Thorough Comparison of Ichiban Kuji and Gacha Gacha | Explanation of Mechanism, Price, and Likelihood of Winning

If you have ever visited Japan or are interested in Japanese anime and manga culture, you may have heard the terms "Ichiban Kuji" and "Gacha Gacha (Capsule Toy)." Both are unique merchandise sales systems in Japan and popular ways to obtain figures and goods of anime and game characters. However, there are significant differences between the two.

In this article, we will thoroughly compare the differences between Ichiban Kuji and Gacha Gacha from multiple perspectives, including mechanism, price, types of prizes, presence of losing options, and likelihood of winning. We will provide you with the information needed to determine which one suits you better.

Basic Differences Between Ichiban Kuji and Gacha Gacha

Both Ichiban Kuji and Gacha Gacha are systems that allow you to obtain goods randomly, but they differ in purchasing methods and types of prizes. Simply put, Ichiban Kuji is a "lottery-style" system, while Gacha Gacha is an "automatic vending machine-style" system.

What is Ichiban Kuji?

Ichiban Kuji is a lottery-style character goods sales system operated by BANDAI SPIRITS. It is sold at convenience stores (such as Lawson, FamilyMart, and 7-Eleven), bookstores, hobby shops, and Animate stores.

The biggest feature of Ichiban Kuji is the "no losing" system. When you draw a lottery, you are guaranteed to receive some kind of prize. Prizes are ranked from A to E (or higher), with rarer prizes having lower winning probabilities. Many limited goods are in collaboration with popular anime and games, making them highly valuable as collector's items.

What is Gacha/Capsule Toy?

Gacha Gacha (known in English as Gachapon, Gashapon, or Capsule Toy) is a system for purchasing small goods or figures contained in capsules from vending machines. By inserting a coin and turning a lever or handle, you receive one random capsule.

Gacha Gacha machines are installed in various locations throughout Japan. You can find Gacha Gacha machines in shopping malls, train stations, game centers, airports, and tourist spots. There is a very wide variety of prizes, including not only anime characters but also animals, miniature food items, and practical small goods.

Key Differences Comparison

The main differences between Ichiban Kuji and Gacha Gacha are summarized in the comparison table below.

Item	Ichiban Kuji	Gacha
Purchase Method	Buy a lottery ticket from the staff and draw	Insert a coin into the machine and turn it
Price Range	680 yen to 900 yen	200 yen to 500 yen
Prize Size	Larger (10cm to 30cm)	Small (3cm to 10cm)
Presence of Losers	No losers (you will definitely win something)	Possibility of duplicates
Winning Probability	Calculable (lot composition is published)	Unclear (random)
Types of Prizes	Figures, towels, acrylic keychains, plush toys, etc.	Mini figures, keychains, straps, small items, etc.
Placement Locations	Convenience stores, bookstores, hobby shops	Shopping malls, stations, game centers, etc.

As can be seen from this table, Ichiban Kuji offers relatively high-priced, larger, high-quality goods, while Gacha provides low-priced, easily enjoyable small items.

Differences in Mechanism

The biggest difference between Ichiban Kuji and Gacha is their mechanism and system. From the purchasing process to the method of selecting prizes, both take completely different approaches.

Ichiban Kuji System

Ichiban Kuji starts by telling the staff at the store's register, "I would like to draw Ichiban Kuji once." After paying the fee, the staff hands over a bundle of lottery tickets. When you pull out one ticket (peeling it off), the symbol printed on the ticket (A, B, C, D, E, etc.) indicates the rank of the prize.

Ichiban Kuji has a unit called a "lot." One lot is a set of all the lottery tickets sold in that series. For example, if one lot consists of 80 tickets, the distribution might be 2 A prizes, 5 B prizes, 10 C prizes, 20 D prizes, and 43 E prizes. This composition varies by series and is usually published on the official BANDAI SPIRITS website.

An important point is that once a ticket is drawn, it is excluded from the lot, causing the winning probability to fluctuate among the remaining tickets. For example, if there is 1 A prize left out of a total of 10 tickets, the winning probability for the A prize becomes 10%. This means that as the game progresses, it may become easier to win rarer prizes.

Gacha System

Gacha is a completely self-service system. You stand in front of the machine, insert a coin into the slot, and simply turn the handle or lever to have a capsule roll out from the exit. When you open the capsule, it contains a prize inside.

