Ichiban Kuji Official Shop Complete Guide | Locations, Stock Information, and Limited Products of 56 Stores Nationwide

Are you unsure where to buy Ichiban Kuji? While you can purchase it at convenience stores, the Ichiban Kuji official shops offer a wealth of stock and many attractions, including limited products. In this article, we will provide a detailed explanation of the locations, access methods, stock information, and how to obtain limited products from the 56 official shops nationwide, ensuring that even foreigners can use them with confidence.

The official shops are specialty stores directly operated by Bandai Spirits, providing the best shopping experience for Ichiban Kuji fans. Compared to convenience stores, the stock is 2 to 3 times more abundant, and limited products that can only be obtained at official shops are also sold. By reading this article, you will learn how to find the nearest official shop and enjoy Ichiban Kuji efficiently.

What are Ichiban Kuji Official Shops? (一番くじ公式ショップとは？)

Ichiban Kuji official shops are specialty stores directly operated by Bandai Spirits, which manufactures and sells Ichiban Kuji. There are 56 stores nationwide, providing the best selection and service as dedicated sales areas for Ichiban Kuji.

The biggest feature of the official shops is their overwhelmingly abundant stock compared to convenience stores and other retailers. Many convenience stores only receive one lot (about 70 to 100 tickets), but official shops always have multiple lots available, increasing the chances of obtaining desired prizes even days after the release date.

Additionally, official shops have specialized staff on-site who can provide detailed explanations about the Ichiban Kuji system and prize contents. Even foreigners who are drawing Ichiban Kuji for the first time can purchase with peace of mind. Inside the store, popular series prizes are beautifully displayed, allowing you to see and confirm which prizes you might win.

Key Features (主な特徴)

Ichiban Kuji official shops have unique features that other retailers do not.

Abundant Stock: Official shops secure multiple lots even for popular series, reducing the risk of stockouts. Especially on the release date, while convenience stores may sell out in the morning, official shops often have stock remaining until the evening. Even when purchasing more than 10 tickets at once, you can feel secure due to the ample stock.

Limited Products and Pre-Sales: Some official shops may conduct pre-sales for special edition figures exclusive to the store or allow purchases a few days earlier than general sales. This information is announced on the official Twitter and Instagram, so it is recommended to check regularly.

Support from Specialized Staff: The staff at official shops are knowledgeable about Ichiban Kuji and can provide detailed explanations about the prize composition and winning probabilities of each series. Additionally, some stores have staff who speak English, making it easier for foreigners who may be anxious about Japanese to communicate.

Comfortable Store Environment: Official shops have spacious areas where you can leisurely choose tickets while looking at the prizes. Even during busy times, numbered tickets are distributed, allowing for orderly purchases.

Advantages & Disadvantages (メリット・デメリット)

Both official shops and convenience stores have their own advantages and disadvantages.

Benefits of Official Shops:
- Abundant stock with low risk of running out
- Limited edition products and pre-sales available
- Support from specialized staff
- Ability to see and confirm actual products through display
- Suitable for bulk purchases

Drawbacks of Official Shops:
- Only 56 stores nationwide, with some areas having inconvenient access
- Limited business hours (most are 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM)
- Release dates for popular series can be crowded

Benefits of Convenience Stores:
- Available nationwide and easily accessible
- Many stores are open 24 hours
- Can purchase while doing everyday shopping

Drawbacks of Convenience Stores:
- Limited stock, often selling out quickly
- No limited edition products or bonuses
- Staff often lack detailed knowledge about the lottery

When to Choose Official Shops

Using official shops is particularly recommended in the following situations.

When you want to ensure purchase on the release day: Popular series can sell out at convenience stores as soon as they open. Official shops usually have multiple lots available, so there is a higher chance of being able to purchase even if you visit in the afternoon.

When targeting popular series: Popular series like One Piece, Dragon Ball, and SPY×FAMILY often sell out on the same day at convenience stores, but official shops frequently have stock remaining for several days.

When you want to make bulk purchases: If you plan to buy more than 10 items targeting A prizes or last one prizes, convenience stores may not have enough stock. Official shops have abundant stock, allowing you to purchase the desired quantity.

When you want to obtain limited edition products: If you want to acquire limited figures or bonuses that are only sold at official shops, the official shop is your only option.

