Figures, Merch and Gachapon Prices — 2026-10-18
The Japanese capsule toy (gachapon) market continues its explosive growth, with specialty stores exceeding 900 locations nationwide as of January 2026. Meanwhile, the "guzi" (merchandise) secondary market in China faces a liquidity crunch ahead of Singles' Day, with sellers struggling to liquidate inventory due to flooding supply and declining IP licensing revenues.
Figures, Merch and Gachapon Prices — 2026-10-18
Top developments
Gachapon Retail Expansion Hits Record Highs
As of January 2026, the number of specialty capsule toy stores in Japan surpassed 900, marking an increase of over 200 locations in just one year. This distribution shift is cited as the primary driver for the market's growth into a ¥196 billion sector, moving beyond niche status to mainstream retail infrastructure. The expansion supports the doubling of the market size observed in the four years prior to 2024, fueled by anime and manga-based collectibles.
Chinese "Guzi" Market Faces Liquidity Crisis Before Singles' Day
Chinese collectors are reporting significant difficulty selling anime merchandise ("guzi") ahead of the Double 11 shopping festival. A survey of sellers indicates that while some are looking to liquidate "faded" (less popular) items for cash, the secondary market is oversaturated, making it hard to find buyers for non-top-tier characters. This sentiment is exacerbated by a reported 39% drop in IP licensing income for some retailers, leading to store closures and a "race to the bottom" on prices as sellers try to convert inventory to cash.
Good Smile Company Releases October Shipment Schedule
Good Smile Company announced its shipment schedule for October 2026 via its official X (Twitter) account on October 14, 2026. This update follows the recent Good Smile Fest Osaka event, where new figures for Blue Archive, NIKKE, and Ghost of Yōtei were revealed. The release of shipment dates typically triggers immediate preorder activity and secondary market price adjustments for highly anticipated scale figures.
Bandai Spirits Announces RG Star Gaogaigar for February 2027
Bandai Spirits confirmed that the "RG Star Gaogaigar" and "RG Goldymarg" plastic models will be released in February 2027. The announcement, published by Hobby Watch on October 15, 2026, includes preliminary pricing context for related gacha items, highlighting the continued high demand for Brave Series mecha models. Preorders for these high-end Real Grade kits are expected to open soon, with historical data showing significant scalping premiums upon release.
POP MART Launches Multi-Category "Happy Hot Pot" Blind Box Series
POP MART launched its "Happy Hot Pot" series on October 15, 2026, featuring an unprecedented 8 categories including plushes, keycaps, and scents. The simultaneous release of diverse product types under one theme aims to capture broader consumer spending beyond traditional blind box figures. Early reports suggest strong initial sales, with offline store rollouts beginning October 16.
Local view
Chinese media outlet Smzdm (What's Worth Buying) highlights the anxiety among Chinese anime merchandise collectors. The platform reports that sellers are being advised to "check the real price, liquidity, and exit strategy" before buying or selling, as the market is experiencing a "full dive" in prices for many non-top-tier items. The coverage notes that some stores have closed half their locations in a year due to the downturn in IP licensing revenue.
Japanese hobby site Hobby Watch notes the upcoming "All Japan Hobby Show" featuring the "Gundam Assemble" mini board game, which uses fixed-pose figures rather than traditional Gunpla assembly. This innovation is being watched by local stakeholders as a potential new revenue stream for Bandai, diversifying away from the saturated model kit market.
Context & numbers
- Gachapon Market Size: The Japanese capsule toy market is valued at approximately ¥196 billion.
- Store Growth: Specialty gachapon stores in Japan grew by over 200 locations in one year, reaching 900+ stores.
- IP Licensing Decline: Some Chinese retailers have reported a 39% decrease in IP licensing income, contributing to store closures.
- Figure Price Range: Anime figures continue to range from ~$2 for gachapon capsules to over $300 for limited edition scale figures.
On the radar
- Cardcaptor Sakura Gachapon: The "Mejirushi Accessory 5" gachapon series for Cardcaptor Sakura is scheduled for release in the 5th week of October 2026.
- Miniature PC Parts Gachapon: A new capsule toy series featuring miniature PC parts is set to launch on October 21, 2026, targeting tech enthusiasts and collectors.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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