1. Japanese luck and fortune in gachapon culture 

(Jiahui, Jian Xiong & Siew Weng)

 

Japanese Luck and Fortune :

  1. O-mikuji
  2. Maneki-neko 招财猫
  3. Omamori (amulets/talisman)
  4. Senbazuru
  5. KitKat
  6. Koinobori/Koi
  7. Daruma doll
  8. Number

 

Ideation 1 : Physical build-up

@ build a “lucky-miao” design concept of gachapon machine which consists of contents including the elements that symbolise Japanese Luck and fortune as well as a fortune slip (O-mikuji) via hands-on.

 

200 words Rationale -

 

Ideation 2 : Digitalization

@ build a “lucky-miao” design concept of gachapon machine which  consists of contents including the elements that symbolise Japanese Luck and fortune as well as a fortune slip (O-mikuji) by website.

 

200 words Rationale -

——————————————————————————————

Introduction about Gachapon Culture

Meaning of “Gachapon” :

“Gashapon” or "Gachapon" is the word used for both the machines themselves and the capsule toys, figurines, and other collectibles that are dispensed. The sound of the machine handle being cracked is the “Gacha-gacha” and when the capsule comes out of the machine it makes a resounding “Pon”, hence its birth name “Gachapon”.

One item costs anywhere between 100 and 500 yen. Each machine has a different theme that shows the potential prizes, but the player doesn't know exactly which one will come out. The random nature of the machines and the enormous variety of goods available make gashapon an addictive Japanese tradition. They’re not just for children, either. Adults are sure to find goods and characters they can enjoy, too!

Origin of “Gachapon” :

It was Ryuzo Shigeta who invented this concept in 1965 after an American customer sent him a vending machine that spat out gumballs and toys. As the items are often mixed together, he decided to encase them individually and sell them outside his shop.

-The modern day gashapon owes its existence to a man named Ryuzo Shigeta. Shigeta received a vending machine from the United States sometime in the 1960s and set upon improving the machine, finally deciding to place each of the items in a plastic container or capsule. The machines and their capsules became a huge hit, leading to the immense popularity they enjoy today. There are nearly 360,000 gashapon in Japan, and the word is even trademarked by the company Bandai. New gashapon are released monthly, adding to the popularity and uniqueness of the goods.

How to Use a Gashapon Machine :

Using a gashapon machine is similar to using a gumball machine. Simply insert coins until you've reached the value listed on the machine, twist the crank, and wait for your capsule toy to be dispensed. Large bills and credit cards aren't needed (or accepted), so gashapon machines are a great way to snag some cheap souvenirs with leftover coins before you head home from the country.

Gashapon are similar in appearance and mechanical design to gumball machines or cheap vending machines in the West, but the similarities stop there. While goods obtained from a vending machine in the West are often known for their cheap quality, items that come in gashapon are anything but.

Why is Gachapon culture popular in Japan / Why is Gachapon special?  :

i. Quality of the goods

ii. “otaku” culture in Japan

iii. Mysterious and unknown

Where can we find Gachapon? (can be go during data collection)  :

Gashapon are nearly ubiquitous throughout Japan. Located near supermarket entrances, within shopping malls, at train stations, and within many other everyday places. But, there are some famous places in Japan that all occupied by the gachapon machines such as :

1. Tokyo Gashapon Street

Address : 1-9-1, Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo , 10:00 am - 8:30 pm

Tokyo Station is host to the so-called Tokyo Gashapon Street, an area featuring over 50 unique gashapon machines. Here you can find whichever theme suits your fancy, from anime and manga characters to uniquely designed gashapon.