Official Shop Locations

The Ichiban Kuji official shops are spread across 56 locations nationwide. They are primarily located in major cities, especially concentrated in the Kanto and Kansai regions. Here, we introduce major stores by region.

Many of the stores are located within shopping malls or anime merchandise specialty areas, allowing you to purchase other anime-related products alongside Ichiban Kuji. Additionally, many stores are near tourist spots or terminal stations, making it possible to stop by while traveling.

You can check the detailed addresses and business hours of each store on the Bandai Spirits official website (https://bandai-spirits.com). It is recommended to check for the latest information before visiting.

Kanto Region

The Kanto region has the most official shops in the country, with about 25 stores operating.

Tokyo: There are over 15 stores in Tokyo, with the main stores listed below.
- Akihabara Store: 3 minutes on foot from JR Akihabara Station. A holy place for anime goods, popular among foreign tourists. Business hours are 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
- Ikebukuro Sunshine City Store: 8 minutes on foot from JR Ikebukuro Station. Located within Sunshine City, close to the Pokémon Center and Jump Shop.
- Shibuya Store: 5 minutes on foot from JR Shibuya Station. An area where young people gather, with a rich stock of the latest series.
- Shinjuku Store: 7 minutes on foot from the East Exit of JR Shinjuku Station. Located within Shinjuku Marui, with excellent access.
- Odaiba DiverCity Tokyo Store: 5 minutes on foot from Yurikamome Daiba Station. Famous for the life-sized Gundam statue within the shopping mall.

Kanagawa Prefecture: There are 5 stores centered around Yokohama and Kawasaki.
- Yokohama Landmark Plaza Store: Directly connected to Minato Mirai Line Minato Mirai Station. Easy to stop by while sightseeing.
- Kawasaki Lazona Store: Located within a shopping mall directly connected to JR Kawasaki Station.

Saitama Prefecture: 3 stores in Omiya, Koshigaya, etc.
- Omiya Marui Store: 3 minutes on foot from JR Omiya Station.

Chiba Prefecture: 2 stores in Kashiwa, Funabashi, etc.
- Lalaport TOKYO-BAY Store: 5 minutes on foot from JR Minami-Funabashi Station.

Kansai Region

There are about 15 stores in the Kansai region, concentrated in Osaka and Kyoto.

Osaka Prefecture: There are over 10 stores in Osaka.
- Umeda Store: 5 minutes on foot from JR Osaka Station. Located within a complex facility around Osaka Station, with very good access. Business hours are 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
- Namba Store: 2 minutes on foot from Nankai Namba Station. Located within Namba Parks, frequented by many foreign tourists.
- Tennoji Store: Located within Abeno Harukas Kintetsu Main Store, directly connected to JR Tennoji Station. One of the largest skyscrapers in Western Japan.
- Sakai Store: 3 minutes on foot from Nankai Sakai-Higashi Station.

Kyoto Prefecture: 3 stores in Kyoto City.
- Kyoto Station Store: Located within The CUBE, directly connected to JR Kyoto Station. Convenient for stopping by during Shinkansen transfer times.
- Kyoto Kawaramachi Store: 1 minute on foot from Hankyu Kawaramachi Station. Located in Kyoto's bustling shopping district.

Hyogo Prefecture: 2 stores in Kobe City.
- Sannomiya Store: 5 minutes on foot from JR Sannomiya Station. Located in the center of Kobe, easily accessible for tourists.

Other Major Regions

Official shops are also located in major cities outside of Kanto and Kansai.

Chubu Region (Aichi Prefecture): 5 stores centered around Nagoya.
- Nagoya Parco Store: 3 minutes on foot from Nagoya City Subway Sakae Station. Located in the center of Nagoya, popular among young people. Business hours are 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
- Aeon Mall Nagoya Chaya Store: 10 minutes by bus from Nagoya City Subway Takahata Station. Located within a large shopping mall.

Kyushu Region (Fukuoka Prefecture): 4 stores in Fukuoka City.
- Tenjin Store: 3 minutes on foot from Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station. Located in the bustling Tenjin area of Fukuoka, with excellent access.
- Canal City Hakata Store: 5 minutes by bus from JR Hakata Station. Located within a popular complex commercial facility.