Gacha machines typically contain about 10 to 20 capsules. Each capsule contains a different prize, and which capsule comes out is completely random. Many Gacha series have 5 to 8 different types of prizes, and collectors aim to achieve a "complete" set of all types.

A characteristic of Gacha is that the same prize can come out multiple times. The probabilities are equal, but it is possible to get a prize you already have again. Therefore, to collect all types, mathematically, you may need to draw many more times than expected.

Comparison of Purchase Processes

There are significant differences in the purchasing process as well. Ichiban Kuji requires interaction with the store staff, allowing you to check stock availability and ask about the remaining number of tickets. On the other hand, Gachapon is fully automated, and no interaction with people is necessary. As long as you have coins, you can easily enjoy it even if you don't speak the language.

Additionally, Ichiban Kuji requires you to go to the store during business hours, while Gachapon is often installed in places accessible 24 hours a day (such as train stations), making it more convenient to use.

Price Comparison

The price difference between Ichiban Kuji and Gachapon is directly related to the value of the prizes. It is an important factor in deciding which one to choose based on your budget.

Ichiban Kuji Pricing

The price range for Ichiban Kuji is usually between 680 yen and 900 yen per draw. The most common prices are around 700 yen to 800 yen, and in the case of popular series or limited collaborations, it can be around 900 yen.

Prices vary by series and are determined by the content and quality of the prizes. For example, series where large figures or plush toys are the main prizes tend to be priced higher. In contrast, series centered around towels or acrylic stands are relatively reasonably priced.

Ichiban Kuji is characterized by its "high unit price per draw," but in return, the quality of the prizes is also high, and you can obtain goods of a quality that can be displayed on their own. Many collectors draw multiple times to hit their target prize, so it is not uncommon to spend between 3,000 yen and 10,000 yen in total.

Gacha Pricing

The price range for Gachapon is typically between 200 yen and 500 yen per draw. The most common prices are 300 yen and 400 yen, and recently, there has been an increase in Gachapon that includes high-quality figures for 500 yen. The 200 yen Gachapon mainly features simple prizes like keychains or small mascots.

The appeal of Gachapon lies in its affordable prices. Because the cost per draw is low, it allows for casual attempts, and even drawing multiple times does not put a strain on your wallet. The pricing that can be enjoyed even with elementary school students' allowances is a significant strength of Gachapon.

However, trying to complete all types can sometimes incur more costs than expected. For example, in a Gachapon with six types of prizes, if you're unlucky, you may need to draw more than ten times to collect them all, which could total over 3,000 yen.

Cost Performance Comparison

Cost performance varies depending on what you prioritize.

Ichiban Kuji has a high price per draw, but you are guaranteed to receive something new, with no duplicates. Additionally, the quality of the prizes is high, and figures from A or B prizes have high market value, so if you win, it can be worth more than your investment. There is a sense of security in "definitely getting something."

Gachapon, with its lower price per draw, can be enjoyed with a light-hearted attitude of just trying it out. However, due to the risk of duplicates, aiming for completion can lead to increased costs. If your goal is to "enjoy casually," Gachapon offers excellent cost performance.

If your budget is limited or you want to target a specific character, Ichiban Kuji is more efficient. On the other hand, if you want to collect various goods on a low budget, Gachapon is more suitable.

Prize Differences

The prizes from Ichiban Kuji and Gacha Gacha differ significantly in terms of size, quality, and variety. These differences are crucial selection criteria for collectors.

Ichiban Kuji Prizes

Ichiban Kuji prizes are characterized by high-quality, larger-sized goods. The most popular items are the A and B prize figures. These are typically large figures ranging from about 15cm to 30cm in height, intricately crafted down to the details. They have quality comparable to or exceeding that of commercially available figures, and some are worth between 5,000 yen and over 10,000 yen if purchased at specialty stores.

In addition to figures, Ichiban Kuji offers a variety of prizes. These include practical items such as towels, pouches, cushions, larger plush toys, acrylic stands, can badge sets, and colored paper. Many of these prizes can be used in daily life, making them valuable not only as fan goods but also as practical items.

Another feature of Ichiban Kuji prizes is their "exclusivity." Each series is sold for a limited time and ends as soon as they sell out. Therefore, they have high rarity value, and on flea market apps or auction sites, they can be traded at prices several times their retail value. Especially, A prizes attract high popularity right after their release.