2. Akihabara Gachapon Kaikan

Address : 3-15-5, Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 

11.00 - 8.00 pm (Monday - Thursday),

11.00 - 10.00 pm (Fri, Sat, before National Holidays),

11.00 - 7.00 pm (Sunday & National Holidays)

As gashapon are particularly beloved by anime and manga fans, it’s no wonder that Akihabara, the anime and manga haven of Tokyo, also hosts a massive gashapon selection at Akihabara Gachapon Kaikan, a location with nearly 500 capsule toy machines for visitors to choose from. This gashapon specialty store has the biggest variety of gashapon toys in Tokyo, and every month they receive a ton of new, popular products.

3. Akihabara Radio Kaikan

Address : 1-15-16, Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo , 11.00 - 8.00 pm

Akihabara Radio Kaikan is another popular location. On the 5th floor of Radio Kaikan there's Kaiyodo, one of the most well-known companies for anime figurines. The shop hosts nearly 60 gashapon machines, featuring original items as well as collaborations, like the Souvenir Capsule Figure Series that features small, plastic versions of famous Japanese landmarks.

——————————————————————————————

Japanese Luck and Fortune

A. O-mikuji :

Random fortunes written on strips of paper at Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples in Japan. Literally translated to "sacred lot", also known as “messages from god”, O-mikuji is usually received by making a small offering at the temple. It is especially popular on New Year’s Day to test the new year’s luck.

The omikuji usually entail predictions about love, health, fortune, life, etc. The predictions are in great detail. When the prediction is bad, it is a custom to fold up the strip of paper and attach it to a pine tree or a wall of metal wires alongside other bad fortunes in the temple or shrine grounds. A purported reason for this custom is a pun on the word for pine tree (松, matsu) and the verb 'to wait' (待つ, matsu), the idea being that the bad luck will wait by the tree rather than attach itself to the bearer. In the event of the fortune being good, the bearer has two options: they can also tie it to the tree or wires so that the fortune has a greater effect or they can keep it for luck. Omikuji are available at many shrines and temples and remain one of the traditional activities related to shrine or temple-going.

Omikuji is closely related to Omamori (Japanese amulets/talismans), as these amulets are said to provide various forms of luck and protection. It is common to purchase an omamori after reading your fortune from omikuji to provide any form of luck and protection needed.

How to draw Omikuji?

  1. Pray
  2. Pay ( a donation to the temple )
  3. Draw Omikuji, usually kept in numbered drawers. First, shake a box that contains numbered sticks, and draw one out. Then, take the paper from the drawer with the corresponding number.

Unique/Stylised Omikuji based on prefecture and local beliefs:

Refer: https://blog.japanwondertravel.com/what-is-omikuji-29421#toc9

B. Maneki Neko (Lucky Cat) :

During the Edo period in Japan (1615-1868), the Maneki Neko made its first appearance. Manaki means beckoning and Neko means cat in Japanese. Cats have always been associated with welcoming or inviting protection, wealth and good fortune.

Raised Paw Meaning

Left: Attracts customers

Right: Attracts luck and money

Both: Double good fortune and extra protection from bad luck

References:

https://feng-shui.lovetoknow.com/feng-shui-home/maneki-neko-lucky-cat-wealth

https://www.timeout.com/tokyo/art/maneki-neko-the-lowdown-on-japans-beckoning-lucky-cat

C. Omamori:

Japanese amulets are commonly sold at Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, dedicated to particular Shinto kami as well as Buddhist figures, and are said to provide various forms of luck and protection.

Omamori are usually covered with brocaded silk and enclose paper or pieces of wood with prayers written

 on them, which are supposed to bring good luck to the bearer on particular occasions, tasks, or ordeals. Omamori are also used to ward off bad luck and are often spotted on bags, hung on cell phone straps, in cars, etc.

Omamori rules & beliefs:

Common types of omamori:

D. Senbazuru :

Since ancient times, cranes have been regarded as a symbol of good luck and longevity in Japan. Along with turtles, they are often used for special occasions and celebrations. You might have seen beautiful crane designs appearing on traditional Kimono for weddings or coming-of-age ceremonies for new adults.

