Since Saturday, April 4, a unique venue has opened its doors in the heart of the capital. Located at 37 Rue de Rivoli, France’s first store entirely dedicated to gashapon offers an experience never before seen in France. Inside, there are no traditional shelves, but nearly 300 capsule machines lined up, each promising a collectible surprise.
The first gashapon store has arrived in Paris
Very popular in Japan, these vending machines operate on a simple yet highly effective principle. After purchasing tokens on-site, simply insert them into the machine, turn the dial… and retrieve a capsule containing a random item. The concept relies entirely on the element of surprise and the joy of collecting, two factors that explain its success over the decades.
In this new Parisian store, the selection is particularly impressive. Each of the 300 machines offers several different items, bringing the total to nearly 3,000 varieties. Manga figurines, gadgets, miniatures, keychains, or unusual items: the variety is such that it’s hard not to be tempted to try your luck a few times. Prices start at around 5 euros per capsule, with an estimated average spend of between 15 and 20 euros per visit.
This project is led by the Japanese giant Bandai, the originator of the modern gashapon concept, in partnership with King Jouet. Already well-established in Asia, the phenomenon is gradually spreading to Europe, and this opening marks an important milestone for its development in France.
This opening is also part of a broader trend: Japanese culture continues to captivate France, particularly through manga, anime, and all kinds of merchandise.
With its hundreds of machines and playful concept, this first gachapon store could quickly become a must-visit spot for fans of Japanese pop culture. One thing is certain: it’s hard to leave without trying at least one capsule!
📍Gashapon – 37 Rue de Rivoli, 75004