Hokkaido: 2 stores in Sapporo City.
- Sapporo Stella Place Store: Directly connected to JR Sapporo Station. Located within Hokkaido's largest terminal station.

Tohoku Region (Miyagi Prefecture): 2 stores in Sendai City.
- Sendai Parco Store: 5 minutes on foot from JR Sendai Station.

Chugoku Region (Hiroshima Prefecture): Two stores in Hiroshima City.
- Hiroshima Parco Store: 3 minutes on foot from Hiroshima Electric Railway Hondori Station.

Shikoku Region (Kagawa Prefecture): One store in Takamatsu City.
- Takamatsu Store: 10 minutes on foot from JR Takamatsu Station.

How to Find Your Nearest Shop

There are several ways to find your nearest official shop.

Official Website Store Locator: The official Bandai Spirits website has a feature that allows you to search for stores by prefecture or near your current location. Each store's address, phone number, business hours, and access methods are detailed.

Using Google Maps: By searching for "Ichiban Kuji Official Shop," stores near your current location will be displayed on the map. You can also see reviews and photos, allowing you to check the store's atmosphere in advance.

Ichiban Kuji Official App: By downloading the Ichiban Kuji official app, you can automatically search for the nearest official shop using GPS. The app also provides stock information and new product release schedules, so it is highly recommended to download it.

Store Details & Access

Before visiting an official shop, it is important to check the business hours and access methods. Business hours and holidays vary by store, so checking in advance is essential.

Many official shops are located in shopping malls or station buildings, making them relatively easy to access. Using public transportation, even foreigners who are not proficient in Japanese can arrive without getting lost. Additionally, large stores often have parking facilities, making it possible to visit by car.

Here, we will explain the general business hours, access methods, and parking and facility information for official shops in detail.

Operating Hours

The business hours for official shops are generally 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM for most stores. This aligns with the business hours of shopping malls and station buildings.

However, some stores may have different hours. For example, stores located in airports may open early in the morning, while smaller stores might close at 8:00 PM. Be sure to check the business hours on the official website or by phone before your visit.

Regular Holidays: Most official shops are open year-round, but some stores may close in accordance with the shopping mall's closing days. Particularly in rural areas, some stores may have 1 to 2 regular holidays per month.

Holidays and Year-End/New Year: Stores are usually open on holidays, but during the year-end and New Year period (December 31 to January 3), some stores may have shortened hours or be closed. If you plan to visit during this time, it is strongly recommended to check in advance.

How to Get There

There are three main ways to access official shops: by train, bus, or car.

Access by Train: Most official shops are within a 5 to 10-minute walk from major stations. For example, the Akihabara Store is a 3-minute walk from JR Akihabara Station, and the Umeda Store is a 5-minute walk from JR Osaka Station, making them conveniently located. Japan's railway network is very developed, and using Google Maps or the app "Japan Transit Planner" makes it easy to find the shortest route.

For foreigners, using the JR Pass (Japan Rail Pass) allows for efficient visits to official shops across the country. In particular, major stores in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Nagoya are close to Shinkansen stations, making it possible to combine visits with sightseeing.

Access by Bus: Some stores are located a bit away from the station, so using a bus is convenient. For example, stores in Aeon malls often have shuttle buses running from the nearest station. Bus schedules can be checked on the official websites of each shopping mall.

Walking Route from the Station: The walking route from the station to the store can be easily navigated using Google Maps' navigation feature. Major stations in Japan have many English signboards, making it easy for foreigners to move around with confidence.

Access by Car: Accessing stores in rural areas or large shopping malls by car is convenient. Many stores have parking lots, and while parking fees vary by facility, it is common to have a few hours free with a purchase.

Parking & Facilities (駐車場・施設)

Shopping malls and station buildings that house official shops typically have large parking lots.

Availability and Fees of Parking: Large stores often have parking lots that can accommodate over 500 vehicles, with the first 1-2 hours free, and after that, it is generally 200-300 yen every 30 minutes. Many stores offer free or discounted parking fees if you make a purchase above a certain amount, including lottery tickets.

For smaller stores or those in urban areas, there may not be dedicated parking, so you will need to use nearby coin parking. In that case, the going rate is about 300-500 yen for 30 minutes.

