDAI Namco ID. Access the official site and click on "New Member Registration." The information required for registration includes your email address, password, date of birth, and address.

After entering your email address, you will receive a confirmation email. Click the link in the email to complete the verification. After that, enter your name, address, and phone number. The address is only supported within Japan, so it is available only to those currently staying in Japan. Even foreigners can register without any issues as long as they have a Japanese address.

Set your password to be at least 8 characters long, including half-width alphanumeric characters, and make sure to note it down so you don't forget. Once registration is complete, you will be able to access your My Page and will be in a position to purchase Ichiban Kuji right away. Registration is free, and there are no annual fees.

How to Draw Online

After completing your membership registration, select the series you want from the top page of Ichiban Kuji ONLINE. Each series page displays the number of remaining tickets in a "kuji box." Choose a "kuji box" that has stock available and click the "Draw a Ticket" button.

Online, instead of actually peeling off a sticker, an animation will be displayed on the screen, showing the grade you have won. You can find out what you have won on the spot, allowing you to enjoy the same excitement as in-store. If you want to draw multiple times, simply continue pressing the "Draw a Ticket" button to repeat the process.

Once you finish drawing tickets, the prizes you have won will be added to your cart. Check the contents, and if there are no issues, proceed to payment. If you accidentally draw the wrong ticket, you can cancel as long as you haven't completed the payment.

Payment & Shipping

Payment methods include PayPay and credit cards (VISA, MasterCard, JCB, etc.). If you use PayPay, you will make the payment in conjunction with the PayPay app on your smartphone. For credit cards, you will need to enter your card number, expiration date, and security code.

Shipping costs about 600 yen per order, but if you use the "consolidated shipping" option to ship multiple prizes together, you can keep the shipping cost to just one time. Consolidated shipping is a service available when you draw multiple times within a certain period from the purchase date.

Prizes usually arrive at your home about 7 to 10 days after payment. You can track the shipping status from your My Page, so you can wait with peace of mind. When your prizes arrive, be sure to check the contents, and if there are any damages or mistakes, contact customer support.

Important Notes

There are several important points to keep in mind when purchasing Ichiban Kuji. Be sure to check information you should know in advance, such as purchase limits, the risk of stockouts, and congestion on release days.

Purchase Limits

Many stores have restrictions on the number of purchases per person. Generally, the limit is often up to 5 times per person, but this can vary by store and series. This measure is in place to prevent specific individuals from monopolizing purchases and making it impossible for other customers to buy.

Purchase limits are determined at the discretion of the store, so it is best to confirm with the staff. If you ask, "How many times can I draw?" they will let you know. If you want to purchase beyond the limit, you will need to wait and come back later or look for another store. The same purchase limits may also apply to online purchases.

Stock & Release Day

Popular series of Ichiban Kuji often sell out on the day of release. Especially for top prizes like A and B prizes, they may sell out by the morning. If you want to ensure your purchase, it is recommended to visit the store first thing on the morning of the release.

Since there are fans who line up before the store opens, it is necessary to act early for popular series. Depending on the store, they may distribute numbered tickets and allow purchases in order. Additionally, there is a higher chance that smaller stores in the suburbs have stock remaining compared to large stores in the city.

Stock availability varies greatly by store, so visiting multiple stores can be an effective strategy. However, to avoid unnecessary trips, checking stock availability by phone in advance is also a good method.

What to Do If Sold Out

If the lottery you are aiming for is sold out, there is no need to give up. First, try looking for another nearby store. Even within the same convenience store chain, stock availability can differ by location.

Next, check the Ichiban Kuji ONLINE. Even if it is sold out in stores, there may still be stock available online. Additionally, restocks may occur a few days after the release date, so it is recommended to check regularly.

If you still cannot obtain it, you can also consider using the secondary market (Mercari, Yahoo Auctions, eBay, etc.). However, keep in mind that prices are often higher than the retail price, so make your decision based on your budget.

Manners & Etiquette

To enjoy Ichiban Kuji, it is important to be considerate of other customers and the store. Understanding Japanese business customs and manners helps create an environment where everyone can purchase comfortably.

In-Store Manners

When purchasing Ichiban Kuji in-store, it is important to be considerate of other customers. Especially on the release day, it can get crowded, so be sure to follow the order. When lining up at the register, it is basic etiquette to wait until the person in front of you has completed their purchase without cutting in.

Also, when drawing a lottery ticket, quietly check so that others around you cannot see. It is against etiquette to shout the results loudly or express dissatisfaction just because you did not win. When selecting prizes, be careful not to take too much time and consider those who are waiting behind you.

Be polite when interacting with store staff. Asking complicated questions during busy times can be bothersome, so it is good to research basic questions in advance.