Senbazuru (千羽鶴) literally means a thousand cranes which are made of traditional Japanese papers called “Origami”. Origami They are often given as a thoughtful gift to people suffering from illness in the hospital. This is a great way to express your hope for their quick recovery. It was also believed the thousand cranes will make one’s wish come true. Thus, it becomes a symbol of hope and healing during challenging times.      

1000 Senbazuru

Link :https://blog.japanwondertravel.com/symbols-of-luck-and-good-fortune-in-japan

E. Kitkat :

Kit kat has become a popular abbreviation for the coincidental false cognate phrase “kitto katsu”, meaning “ a sure win”. In Japan, this popular brand of chocolate bar with red packaging is a popular gift to bring students luck at exam time. In 2009, Nestle and Japan launched a campaign which allows people to deliver messages through kit kat. The special packages included a space to write a message of encouragement and affix a stamp.

Kit Kat Mail

Link: https://textappeal.com/cultureshocks/a-visual-guide-to-japanese-culture-customs-and-symbols/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kit_Kats_in_Japan

F. Koinobori/Koi :

Koinobori are Japanese carp streamers that are traditionally displayed at houses on May 5th, one of Japan’s annual national holidays known as “Kodomo-no hi” (Children’s Day). Japanese carp has been considered an auspicious symbol that is associated with good luck, prosperity, longevity, and success in life. 

The history of Koinobori dates back to as early as the Edo Period (1603 – 1868) when people of the Samurai class started to put up the carp-shaped display outside their houses. Koinobori symbolises hopes for children’s healthy growth, and reflects parent’s wishes for their children to be brave, strong, and overcome difficulties in their lives like the giant carp streamers strongly flying in the wind.    

G. Daruma Doll

A Daruma doll is a traditional Japanese doll that is loved as a symbol of good luck and perseverance. This unique doll is designed based on Bodhidharma, an ancient Buddhist monk who lived in the 5th century. He was originally from India, and is believed to introduce the teachings of Zen Buddhism to China.

How to Use a Daruma Doll ?

Daruma typically have a round shape, no legs or arms, and the body is painted in red. Both eyes of Daruma remain blank when you purchase them at shops, and you can draw one of them in black when you make a wish. You need to wait until your wish comes true, and finally, complete the other unpainted eye. Due to the round shape, Daruma never gets knocked down, and can bounce back upright again and again. This feature of Daruma represents mental strength and perseverance which is considered significantly important in Japanese society.

(breakdown-stage)

Step 1 : Purchase a daruma doll - As we mentioned above, daruma dolls are easily found at souvenir shops, festivals, or Buddhist temples around Japan. If you find your favourite one during your trip to Japan, get and place it somewhere in your room where you can see it frequently, such as on a shelf or table.

Step 2 : Make a wish and paint either of the eyes. - Daruma dolls have unpainted eyes when they are sold at shops. After purchasing them, you need to paint one of their eyes in black when you make a wish. There are no particular rules, but it is more common to start with their left eye and leave the right eye unpainted. Don’t fill in both of the eyes until you achieve your goals or your wish comes true!

Step 3 : Final step! Once you have reached your goals, complete the other eye. After that, you can keep it at home or return it to the temple where you purchased it. Many Buddhist temples collect used daruma dolls and burn them in a proper way.

Refer : https://blog.japanwondertravel.com/what-are-daruma-37678 

H. Number

(the ideation of create how much gachapon)

In Japan, certain numbers are lucky and unlucky.

#Death, agony and suffering

Four is an unlucky number in Japan because it sounds like shi(死 – death). This is why there are two readings for the number four, shi and yon. Whenever possible, people try to avoid using the deathly one.

The same is true of the ku (九 – nine), which sounds like ku (苦 – suffering, agony or torture). Similarly to four, there are two readings for nine – ku and kyu.

#Lucky seven

Seven is an important number in Buddhism. Japanese Buddhists celebrate a baby’s seventh day and mourn the seventh day after a person dies when the soul is said to cross over.