Other Facilities: Official shops within shopping malls offer amenities such as restrooms, break areas, food courts, and coin lockers. Coin lockers, in particular, are very convenient for tourists, allowing you to store large luggage and enjoy the lottery at your leisure.

Additionally, some large stores provide free Wi-Fi services, enabling you to check stock information and new product release details on the spot.

Official Shop Inventory (公式ショップの在庫)

The biggest appeal of the Ichiban Kuji official shops is their abundant inventory. Compared to convenience stores and other retailers, they offer a significantly larger number of lottery tickets, increasing the chances of obtaining desired prizes.

Official shops often secure multiple lots (2-5 lots) even for popular series, so it is common to be able to purchase items several days after the release date. You can also check stock availability in advance via phone or the official app, helping to avoid unnecessary visits.

Here, we will explain in detail the differences in inventory between official shops and convenience stores, how to check stock, and the best timing for visits.

Inventory Comparison (在庫の比較)

When comparing the inventory of official shops and convenience stores, the following differences can be observed.

Convenience Store Inventory: A typical convenience store usually stocks only one lot (about 70-100 tickets) per series. For popular series, it is common for them to sell out by the morning of the release date, especially top prizes like A and B prizes, which disappear quickly. Smaller convenience stores may only receive a half lot (about 40 tickets).

Official Shop Inventory: In the official shop, for popular series, 2 to 5 lots (approximately 200 to 500 items) are prepared. This is to meet the demand of many fans as a specialty store for Ichiban Kuji. Due to the abundant stock, it is often possible to purchase even a few days after the release date, especially on weekdays when stock is often still available.

Difference in Product Range: The official shop has all currently available series. For example, since multiple series such as One Piece, Dragon Ball, SPY×FAMILY, and Jujutsu Kaisen are sold simultaneously, you can purchase multiple series in one visit. On the other hand, convenience stores often only carry 1 to 2 series, resulting in a limited selection.

Speed of Stock Replenishment: In the official shop, when the stock of popular series runs low, it is quickly replenished. Especially before weekends, additional lots are often received, reducing the risk of items being sold out.

How to Check Stock

Before visiting the official shop, checking the stock status can save you time and transportation costs.

Phone Confirmation: The most reliable method is to call the store directly to check the stock. The phone number for the official shop is listed on the Bandai Spirits official website. When you call, you can inform them of the desired series name, and they will let you know the availability and remaining quantity. If you are not good at Japanese, you can use a translation app to say, "〇〇シリーズの在庫はありますか？" (Do you have stock of 〇〇 series?).

Check via Official App: The official Ichiban Kuji app displays the stock status of some stores in real-time. By downloading the app and registering your favorite stores, you will receive notifications when new series arrive.

Pre-Visit Checklist: Before your visit, make sure to check the following information:
- Availability of the desired series
- Business hours and regular holidays
- Release date (for new series)
- Purchase limits (some stores may have limits such as 10 items per person)

Best Times to Visit

When visiting the official shop, timing your visit can help you avoid crowds and purchase efficiently.

Morning of Release Day: On the morning of a new series release day, stock is most abundant right after opening. If you are aiming for top prizes like A or B prizes, it is recommended to line up 30 minutes before opening. For popular series, numbered tickets may also be distributed.

Weekday Mornings: Weekdays from 10:00 to 12:00 are relatively quiet, allowing you to choose products at your leisure. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, in particular, have fewer visitors, making them ideal.

Avoid Weekends: Saturdays and Sundays can be crowded, leading to longer wait times. Additionally, popular series often sell out on weekends, so if you want to ensure your purchase, weekdays are recommended.

2 to 3 Days After Release: If you want to avoid the crowds right after the release date, visiting on a weekday 2 to 3 days later is a good idea. In the official shop, there is often still stock available during this period.

Exclusive Products & Limited Items

One of the major attractions of the Ichiban Kuji official shop is that it offers exclusive products and benefits that can only be obtained at the official shop. These limited items are highly valuable to Ichiban Kuji fans and are popular among collectors.

Limited products are figures and goods that come with special designs or color variations, separate from the regular Ichiban Kuji. Additionally, there may be benefits such as original stickers or posters for purchases over a certain amount.

Here, we will explain in detail the types of limited products, purchase bonuses, and how to ensure you get your hands on limited items.

