[The Complete Guide to Ichibankuji] Extremely Popular in Japan! A Thorough Look at the Lottery Where Everyone Wins

In Japan, the culture of drawing lots to test one’s luck has long been deeply ingrained. Its history is remarkably old, with records showing that as far back as the Nara period, Buddhist temples used lotteries to appoint monks or make important decisions. By the Edo period, tomi kuji (lotteries) appeared as a means of raising funds for temple and shrine repairs, and they quickly became popular among the common people. These tomi kuji were essentially the precursor to today’s lotteries, with people buying a single ticket and entrusting it with their dreams.

Even today, lotteries remain familiar to the Japanese. Beyond modern lottery tickets, one can find lotteries at festival stalls, in candy shops on neighborhood streets, in shopping arcade prize drawings, at New Year shrine visits with omikuji fortune slips, in supermarket receipt raffles, convenience store campaign lotteries, and even in corporate promotions or app-based gacha systems. Unlike gambling that aims for a big payout, these lotteries carry a very different meaning. More than simply pursuing prizes, they are enjoyed as a little test of luck or festival fun with a strong element of play. The sense of anticipation and surprise makes them beloved across generations.

The opportunity to experience this unique aspect of Japanese lottery culture is offered by Ichibankuji, produced by BANDAI SPIRITS and beloved by countless fans for over 20 years. It would not be an exaggeration to call it a unique form of experiential entertainment that combines Japan’s long-cherished lottery culture with modern character culture such as anime.

The experience of Ichibankuji is fundamentally different from purchasing goods at a hobby shop. Rather than paying money to simply “buy” the item you want, you pay a participation fee, draw a lottery, and try to “win” the prize. The joy and disappointment that come with this lottery experience are what makes Ichibankuji so appealing.

The prizes mainly consist of original goods created in collaboration with popular entertainment franchises such as anime, games, and movies-items that can only be obtained through Ichiban Kuji. Anyone can easily participate at convenience stores, bookstores, or anime merchandise shops, where figures, plush toys, and various other goods are awarded randomly. You get to enjoy both the excitement of not knowing what you’ll win and the thrill of aiming for an item featuring your favorite character. What’s more, the system guarantees a win every time-there are no losing tickets. This means you never experience the disappointment or emptiness of missing out; instead, you gain a strong sense of satisfaction. Combined with the rarity of “only here” and “only now” items, this unique experience continues to captivate people of all ages, from children to adults.

Today, Ichibankuji is like a “festival” for Japanese anime fans and collectors. On release days, it is not uncommon to see people lining up at stores. Many participants also share their lottery results on social media, and posts showing off prizes with the hashtag #一番くじ (Ichibankuji) appear daily on platforms like X and Instagram, sparking interactions among fans. Some Ichibankuji in popular series sell out immediately upon release, and it is not unusual for fans to draw multiple times to build their collections. This shows how deeply Ichibankuji has taken root as a part of modern Japanese lottery culture.

One of the biggest features of Ichibankuji is its attractive and diverse product lineup. The thrilling excitement, combined with the peace of mind that comes from being guaranteed an original prize featuring popular characters with every draw, makes it irresistible to many fans. Items showcasing original themes or newly created illustrations are especially popular and tend to increase in collectible value.

The most attention-grabbing prizes are the top-tier ones, such as Prize A or Prize B. These typically include figures, plush toys, big posters, and cushions. Among them, the character figures are the highlight. With meticulous attention to sculpting and posing, they hold significant value as collector’s items. Since these top-tier prizes are limited in quantity, the excitement of winning one is extraordinary. It is no wonder that many fans draw Ichibankuji specifically aiming for these prizes.

Adding even more depth to the enjoyment of Ichibankuji is the “Last One Prize.” This is awarded exclusively to the person who draws the very last ticket in a store. In addition to the regular winning prize, they receive a special, unique item. These are often limited designs or special editions different from the standard lineup, making these prizes extremely popular among fans. When the number of remaining tickets dwindles, the chance to aim for the Last One Prize becomes a huge opportunity. The sense of accomplishment when you manage to secure it with luck and timing on your side is truly exceptional.

Even if you don’t manage to get the Last One Prize, many fans still feel satisfied. Why is that? Because it’s not only the result but also the thrilling process-watching how many tickets are left until the last one and feeling the anticipation-that is already enjoyable. In fact, many people may enjoy the process even more than the result itself.

Another feature of Ichibankuji is the wide variety of themes it covers. Anime, manga, games, movies-works that represent Japanese pop culture appear one after another, offering themes that appeal to every type of fan. Here, we take a closer look at some of the series that boast overwhelming popularity within Ichibankuji.

Next, let’s look at exactly how you can join in and enjoy Ichibankuji even while traveling in Japan.

To enjoy the Ichibankuji experience smoothly, it’s helpful to keep a few important points in mind. Knowing them in advance ensures you can enjoy to the fullest.

While you can enjoy Ichibankuji at convenience stores or bookstores, we highly recommend visiting the Ichibankuji Official Shops. Whether you’re a die-hard fan wanting to immerse yourself more deeply, or a beginner feeling a bit uncertain, these shops offer an experience like no other. With more than 50 locations across Japan, each feels like a theme park dedicated to Ichibankuji. Some fans even make visiting them a travel destination.

Constantly updated and always in tune with the latest trends, Ichibankuji has something for everyone. Even if you’re not an anime or game fan, you’re sure to find a theme that appeals to you. For visitors from overseas, it is also a perfect way to experience the “now” of Japanese character culture. Find a lottery theme that excites you and try it out!