In Japanese folklore there are the Shichifukuin (七福神 – the Seven Gods of Luck). Tanabata (七夕 – Evening of the Seventh) is an important summertime holiday that’s celebrated on July 7th (7/7). The number seven also makes many appearances in pachinko parlours and scratch tickets.

#Lucky eight

Although slightly less well-known, eight is also a lucky number. This is due to its shape – 八. Called suehirogari (末広がり), it’s lucky because it widens at the bottom which reminds one of prosperity and growth.

Refer : https://www.lingualift.com/blog/lucky-unlucky-numbers-japan/ 

(recommend to avoid 4, create 7 or 8 gachapon content)

References:

https://blog.japanwondertravel.com/symbols-of-luck-and-good-fortune-in-japan-36084

Gachapon https://guidable.co/culture/gachapon-a-unique-japanese-culture-you-should-not-miss/

https://www.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/english/about/tokyo/documents/2019aw_2728_capsule_toy_vending_machines_a_cultural_phenomenon_in_japan.pdf

https://www.tsunagujapan.com/gacha-catch-em-all-gashapon-machines-in-japan/ 

Omikuji:

https://blog.japanwondertravel.com/what-is-omikuji-29421

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/O-mikuji

https://www.japancitytour.com/info/japanese-religion/omikuji.html

Omamori:

https://www.tokyoweekender.com/2015/05/japanese-lucky-charms-the-guide-to-omamori/

https://savvytokyo.com/japanese-lucky-charms-a-guide-to-omamori-for-the-new-year/#:~:text=In%20Japanese%20%E2%80%9Comamori%E2%80%9D%20(%E3%81%8A%E5%AE%88%E3%82%8A,shrine%20with%20a%20small%20shop.

Visual Reference：

 

Sketches & Ideation :

Selected photo

Physical Ideation

   

  Rational:

Luck is the key to control the main destiny in one's life, it can also be described as possibility or chance。 Gachapon has something in common with luck, you don't know what you will draw, it's all about luck. Thus, we put everything about Japanese luck and good fortune into the gacha, so that whatever you draw, you will draw good luck.

Ideation 2 (digitalization @ web) :

Website/app (built for a specific shrine)

2. Japanese Summer festival (Natsumatsuri) culture - clothing (rituals + traditions)

- sylvia, yan ling , pei yun

- idea : clothing - dress up paper doll in japan traditional clothing that able to promote Japanese culture /festival

Ideation 1 : Physical build-up

@ To design a concept of dress up paper dolls with Japanese traditional clothing to promote Japanese culture with its summer festivals

Clothing on Japanese Summer Festival:

In addition to its own traditional attire for special occasions, Japan has some of the most varied and festival clothing in the world. The attire for the festival is heavily influenced by the clothing of the people, such as momohiki pants, geta sandals, or hachimaki headbands.

Yukata is a light cotton kimono that is commonly worn on casual festivals. Yukatas are traditionally made of cotton, linen, or ramie, whereas yukatas are typically made of silk or synthetic fibres and designed to be machine washable. It is worn by men and women and made with straight seams and wide sleeves. A standard yukata ensemble consists of a yukata obi (belt), and sandals or geta worn without socks. The accessories can be a foldable or fixed hand fan and the addition of a kinchaku (traditional carry bag).

As with all kimonos, the left side of the yukata is wrapped over the right side, and secured with either a stiff , one layer obi, or a softer one layer obi.

       

men and women yukata example         Yukata Obi with variation of colours               Japanese Kimono Kinchaku

Link : https://curatedtaste.com/2022/10/what-to-wear-to-a-japanese-summer-festival.html

        https://tokyocheapo.com/entertainment/japanese-culture-and-tradition/japanese-summer-festival/

        https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yukata

Japanese Summer Yukata:

Yukata usually feature floral and grassy patterns against a white or indigo (dark purplish-blue) background. The white yukata is generally worn during summers to make it breezy and cool when you wear them, whereas the indigo coloured ones are worn in the evenings which act as insect repellent because of the dye used in the fabric.

