These Bandai Gashapon Voltes V capsule toys are made in the Philippines

If you’ve visited any of the Bandai Gashapon stores in the Philippines, chances are that you’ve seen the collection of Voltes V capsule toys.

Voltes V is easily one of the most beloved anime in the Philippines. After all, not only did many kids in the late 70s and early 80s grow up watching its Tagalog dubbed broadcast on GMA, but it has also gotten rebroadcasts in the years that followed. As such, multiple generations grew up watching (and loving) this iconic mecha anime.

As such, it’s no surprise that there’s a Voltes V capsule toy project (consisting of acrylic charms) available in Bandai Gashapon stores in the country. Aside from having nice designs, what makes these toys perfect for Pinoy fans is the fact that they’re made in the Philippines.

Specifically, this gachapon (or gashapon) collection was initiated by Bandai Inc. in Japan and crafted by Bandai Namco Philippines Inc. (BNPI) in Batangas.

ⒸTOEI COMPANY, LTD.

In case you didn’t know, BNPI opened in 2012, and it’s located in the LIMA Technology Center, Lipa City, Batangas. Since it opened, BNPI has become a leader in capsule toy vending machine manufacturing. In fact, if you get a Bandai capsule toy in Japan or in PH stores, chances are that some of the toys inside are made in the Philippines.

It’s not just toys that are made at BNPI though. Even the actual Gahsapon Station vending machines are made there. According to Bandai, about 80 to 90% of them are manufactured in the Philippines. In that sense, Bandai Gashapon stores opening in the PH is sort of a full circle moment for BNPI.

Gachapon have become incredibly popular over the past years, especially as more and more tourists flock to Japan. Now though, collectors don’t need to book a Japan flight as Bandai has opened a lot of gacha stores in the Philippines over the past two years.

With many of the toys being made in the Philippines, buying a capsule toy is no longer just a way to show off your love of Japanese animation and pop culture as you’re also supporting Filipino manufacturers in the process.

For info on Bandai Gashpon in the Philipines, visit BNPI’s official website, as well as the official GBO Philippines and the official BNPI Facebook account.