Gacha Prizes

Gacha Gacha prizes are primarily small and compact goods. The most common items are mini figures or mascots that are about 3cm to 10cm in height. Due to the constraint of fitting into capsules, large figures like those from Ichiban Kuji are not included.

However, the quality of Gacha Gacha prizes has been improving year by year. Particularly, series like "CAPCHARA" and "PUTITTO" are very intricately made despite their small size, and their unique designs that can be hooked onto the edge of cups are popular. Additionally, there are many practical small items included, such as keychains, straps, badges, stickers, mini towels, and erasers.

The charm of Gacha Gacha lies in its wide variety. Not only anime characters but also animals, marine life, miniature food, Showa retro goods, and interesting miscellaneous items cover a very broad range of genres. There are many realistic animal figures aimed at adults and unique novelty goods, making it enjoyable for a wide age range.

Comparison of Quality and Size

In terms of quality and size, Ichiban Kuji excels. The painting of figures, the detail of the sculpting, and the texture of the materials all contribute to a high overall quality. On the other hand, Gacha Gacha has limitations in detail expression due to its small size, but recent technological advancements have led to an increase in surprisingly intricate items.

From a collection perspective, Ichiban Kuji focuses on large goods intended for "displaying," which have a strong presence in room decor. Gacha Gacha, being small, is easy to store and carry, making it suitable for a style where many can be lined up on desks or shelves for enjoyment.

Choosing between the two depends on personal preference and collection style. For those who want to collect a few large, high-quality figures, Ichiban Kuji is suitable, while those who want to gather a large number of small, cute goods will find Gacha Gacha more appropriate.

Winning Rate & "Losing"

The concept of "losing" differs significantly between Ichiban Kuji and Gacha Gacha. This difference also serves as a psychological factor when deciding to make a purchase.

Ichiban Kuji's No-Lose System

The official concept of Ichiban Kuji is "no losing tickets." In other words, if you draw a ticket, you will definitely receive some kind of prize. All prizes from A to E (or F, G, Last One Prize, etc.) have value, and there are no empty tickets.

However, even though it is said to be "no losing tickets," not all prizes have the same value. If you were aiming for the large figure of the A prize but ended up with an E prize clear file, some people may psychologically feel it is a "loss." However, objectively speaking, the E prize is also a product worth over 500 yen if purchased alone, so it is not a complete "loss."

The transparency of Ichiban Kuji is also an important point. The composition of each lot (how many A prizes, how many B prizes, etc.) is published on the official website, allowing for accurate calculation of winning probabilities. For example, if there are 2 A prizes in a total of 80 tickets, the probability of winning an A prize is 2.5%. This transparency allows buyers to understand in advance the likelihood of winning their desired prize.

Gacha Gacha's Duplication Problem

Gacha Gacha does not have the concept of "no losing tickets." Since every capsule contains some kind of prize, in that sense, all are "winners." However, a major problem with Gacha Gacha is "duplication."

Many Gacha Gacha series feature 5 to 8 types of prizes, and which prize will come out is completely random. Therefore, there is a possibility that a prize you already own may come out again. For example, in a Gacha Gacha with 6 types of prizes, even if you already have 3 types, the probability of drawing a prize you already own next is 50%.

This duplication problem can be a significant stress for collectors aiming for completion. Statistically speaking, to collect all n types of prizes, you need to draw an average of n × ln(n) times. For example, for 6 types, you need to draw about 15 times, and for 8 types, about 21 times, resulting in actual costs that can be higher than expected.

Duplicated prizes can be exchanged with friends or sold on flea market apps, but this can be cumbersome. When enjoying Gacha Gacha, it is important to have the mindset of enjoying the prizes that come out with the premise that "completion is difficult."

Transparency of Winning Probabilities

In terms of transparency of winning probabilities, Ichiban Kuji is overwhelmingly superior. Ichiban Kuji publishes the number of each prize and the total number of lots, allowing for accurate probability calculations. Additionally, some stores may inform you of the remaining number of tickets, and as time goes on, the probability of winning rare prizes may increase.

On the other hand, Gacha Gacha rarely discloses probabilities. It is not visible from the outside how many capsules are in the machine or how many of each type there are. The timing of machine restocking is also unclear, making it difficult to notice if certain types are already sold out.

