Did You Know Most of Bandai's Gacha Is Made in the Philippines?
Even the ones being sold in Japan (!!!)
(SPOT.ph) There’s nothing quite like the feeling of twisting the knob on a Gashapon Station, waiting for that little capsule to pop out and reveal a collectible toy. For fans of pop culture, it’s a thrill (and disappointment) that never gets old. What many might not realize is that these vending machines—and the toys inside them—are largely made in Lipa City, Batangas.
Yes, really. Since it was established in 2012, Bandai Namco Philippines Inc. (BNPI) has been responsible for 80% to 90% of the total production of Gashapon Station machines. This is then imported all over the world.
If you’ve been living under a rock, Gashapon is a Bandai capsule toy brand that has been highly popularized in Japan over the decades. You'll find it on the side of the streets, in convenience stores, and even in airports. Anything and everything you can think of pretty much exists as a collectible toy in the Bandai world—think anime figures, food miniatures, realistic animal replicas, and stationaries—the sky is the limit.
BNPI Senior Manager Arvin Salud told BusinessWorld that the company manufactures between 300 and 400 machines daily, amounting to 8,000 to 9,000 units each month. Since starting production in 2015, BNPI has grown to become the backbone of Bandai’s capsule toy brand.
Beyond the machines, BNPI also designs and produces the toys and capsules that make Gashapon so beloved.
As of 2024, Gashapon Bandai Official has nine mall stores across Metro Manila. Bigger branches at Mitsukoshi Mall and Greenhills Mall have over 300 machines to choose from, with each token priced at P65.
Want to work at Bandai Namco Philippines Inc.?
You’re in luck. As demand for Gashapon Station continues to grow, BNPI has plans to further expand its operations. The company hopes to open two additional manufacturing facilities in the Philippines by 2026—and that means being on the lookout for more people.
According to BNPI, being part of the company means “working on iconic franchises, being part of the creative process for new capsule toy ideas, and collaborating with a talented team of professionals.” The full list of open positions is posted on BNPI’s Facebook page, but a quick browse shows the company is looking for production supervisors, warehouse staff, and Japanese speakers, to name a few.