For many years, Wakky Kaiyama has been known as Japan's foremost capsule toy collector and has appeared in numerous media outlets.
This time, from the diverse capsule toys that appeared in 2025, Wakky Kaiyama presents his unique perspective and affection for 'Capsule Toy Awards 2025Announcing the release of '!
From items showcasing unique concepts to standout creations blending practicality and ingenuity, this year's capsule toy scene is filled with exceptional pieces. Which item will ultimately be crowned this year's prestigious "MVC (Most Valuable Capsule Toy)"...!?
(Wacky Kaiyama)
Hello. I'm Wakky Kaiyama. The Capsule Toy Awards: Looking Back on 2025, Wacky Style! I'll be announcing the winners for each category from this year's releases, based entirely on my own personal opinions and biases.
(Applicable products: December 2024 to November 2025)
■Sweet Dreams Award
Bright Link "Whispering Angel and Devil Earplugs"
(*Image from the official website)
I want to sleep soundly amid angelic whispers! No, wait—I also want to hear the devil's whispers. Such desires are dismissed outright. Because these are earplugs—they shut out all sound! You won't hear a thing~.
To others, it looks like someone's whispering right in your ear, and that cute little butt just makes you go "aww." I wish I could at least see the face, but since functionality comes first, it's covered up by the rubber part.
I really hope to see you next year~.
- Whispers of Angels and Demons Earplugs
- Total 6 types
- 300 yen (tax included)
- Distributed by: Brightlink Inc.
- Launch date: July 2025~.
■Dandyism Award
tarlin "Smoky Adult Cigarettes and Strap"
(*Image from the official website)
An ashtray reminiscent of the Showa era and a half-smoked cigarette. Did that smoke look like the strap's cord?! I sense such a dramatic turn of events.
If you're someone who thinks straps and ball chains are just extra, this reverse approach will probably make sense to you.
The fact that it also exudes an adult atmosphere is another plus.
- Smoke-Rising Adult Tobacco Strap
- Total 5 kinds
- 300 yen (tax included)
- Distributed by: Turlin International, Inc.
- Release Date: December 2024–
■Oh no! The Embarrassing Award
Tarlin "Momi Momi Tanusan"
(*Image from the official website)
Children's song? School song? Yet it's sung: "Though there's no wind, it swishes and swishes♪" This masterpiece truly embodies that very essence. First, applause for its courage.
Tanutan wearing a hat, eyes cast upward. He carries something twice his size yet wears a deadpan expression—pure manliness. Flip it over and there's a hole in the best spot!
Suck up water and push hard, and it instantly turns into a water gun. What a peaceful item.
- Momi Momi Tanukin.
- Total 4 types
- 400 yen (tax included)
- Distributed by: Turlin International, Inc.
- Release Date: May 2025–
■The Preparedness Prevents Worry Award
J-dream "Miniature Disaster Preparedness Supplies Mascot"
(*Image from official SNS)
Do they even make miniatures of this? That's my go-to J-Dori-san. With news of earthquakes and other disasters continuing across the country, disaster preparedness awareness has heightened once again. Many of you have probably prepared and checked your emergency supplies, haven't you?
Don't underestimate these miniatures! The whistle and flashlight actually work.
Each miniature also serves as a verification tool to ensure you have these items on hand. Gacha has truly become a mass media phenomenon.
- Miniature Disaster Preparedness Supplies Mascot
- Total 5 kinds
- 400 yen (tax included)
- Distributed by: J. Dream Co.
- Launch date: August 2025~.
■MVC (Most Barrier-Free Capsule Toy)
The 2025 MVC (Most Barrier-Free Capsule Toy) was a huge hit, especially among dog and cat lovers! It's a top-selling gacha that even sold out temporarily.
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Bright Link "My Child's Fur Ball"
- My child's fur ball
- Total 6 types
- 400 yen (tax included)
- Distributed by: Brightlink Inc.
- Release Date: May 2025–
A container shaped like a transparent puppy (pictured) that lets you carry your beloved dog's fur with you.
Every single hair is precious. Pack it into a puppy container, and you've got another puppy.
My acquaintance carries around a lock of their newborn's hair or keeps a memento from when they first welcomed the child home. They said it makes them cherish them even more.
This is definitely the best of the year!
■ Summary
So, what did you think of our unofficial awards?
This year marks the start of our new serialized column!
Next year, we'll continue to bring you reviews centered around exciting gacha and collectibles that keep the thrill going.
"No Capsultoys, No Life!"
I look forward to continuing our relationship.
Profile of Wakky Kaiyama
Wakky Kaiyama
1970 Freelance TV personality living in Sendai
He has collected over 110,000 capsule toys since the second grade of elementary school.
After the Great East Japan Earthquake, he started his career as a capsuleer and gacha researcher in Morinomiyako, and is now distributing his YouTuber "Wacky Kaiyama Gacha Channel".
Books "Ai no phony gacha gacha daizenshuu - All about Cosmos", "Wonderful World of Phony Gacha Gacha - Cosmos yo Eien", "Final Definitive Version: The Truth of Phony Gacha Gacha - Cosmos, Its Love" (Futabasha), "Nihon naikashii gacha gacha daizen" (Tatsumi Books), "Gacha ai 100% wakkyu Gacha Ai 100% Wakkyu: Showa Retro Gacha Saikyou Collection" (Graphix, Inc.), "Gacha Hon 06" (Keichaps), "Cosmos Mounted Paper Collection" (Doujinshi), and others.
Media: "Lucky! Anything Appraisal Team," "Matsuko & Ariyoshi's Angry New Party," "Matsuko's Unknown World," "Mr. Tokoro's Incident," "Nonstop," "I Got Hooked and Asked About It," "Tamamusubi," etc.
Gachagacha displays and Showa retro exhibits are currently touring nationwide. Gacha Talk Show at the Former Horikiri Residence, Iizaka Onsen (Fukushima City) on December 28, 2025. "Showa Retro Exhibition" at Yagihashi Department Store (Kumagaya City, Saitama Prefecture) from the 28th to January 4th. "Showa 100th Anniversary Year-End Showa Retro Exhibition" at Roadside Station Yamagata Zao Juhyo Hall from the 29th to the 31st.
Official website:http://www.wakky4649.com
Information is current at the time of publication.
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