This difference in transparency affects purchasing decisions. For those who want to challenge with knowledge of the probabilities, Ichiban Kuji is suitable, while for those who want to enjoy the randomness left to chance, Gacha Gacha is more appropriate.

Which Should You Choose?

Whether to choose Ichiban Kuji or Gacha Gacha depends on your purpose, budget, and collection style. Here, we introduce the characteristics of people who would particularly benefit from each option.

Recommended for Ichiban Kuji

Ichiban Kuji is especially recommended for people like the following.

People who want high-quality figures and goods: The A and B prizes of Ichiban Kuji are comparable in quality to figures sold at specialty stores. For those who want to obtain large figures intricately crafted down to the smallest detail, Ichiban Kuji is the best choice. In fact, A prize figures can be traded for several thousand to tens of thousands of yen on flea market apps after their release, making them highly valuable if won.

Enthusiastic fans of specific anime and game series: For those who want to collect limited goods from their favorite series, Ichiban Kuji is suitable. Ichiban Kuji often collaborates with popular works, offering exclusive designs that can only be obtained from that series. Collaborations with popular titles such as One Piece, Dragon Ball, Demon Slayer, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Spy Family are regularly conducted.

People who want to ensure they get something: Ichiban Kuji has a no-loss system, so you are guaranteed to receive new goods when you draw. There is no risk of duplicates, so even if you draw multiple times, there is no waste. For those who do not want to feel the anxiety of "not getting anything," Ichiban Kuji is reassuring.

People who want to display their collection: For collectors who enjoy decorating their rooms, large goods from Ichiban Kuji are suitable. Eye-catching figures and plush toys also serve as great interior decor.

Recommended for Gachapon

Gachapon is recommended for the following types of people.

People who want to enjoy it casually on a low budget: The affordable price range of 200 to 500 yen per draw is the biggest appeal of Gachapon. It allows for a casual experience of "wanting to try a little" or "wanting to test their luck with a small amount." It is perfect for students or those who want to enjoy collecting without spending too much money.

People who like small and compact goods: Gachapon is perfect for those who love small and cute mascots or keychains. Many items are easy to carry and can be used daily by attaching them to bags or keys. Additionally, it is also fun to display them lined up on desks or bookshelves.

People who want to enjoy a variety of genres: Gachapon offers a wide range of genres, not just anime characters, but also animals, food, retro goods, and novelty items. It is suitable for those who want to collect various types of goods and enjoy discovering interesting items.

People who want to enjoy it anytime, anywhere: Gachapon machines are widely available, with some locations accessible 24 hours a day. This allows for casual enjoyment while traveling or on business trips, making it easy to adopt a style of "drawing when you see one."

How to Enjoy Both

In fact, Ichiban Kuji and Gachapon are not mutually exclusive. Many collectors use both depending on the situation.

For example, when a beloved anime series' Ichiban Kuji is released, they may focus on drawing from Ichiban Kuji, while enjoying Gachapon casually in their daily life. Additionally, during months with a larger budget, they may challenge Ichiban Kuji, while in months with a limited budget, they may stick to Gachapon.

By combining both, collectors can gather both large figures and small mascots, creating a diverse collection. A popular display style is to center the display around goods obtained from Ichiban Kuji and arrange small items from Gachapon around them.

Conclusion: Find a way to enjoy that suits you

Both Ichiban Kuji and Gachapon are unique entertainment cultures in Japan, each with its own charm.

Ichiban Kuji features high-quality large goods, a no-loss system, and transparent winning probabilities, making it suitable for enthusiastic fans of specific series or those seeking high-quality figures. The prices are on the higher side, but in return, you can be sure to obtain valuable goods.

Gachapon is characterized by its affordable prices, diverse genres, and casualness, making it ideal for those who want to enjoy various goods on a low budget. While there is a risk of duplicates, there is also the surprise of encountering unexpected prizes.

Which one you should choose depends on your budget, the size of the goods you prefer, your collection style, and above all, your desire for "how you want to enjoy it." Please refer to the information presented in this article to find a way to enjoy that suits you.

Try both Ichiban Kuji and Gachapon, and fully enjoy Japan's goods culture. I hope you add wonderful items to your collection.

For those who want to know more about Ichiban Kuji, please also check the Complete Guide to Ichiban Kuji (article link). It provides more detailed information such as basic information about Ichiban Kuji, how to purchase, popular series, and how to calculate winning probabilities.