Circular Gacha

“Circular Gacha” is a capsule toy machine. You can enjoy it by putting a bottle cap instead of a coin. It provides an enjoyable learning experience of local resources and materials circulation. The toys inside the capsules are produced in Yokohama or made from local waste. For example, plastic keychains are recycled from bottle caps collected by the gacha machine. Moreover, the capsules are reusable many times, too.

1. Material sourcing, up-cycling, and product provision are all achieved within Yokohama city

You can play a “Circular Gacha” by inserting a bottle cap instead of a coin. Collected bottle caps undergo material recycling to be transformed into new circular goods. Additionally, the capsules are also reusable. All these processes, including material sourcing, up-cycling, and product provision, are achieved entirely within Yokohama city. This local circulation is a unique practice of a circular service design that is realized through collaboration with multiple local business entities.

2. Gamifying the experience of learning the circular economy with a gacha mechanic

“Circular Gacha” doesn’t only allow players to provide circular items but also does allow them to contribute to plastic recycling. A fun and positive approach aims to make people aware of social issues and increase their interest. Furthermore, it is also an opportunity for players to learn about the local products and services.

3. Utilizing open-source and local resources

The Gacha machine was initially designed by an open collaboration hub, “LODGE,” which is co-operated by FabLab Hiroshima Akitakata and Z Holdings Corporation. The blueprint’s data is open-source so that anyone can reach it from anywhere without substantial transportation. For this project, “FabLab MinatoMirai,” located in the Kanagawa University Minato-Mirai Campus, took the role of building a machine with the desire to promote this Gacha machine initiative in Yokohama.