In addition to traditional patterns, new types of yukata with colourful designs have appeared in recent years with black or red, and yukata that uses bold, primary colours such as indigo or pink in the pattern.

Yukata are quite simple compared to kimonos. The sash that is tied with the yukata is known as Obi. The yukata should be worn tightly by Obi and shouldn’t be allowed to hang loose over your shoulders. The bow of the obi should be tied on your back. Only the prostitutes would tie the obi in the front to indicate the same in olden days. Yukata are worn with geta or zori sandals. The primary difference is that geta are platform sandals and zori are lower. It’s common to wear yukata without socks. Some people choose to wear tabi socks which  look a little more formal.

 

 Floral and grassy pattern

Link : https://web-japan.org/trends/11_fashion/fas120820.html

Japanese Traditional floral Patterns

Link : https://japan-avenue.com/blogs/japan/japanese-patterns 

Type of Yukata Obi (belt)

  1. Maru Obi

Maru Obi used to be the standard formal obi. Written 丸帯, it literally means circular / round / loop belt, because it is formed from one strip of fabric folded in two, so the front and back are the same. The maru obi is quite heavy, and half of the elaborately decorated fabrically will always be facing inwards never to be seen, so it's not as popular these days as it once was!

  1. Fukuro Obi

Fukuro Obi is a standard traditional formal style obi. Fukuro Obi are made from one strip of decorated fabric – usually silk – with another planer lining for the inside. Written 袋帯, it means bag belt, because of the way it is sewn in two parts. For formal occasions, you would normally wear a Fukuro obi, although some can be casual too.

  1. Hanhaba Obi

Hanhaba Obi, 半幅帯, literally means half-width obi, because originally it was half the width of a Fukuro obi. Nowadays they tend to be a bit wider than that because people are taller than they used to be. Hanhaba are more casual than Fukuro obi, and because of their width, they are easier to tie. You can check out some reversible Hanahaba Obi at the Japan Objects Store.

  1. Nagoya Obi

Nagoya Obi are shorter than most other obi, and often have sections that are sewn together to allow them to be easily used for particular knots, such as the Taiko Musubi (drum knot). The name comes from the city of Nagoya where their use was popularised.

  1. Heko Obi

Heko Obi are softer, thinner and more like a scarf than other types of obi. They were originally part of the uniform of soldiers in the Satsuma province in Kyushu in the early Meiji era, which is where the name, 兵児帯, comes from, which means young soldier.

Although originally only men wore Heko obi, towards the end of the 20th century Heko obi started being used for women as well. These days you will see many women and men wearing Heko obi, particularly when wearing yukata for example, as they are both casual and easy to tie. check out some diamond-weaved Heko Obi at the Japan Objects Store.

  1. Kaku Obi

Kaku Obi are worn by men and are longer than women’s obi, because men wrap around around the waist three times instead of two. Kaku obi are also narrower than women’s obi, usually about 4”/10cm in width. The name, 角帯, means straight, angular obi.

Link :https://shop.japanobjects.com/blogs/editorial/obi-belts

Types of Japanese Kimono Obi Knots

  1. Tsuke Obi knot

Also known as the ‘easy obi’, it was invented to help older ladies dress themselves easier. To avoid having to learn any difficult tying techniques, separate knots and bows can be purchased. The separate parts of the Tsuke obi are already tied. Usually, Tsuke obi have a clasp to quickly connect or undo them. Nowadays it is very popular for that reason. It can be any colour and/or pattern, but generally isn’t considered a formal obi. Even beginners can try this kimono obi. Visitors to Japan may even want to try this on while walking down traditional streets taking photos.

  1. Nagoya Obi knot

Designed by a lady from Nagoya, this obi type was made to make tying the typical “Taiko Musubi” knot easier. It can be a formal or casual obi depending on the colours used. It goes without saying, if there’s gold thread, the obi is almost always formal. Most of the Nagoya obi is thin which wraps around the waist. There is also a wider area that is used for making the bow.