What are Exclusive Products? (限定商品とは？)

Official shop exclusive products are special items sold only at the Bandai Spirits official shop.

Limited Figures: There are special color variations or poses of figures that cannot be obtained through regular Ichiban Kuji. For example, limited color versions of Luffy from One Piece or special costume versions of Anya from SPY×FAMILY have been sold in the past. These limited figures are more valuable than the regular versions and are highly popular among collectors.

Pre-Sale Series: Some series may be sold a few days earlier at the official shop. For instance, if a release is on Friday at convenience stores, it may start selling at the official shop from Wednesday. This expands the opportunity to get popular series earlier than others.

Limited Packages: Even if the prizes are the same as the regular Ichiban Kuji, they may be sold in special packages exclusive to the official shop. The packaging features exclusive designs, increasing their collection value.

Commemorative Products: During anniversary celebrations or special events for Ichiban Kuji, commemorative products are sold at the official shop. These are often limited in quantity and sell out quickly, so it is important to catch the information as soon as possible.

Purchase Bonuses (購入特典)

At the official shop, various bonuses are available based on the purchase amount or number of items bought.

Original Stickers: If you purchase five or more Ichiban Kuji items, you may receive a non-sale original sticker. The stickers feature illustrations of popular characters and are popular as collector's items.

Limited Posters: In some series, if you purchase ten or more items, you will receive a B2 size limited poster. The poster is not sold separately and can only be obtained as a purchase bonus at the official shop.

Clear Files: Original clear files may be distributed as a commemorative item for the release of popular series. Clear files are highly practical and are a delightful bonus for fans.

Member-Only Benefits: Some official shops issue membership cards and offer member-exclusive benefits and point redemption services. By accumulating points, you can receive discounts on your next purchase.

How to Get Limited Items (限定商品の入手方法)

To ensure you obtain limited products, gathering information and planning your actions is crucial.

Follow Official SNS: On Bandai Spirits' official Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, information about the release of limited products is announced in advance. By turning on notifications, you can quickly obtain the latest information. If you want information in English, it is also recommended to follow overseas fan communities or Reddit's "r/AnimeFigures".

Line Up on Release Day: Since limited products have a limited quantity, it is important to line up before the store opens on the release day. For popular series, lines may form an hour before opening. If tickets are distributed, make sure to arrive early to secure one.

Pre-Reservation: Some limited products are available for pre-reservation at the official shop. The reservation method varies by store, but you can reserve by phone or in-store. The reservation start date will be announced on the official website, so check regularly.

Check Multiple Stores: The stock of limited products varies by store. It is a good idea to call several nearby official shops to check the stock status and visit the store that has the items in stock.

How to Buy at Official Shops (公式ショップでの買い方)

The method of purchasing Ichiban Kuji at official shops is basically the same as at convenience stores, but a major difference is that you can receive support from specialized staff. For foreigners who are drawing Ichiban Kuji for the first time, we will explain the purchasing process in detail here to ensure a smooth experience.

At official shops, you can see and confirm the actual prizes before drawing the lottery, allowing you to understand which prizes you might win before making a purchase. Additionally, staff will carefully explain the characteristics of each series and the winning probabilities, so you can draw the lottery with confidence.

Step-by-Step Purchase Guide (購入手順)

The process for purchasing Ichiban Kuji at official shops is as follows.

Step 1: Enter the Store and Check the Products: Once you enter the store, first look at the prize displays on the wall to decide which series you want to purchase. The contents and prices of each series are clearly stated, so choose according to your budget. The price of Ichiban Kuji varies by series, but it is generally between 700 and 1,000 yen per draw.

Step 2: Communicate Your Purchase Intent to the Staff: Once you have decided on the series you want to buy, tell the staff, "I would like to buy 〇 tickets of this series." If you are not confident in your Japanese, you can use a translation app to convey this or point to the series to ensure they understand. If you are making a bulk purchase, be clear about the number of tickets you want.

Step 3: Draw the Lottery: Receive a paper lottery ticket from the staff and draw your preferred ticket from the box. The tickets will have labels such as "A Prize," "B Prize," or "C Prize," and the ticket you draw will correspond to the prize you win. After drawing, please show the ticket to the staff.

