The medieval Scrolls of Frolicking Animals burst into the mainstream with museum exhibits. Soon, they’ll also be available in local gachapon machines!
Already many centuries old, the Choju-jinbutsu-giga (usually just shortened as the Choju-giga) is commonly considered to be the first manga in Japan. The picture scrolls, which are known as the Scrolls of Frolicking Animals and Scrolls of Frolicking Animals and Humans, show a variety of anthropomorphic animals in a number of scenarios, including sumo wrestling at night.
The scrolls have sort of burst back into the main stream thanks to museum exhibits in Japan both last year and this year. Though the exhibits are now finished, the Choju-giga is still popular, so it should come as not surprise that the animals will soon be turned into gachapon toys!
The toys, which are being produced by Bandai, will be available at towards the end of January next year from capsule machines across Japan. Each of the six capsules will cost 300 yen (about US$2.50) and will be about 40 millimeters (about 1.5 inches) tall.
The six gachapon figures in the line include: A frog wearing an eboshi (a Heian-period hat worn by men) which you can hang paperclips on, a cat in a hat that doubles a pencil holder, a rabbit in a sitting pose that can be hung on cups or glasses, a fox with a giant tail to hold your hair ties, a rabbit lying on its back that can be used to hold notes, and a frog figure designed to hold up your smartphone.
▼ Which do you prefer? A frog in a hat…
▼ Or a cat in a hat?
According to a press release from Bandai, Choju-giga is apparently quite popular with Japanese women, so a complete set might not be a bad idea for a Valentine’s Day present for your 20-something-year-old girlfriend!
▼ We’re sure she’d rather have a kitsune than chocolate.
It also looks like the figures can be put together to recreate scenes from the scrolls. For example, the smartphone-holding frog and the memo-holding rabbit are the same characters as the rabbit and frog wrestling in the image at the top of the page.
Now, we just really hope the figures will come to life at night and duke it out with each other!
Sources: Japaaan, ITMedia, Gashapon
Featured image: Wikimedia/ReijiYamashina; Bandai
Images: Bandai, Gashapon
New gachapon figures of Choju-giga animals are the perfect way to decorate your afternoon drink!
Hello Kitty x Choju Giga “Frolicking Animals” dishware based on the world’s oldest manga is here
Hello Kitty becomes part of Japan’s oldest manga with new line of accessories
Characters from Japan’s “oldest manga” return to enjoy Star Wars goodies in clever promotion
World’s oldest manga is now a bra thanks to Japanese lingerie maker’s art history series【Photos】
Cup Noodle releases cold-water instant ramen in Japan, but can it really be made with just cold water?
Japanese convenience store releases Japanese convenience store-flavor fried chicken
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Japan’s “edible fireworks” wagashi sweets return, but only for a limited time [Photos]
Giant Snorlax, other snoozing Pokémon appear in Yokohama for Pokémon Sleeping Faces Research [Pics]
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Starbucks Japan unveils new peach milk pudding drink that’s like a decadent dessert
Family Mart’s new Tokyo flagship convenience store doesn’t feel convenient, but is that a problem?
Japan’s popular curry chain Cocoichi has an elusive delivery-only noodle menu
Cup Noodle unveils first-ever cold-water instant ramen in Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new Discovery Series collection celebrating local regions and traditions
Teen girl in Japan refuses to be victim, personally escorts train pervert to police for arrest
Japanese government ID card and app to be required for certain Pokémon card purchases next month
Is Japan’s tourism boom slowing down? Foreign visitor numbers fall for first time in five years
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Family Mart opens new “Famima” flagship store in Tokyo that’s like a tourist attraction
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Studio Ghibli releases second short adaptation of Japan’s oldest manga【Video】
Kamishibai — the precursor to manga and anime?