Their popularity is growing because of many trendy new products

'Capsule toys' that roll out of vending machines when you insert a coin and turn a lever have long been popular in Japan. The capsules, which are plastic shells that separate into two halves, contain figurines, straps and other small toys and collectibles. People like buying them because you can never be sure what will roll out. The capsules have been attracting a steady stream of new purchasers recently, thanks to savvy product development targeting a wide range of consumers, and an expanded offering of characters and other toys. They are now available not only for the standard 100 or 200 yen, but for 300 and 400 yen too.

Capsule toy vending machines are often located in
corners of supermarkets and other stores.