Hoarding & Reselling

Hoarding Ichiban Kuji is an act that is disliked by other fans. The reason for purchase limits is to allow as many people as possible to enjoy it. Avoid ignoring these limits by purchasing multiple times or going around to multiple stores to hoard.

Additionally, purchasing for resale purposes is not recommended. Ichiban Kuji is made for fans to enjoy, and high-priced reselling can prevent genuine fans from being able to purchase. Of course, exchanging duplicate prizes with friends or selling unwanted items on flea market apps is fine, but refrain from bulk purchases with clear resale intentions.

Tips for Foreigners

For those whose native language is not Japanese, it is important to understand Japanese business customs and strive for polite communication. When asking questions to store staff, speaking calmly and slowly will make it easier for them to understand. Using translation apps can also be effective.

In Japan, it is preferred to shop quietly, so avoid speaking loudly or making noise in groups. Always follow the rules and instructions in the store, and if you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask the staff. Most Japanese people are kind, so if you are in trouble, they will likely help you.

Language Assistance & Troubleshooting

To ensure that those who are not familiar with Japanese can purchase Ichiban Kuji with confidence, we have summarized methods for language support and solutions to common troubles.

Japanese Language Support

If you cannot speak Japanese or lack confidence, make use of translation apps. Using apps like Google Translate or DeepL allows you to translate conversations in real-time. It is also effective to translate the phrase "I would like to draw Ichiban Kuji once" in advance and show the screen of your smartphone to the staff.

Here are some commonly used phrases:

• "I would like to draw Ichiban Kuji once." (Ichiban kuji wo ikkai hikitai desu)
• "This one, please." (Kore de onegaishimasu)
• "Do you have stock?" (Zaiko wa arimasu ka?)
• "How many times can I draw?" (Nankai made hikemasu ka?)

Pointing and using gestures is also effective. If you point to the Ichiban Kuji display and say, "This one, please," in most cases, the staff will understand. Japanese convenience store staff are often accustomed to dealing with foreign customers, so communicate without feeling nervous.

Common Issues & Solutions

If the prize is incorrect: If the prize you received does not match the grade of the lottery ticket, inform the staff immediately. By saying, "This is wrong" (Kore wa chigaimasu) while showing the lottery ticket, the staff will check and exchange it for the correct prize.

If you lose the exchange ticket: If you lose the exchange ticket, reissuing it is generally not possible. However, you can still make a direct purchase at the register, so ordering without the exchange ticket is not a problem. Remember that the exchange ticket is merely a convenient tool and not essential.

If you don't know how to draw: If you ask the staff, "How do I draw?" (Douyatte hikimasu ka?), they will kindly teach you. The type of lottery that you peel off is common, but if it's your first time, do not hesitate to ask questions.

If the staff does not understand you: If Japanese is not understood, use a translation app or point to the Ichiban Kuji display and communicate with gestures. In most cases, the staff will understand. It is important to remain calm and composed.

If there is an error when ordering online: If you encounter an error during payment, check the expiration date and balance of your credit card. Additionally, overseas-issued credit cards may not be accepted, so it is recommended to use a card issued in Japan. If the problem persists, please contact the customer support of Ichiban Kuji ONLINE.

Summary: Master How to Buy Ichiban Kuji

There are two ways to buy Ichiban Kuji: in-store purchases at convenience stores and online purchases. In-store purchases can be easily made at Seven-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart, and you can order directly at the register even without a voucher. Just tell the staff, "I would like to draw Ichiban Kuji once," and they will assist you, so even those who are not confident in their Japanese can feel at ease.

For online purchases, by registering as a member on Ichiban Kuji ONLINE, you can draw tickets from home anytime, 24 hours a day. Although there is a shipping fee, it saves you the trouble of going to the store, and you can check the stock status in real-time, making it especially recommended for busy individuals or those living in rural areas.

When purchasing, it is important to understand the purchase limits, the congestion on release days, and the risk of stock shortages. Popular series tend to sell out quickly, so it is advisable to act early on the morning of the release date. Also, remember to be considerate of other customers and to follow etiquette to avoid hoarding or reselling.

For foreigners or those not familiar with Japanese, using translation apps or pointing conversation aids can help you purchase without any issues. Many Japanese convenience store staff are friendly, so don’t hesitate to ask questions if you need help.

Ichiban Kuji is a wonderful way to enjoy Japanese pop culture. Using this article as a reference, please try your first Ichiban Kuji. The joy of holding the prize you won is refreshing no matter how many times you experience it. Don’t be afraid of failure; feel free to try and fully enjoy the charm of Ichiban Kuji.