As a child, whenever I went shopping with my parents, I'd always beg them to let me play with the capsule toy machines. I'd put in a 100-yen coin, turn the handle with excitement, wondering what would come out, and then *thump*—out would pop a round capsule. I can't be the only one with memories of the joy or disappointment that came with seeing what was inside...

Today, these capsule toys have evolved beyond just being children's playthings into products for adults. Some are so intricately detailed they feel like the creators' "serious passion projects," while others are niche, maniacal items that perfectly hit that sweet spot for collectors. And with their affordable price, it's hard to resist giving the handle a turn when you spot one while waiting for a bit.

Today, with a handful of 100-yen coins, I've come here to try my luck with a capsule toy that caught my eye.

#C-pla at Aeon Qualite Prix Shin-Sapporo

An incredible display of about 700 machines (according to the official website)

Just seeing the wall lined with stacks of capsule toy machines is enough to get my heart racing. And today, this is the one I'll be tackling!

Bam! "Miniature Hokkaido"

It's a capsule toy series featuring miniature versions of famous Hokkaido sweets! According to the #C-pla official website, this is the "Miniature Hokkaido" series by Toshin Co., Ltd., which went on sale on October 1, 2021. It features exquisitely reproduced famous sweets and specialty products from Hokkaido, carefully selected to satisfy even the locals. The lineup includes many popular items that tourists often choose as souvenirs.

Alright, let's give it a spin!

Got my change ready. Time to go