
Our natural instinct is to open up our Gashapon capsules ASAP, but it’s not so simple here.
Part of what makes buying capsule toys in Japan so fun is the growing sense of anticipation. By the time you put in your coins, turn the crank, and wait for the capsule to drop into the tray, you probably can’t wait to open up the orb as quickly as you can.
And yet, that last step is exactly what Bandai wants to slow down with its new capsule toy series called Zettai ni Akanai Gashapon, or “Gashapon Capsules that Absolutely Won’t Open.”
▼ Gashapon Capsules that Absolutely Won’t Open
If you’re thinking that name sounds like a challenge, you’re exactly right. The Gashapon Capsules that Absolutely Won’t Open are puzzle toys. Despite the name, they actually can be disassembled, but only by moving their parts in both the correct directions and sequence, which it’s up to you to figure out.
The complete lineup consists of six items, split between two colors (white pearl and black metallic) and three difficulty levels. The Level 1 capsules, pictured below, look pretty simple…
…but the Level 2 adds extra pieces…
…and the Level 3 looks complex enough that it might just live up to its “Absolutely Won’t Open” name if you’re not willing to put in the effort to unlock its secrets.
Because of their spherical shape, the Gashapon Capsules that Absolutely Won’t Open pop out of the machine wrapped in plastic, but without any exterior capsule of their own. Also, they don’t appear to contain any sort of figure or knickknack inside – the satisfaction of solving the puzzle is your prize
The Gashapon Capsules that Absolutely Won’t Open can be found in capsule machines across Japan now, priced at 300 yen (US$2.25).
Source: Bandai via IT Media
Images: Bandai
● Want to hear about SoraNews24’s latest articles as soon as they’re published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!





A capsule toy vending machine pandemic shopping solution The My Gashapon Handle
Japan’s Flat Gasha Pon takes gacha capsule toy machines to a whole new level
Save those coins – Extra-expensive capsule machine toys are on their way in Japan
New world record – Tokyo capsule toy shop will have more machines in one spot than anywhere else
Bandai to launch online capsule machines controlled by smartphone
We revisited Sweets Paradise after a decade to see if Japan’s dessert buffet still delivers
That time Seiji called JASRAC to ask why he didn’t get paid royalties for his song being on TV
The best Starbucks Japan Frappuccinos we want to drink again in 2026
Hayao Miyazaki says Happy New Year to Studio Ghibli fans with new art for Year of the Horse
Tokyo zoo imposes one-minute time limit for viewing pandas, line still four hours long
Japanese company brings back “cotton wife” body pillow to enhance the realism of VR games
Japan’s lap-pillow ear-cleaning salons aren’t just for pervy guys, we find out
New Studio Ghibli collection includes a US$2,450 wooden Totoro 【Video】
Are all Starbucks coffee sizes the same? Testing the viral video claim in Japan
McDonald’s releases new “Yakki” burger based on a popular Japanese meal
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
Cyberpunk anime meets traditional culture in Ghost in the Shell gold leaf Japanese changing screens
7 great places to see Mt. Fuji from without having to climb it
Hello Kitty Choco Egg figures are an adorable trip through three periods of Japanese pop culture【Pics】
7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
We found possibly the quietest Japanese-style hotel in Tokyo’s bustling Shinjuku district
Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
Sumo Sanrio! Hello Kitty and pals team up with Japan Sumo Association for new merch【Pics】
More Than a Capsule Stay: Why Solo Travelers Choose “global cabin Yokohama Chinatown”
Japan’s oldest largetooth sawfish in captivity back on display in Mie Prefecture
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Stamina-destroying “Paralysis Noodles” are Tokyo’s newest over-the-top ramen innovation
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Super-expensive capsule toys – Trying out Japan’s Premium Gachapon machine【Photos】
Japan’s mini VHS anime home video replicas are the newest blast of capsule toy nostalgia【Pics】
Japan’s newest capsule toys: Buff shirtless dude torso cushions, sometimes with very pink nipples
Legendary shojo manga classics get reprints as miniature capsule toys with full-volume contents
Japanese drink vending machine capsule toys: A must-have for recreating Japan in miniature
Mini PlayStation game case capsule toys deliver big nostalgia in tiny packages【Photos】
Cats and dogs apologising at Japanese press conference is our newest gacha capsule toy obsession
Bandai Japan unveils bizarre new turtle launcher capsule toys, curiously epic promo video
Who actually writes Japan’s Letters from Little Sister and schoolgirl love letter capsule toys?
Low-quality paper cranes folded by young gyaru – Japan’s newest weird capsule toys
Photos of Complete Strangers: Japan’s new strange, and strangely compelling, capsule toys【Pics】
We find the crappiest capsule toy out there… literally
It’s a trap (Japanese capsule toy)!
Japanese capsule toy vending machines now selling working capsule toy vending machines
Bandai Namco is opening a chain of gigantic megastores for mega otaku joy
Japan’s newest weird capsule toys are…super realistic capsule rocks?!?【Photos】
Leave a Reply