[Taisen]

Namco and Bandai fire capsules at America
Namco and Bandai reveal plans to bring Gashapon capsule toys to US; move will be first corporate project after merger.

TOYKO--Bandai, the leading maker of Gashapon capsule toys in Japan, announced today that it will bring its product to America. The company currently holds a 70 percent share of Japan's Gashapon market, but it hasn't been able to expand into America for a number of reasons, including the lack of a reliable distributor. Bandai has disclosed that its merger in September will let it take advantage of Namco's distribution network and amusement facilities in America.

"Our Gashapons are well crafted for their price, and we believe they will be accepted by the American consumers," stated Bandai president Takeo Takasu to the press.

The first Gashapon capsule toys slated for release in America include those based on the popular Power Rangers and Hello Kitty franchises. The capsules will be sold for $1 apiece.

By Hirohiko Niizumi -- GameSpot
POSTED: 05/31/05 04:06 PM PST

http://www.gamespot.com/news/2005/05/31/news_6126724.html
Couldn't they have started us on franchises which are a little less gay? If they stick to the kiddie stuff then I don't see this catching on like in Japan.

 

[Samor]

now you Americans can really act out Shenmue on the streets ^_^

 

[RZetlin]

The first Gashapon capsule toys slated for release in America include those based on the popular Power Rangers and Hello Kitty franchises. The capsules will be sold for $1 apiece.

I would have look more forward to this if a better franchise was choosen. I mean Power Rangers--the show is still popular?

Personally I would like to see a more anime-related merchanise. Why doesn't Bandai start with Gundam Gashapons?

 

[__Xzyx987X]

Damn, I was all hyped up about this and then they reveal they're only going to do kiddie stuff. What a waste. Well, maybe since namco is involved we'll get some figures based on their video games too.