Step 4: Receive Your Prize: The staff will hand you the prize corresponding to the ticket you drew. The prize will be in new condition and carefully packaged. For larger figures, they will provide a special bag.

Step 5: Checkout: Complete your payment at the register. Payment methods available include cash, credit cards, electronic money (such as Suica, PASMO), and QR code payments (such as PayPay, LINE Pay). For foreign tourists, international brand credit cards (such as Visa, Mastercard) are convenient.

About the Last One Prize: If all the tickets for a lot are sold out, the person who draws the last ticket will receive a special prize called the "Last One Prize." The Last One Prize is a limited figure that has a value equal to or greater than the A prize. If you are aiming for the Last One Prize, check the remaining number of tickets with the staff.

Language Support & Communication

In the official shop, there are ways to communicate smoothly even for foreigners who are not good at Japanese.

Using Translation Apps: By using translation apps like Google Translate or DeepL, you can instantly convert between Japanese and English. If you show the staff your smartphone screen while conversing, you can overcome the language barrier. It is convenient to input the following phrases into the translation app in advance:
- "このシリーズは在庫がありますか?" (Do you have stock of this series?)
- "5本購入したいです" (I would like to buy 5 tickets)
- "A賞の景品を見せてください" (Can I see the A prize?)
- "ラストワン賞は何本残っていますか?" (How many tickets are left for the last-one prize?)

Simple Japanese Phrases: Memorizing the following simple Japanese phrases will help facilitate communication:
- "これをください" (Kore wo kudasai) = I'll take this
- "ありがとうございます" (Arigatou gozaimasu) = Thank you
- "いくらですか?" (Ikura desu ka?) = How much is it?
- "在庫はありますか?" (Zaiko wa arimasu ka?) = Do you have stock?

Using Gestures: If words do not get through, gestures can also be effective. Indicating the number of items you want with your fingers or pointing to the series you want will help the staff understand.

English-speaking Staff: In official shops in major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, there may be staff who speak English. When you enter the store, try asking, "Do you have English-speaking staff?"

Rules & Etiquette

When purchasing a lottery ticket at the official shop, it is necessary to follow certain rules and etiquette.

Purchase Limitations: On the release day of popular series, there may be a limit on the number of tickets one person can purchase. Generally, it is up to 10 tickets per person, but this may vary by store and day. If there are limitations, they will be posted in the store, so be sure to check.

Consideration for Other Customers: During busy times, be aware that other customers are waiting and complete your purchase quickly. Avoid taking too long to decide when drawing tickets, and it will be smoother if you decide in advance which series you want to purchase.

Photography Etiquette: Taking photos of prize displays may be permitted or prohibited depending on the store. If you wish to take photos, be sure to ask for permission from the staff. It is also important to be considerate and ensure that other customers are not in the frame.

Tips for Foreign Visitors (外国人向けのコツ)

The Ichiban Kuji official shop is an attractive spot not only for foreign residents in Japan but also for tourists visiting Japan. However, due to language barriers and cultural differences, you may find yourself confused when making a purchase. Here, we introduce practical tips for foreigners to smoothly utilize the official shop.

Especially for tourists visiting Japan, planning is important to efficiently enjoy Ichiban Kuji within a limited time. It is also useful to know about packaging methods and delivery services for bringing purchased prizes back to your home country.

For Tourists (訪日観光客向け)

Here are some points for tourists visiting Japan when using the official shop.

Choose Accessible Stores: Select stores that are easy to stop by during your sightseeing. Recommended stores are the following, located near major tourist attractions:
- Akihabara Store: Located in Akihabara, the holy land of anime and games, you can visit other anime shops as well.
- Odaiba DiverCity Tokyo Store: Features a Gundam statue and a shopping mall, perfect for a day of sightseeing.
- Kyoto Station Store: Directly connected to Kyoto Station, convenient for a quick stop during Shinkansen transfers.
- Namba Store: Located in Osaka's bustling district, close to Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi.

How to Store Large Luggage: Shopping malls and stations that house the official shop have coin lockers available. It is convenient to store large luggage like suitcases in lockers before visiting the store. Large lockers can be used for 500 to 700 yen and are available 24 hours. Additionally, some hotels offer services to hold your luggage even after check-out, so take advantage of that.