Interestingly, the Nagoya Obi does not have a printed design completely covering the material. Instead, only the front and on the part where the taiko knot is visible as a design. Since the Nagoya obi was originally used as everyday wear, it can never be part of a truly ceremonial outfit.

  1. Hanhaba Obi knot

Hanhaba obi is an unlined and informal obi that goes with a yukata or an everyday kimono. Hanhaba obis are very popular these days for use with yukata. Since this is an informal obi it allows some self-invented styles with decorative ribbons and charms. Because tying this obi is relatively easy, many Japanese people wear it during festivals.

  1. Fukuro Obi knot

This is the most formal kimono obi today. It can show off its beauty in the Taiko knot, but it is also capable of many other styles. It makes an appearance during ceremonies and celebrations. A Fukuro obi is often made so that the part that will not be visible when worn is of smooth, thinner and lighter silk. Kimono obis of this level of formality pair nicely with a Furisode. The obi knots are often very elaborate and big, making them elegant and feminine.

 

  1. Maru Obi knot

A Maru Obi is the most formal kimono obi. An ornate pattern runs along the entire length on both sides. Maru obis were at their most popular during the Taisho and Meiji-periods. Their bulk and weight make the maru obi difficult to handle. Furthermore, mostly Geisha and Maiko wear these types of kimono obi. Another use for maru obi is as a part of a bride’s outfit or when bride-like formality is required. When a Maiko wears a Maru obi, the symbol of her Geisha house is visible on the bottom of the obi.

Link: https://wattention.com/japanese-kimono-obi-knots/

Happi:

The Happi coat is constructed in a similar shape as the Kimono and Yukata, with a ¾ sleeve and a characteristic T-design capable of fitting every body type. Happi coats are usually worn only during festivals. The most notable instance in which the coat is worn is during Japanese festivals known as Matsuri. As before, characters, symbols, and numbers are added to the coat to associate the design with a certain group. The people wear Happi and bear the mikoshi on their shoulders during the festival.

Kitsune：

Kitsune masks or fox masks are worn by participants in certain Shinto festivals or by attendees just for fun. Historically, foxes were viewed as magical creatures with the ability to shapeshift. They were also seen as messengers of Inari, the Shinto god of rice, commerce, and prosperity. As a result, they are important figures in some festivals involving this god.

Kitsune mask

Idea & Visual Reference

Paper Doll

Paper doll is a two-dimensional doll made out of paper or a light card and cut out. It can have separate clothes made also from paper and held onto a doll with tabs. They can be in the shape of a person, animal or an object.

Before they were made in the shape that we know them today there were some or other forms of paper dolls since there was paper. Asian cultures used paper images in ritual and Japan had the art of Origami since the 9th century. Today paper dolls and their costumes are important to historians because they provide a broad look at cultures around the world and the fashion of the times.

Paper dolls as artefacts illustrate the social expectations for women at particular moments in time. As products of both popular cultures, paper dolls are intentionally designed to reflect that society’s idealised version of womanhood.

Link : http://www.historyofdolls.com/doll-history/history-of-paper-dolls/

https://www.womenshistory.org/articles/history-paper-dolls-and-popular-culture

Sketches

 

Reference : 

  1. The History of Kimono | Kids. (n.d.). Web Japan. https://web-japan.org/kidsweb/virtual/kimono/kimono01.html
  2. Obon Dance Performer’s clothing

https://tokyocheapo.com/entertainment/japanese-culture-and-tradition/japanese-summer-festival/

  1. Happi clothing

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Happi

https://japanesetraditionalclothingwafuku.wordpress.com/happi/

  1. Kitsune ( Fox Mask ）

https://theculturetrip.com/asia/japan/articles/traditional-japanese-masks-and-what-theyre-used-for/