Tax-Free Eligibility: Unfortunately, Ichiban Kuji is not eligible for tax exemption. This is because, due to the nature of lottery tickets, they are treated as consumables. However, in some large stores, tax exemption may apply when purchasing figures or goods other than Ichiban Kuji. If you wish to be tax-exempt, please confirm with the staff before making a purchase.

How to Bring Home Purchased Prizes: Figures and plush toys can be packed in your suitcase. Tips for packaging will be mentioned later, but for fragile figures, it is safe to use the box you receive at the time of purchase and wrap it with clothes or towels before placing it in your suitcase. You can also bring them as carry-on luggage, but be mindful of size restrictions.

For Residents in Japan (日本在住の外国人向け)

For foreigners residing in Japan, there are many benefits to regularly visiting the official shop.

Benefits of Regular Visits: By visiting the official shop regularly, you can quickly obtain information about new series releases. Additionally, if you become a regular customer, the staff may remember your face and inform you about limited edition products. It is recommended to visit once or twice a month.

Membership Registration: Some official shops issue membership cards. By becoming a member, you can enjoy the following benefits.
- Point rewards based on purchase amount (1 point for every 100 yen)
- Invitations to member-only pre-sale events
- Discount coupons for your birthday month
- Advance notifications of new series releases

Membership registration is free and can be done by filling out an application form at the store. Even foreigners can register by presenting their residence card.

Joining the Community: Joining the Ichiban Kuji fan community is fun and allows for information exchange. In Japan, there are Ichiban Kuji fan groups on Facebook and Discord, with many foreigners participating. There are also groups where you can exchange information in English, so search for and join one. In the community, rare prize exchanges and offline meetups to visit official shops together are also held.

Packing & Shipping Tips

This section introduces packing methods to safely bring home purchased prizes and overseas shipping services.

Packing Method for Prizes: It is common to purchase figures in their boxes. Use the box as is, wrap it with clothes or towels, and place it in your suitcase to prevent damage during transport. Plush toys are soft and can be used to fill gaps in your suitcase.

Using Overseas Shipping Services: If you purchase in bulk or cannot fit everything in your suitcase, consider using overseas shipping services. By using Japan Post's EMS (International Speed Post), you can ship to most countries around the world. The cost varies based on weight and destination, but for example, sending a 2kg package to the United States costs about 4,000 to 5,000 yen. You can also use international courier services like FedEx or DHL, but their rates are higher.

Summary: Make the Most of the Ichiban Kuji Official Shop

The Ichiban Kuji official shop offers a special shopping experience that you can't find at convenience stores. With a wide variety of stock, limited edition products, and support from specialized staff, there are many unique attractions at the official shop.

The biggest appeal of the official shop is undoubtedly the abundance of stock. Even for popular series, multiple lots are available, so even if you can't visit on the release day, there's a high chance you can purchase items a few days later. Additionally, limited edition products and benefits that can only be obtained at the official shop are highly valuable for collectors.

It's also important to differentiate between convenience stores and official shops. While it's nice to casually enjoy Ichiban Kuji at a nearby convenience store, if you have a specific series you want or wish to buy in bulk, I recommend using the official shop. Especially for foreigners, the official shop offers peace of mind with language support and thorough explanations.

The biggest advantage for foreigners using the official shop is the opportunity for cultural experiences. Ichiban Kuji is a unique form of entertainment in Japan, and visiting the official shop allows for a deeper understanding of Japanese pop culture. Additionally, through interactions with staff and other fans, you can learn about Japanese culture and manners.

Before visiting the store, be sure to prepare the following:
- Check stock on the official website or app
- Check business hours and regular holidays
- Download a translation app on your smartphone
- Decide on your purchase budget and desired quantity
- Confirm access methods and estimated travel time

Finally, here is the final advice for enjoying Ichiban Kuji. Ichiban Kuji has a large element of luck, but that is precisely the source of its fun. Even if you don't win the A prize, there are many attractive items among the other prizes. Approach it with the mindset that you can enjoy whichever prize you get, and give Ichiban Kuji a try.

The official shops at 56 locations nationwide are waiting for your visit. Get your favorite character's figure and fully enjoy the fun of Ichiban Kuji. Happy Ichiban Kuji hunting!