What this is
Ichiban Kuji is a popular lottery-style merchandise system in Japan where fans pay a set price per draw to win guaranteed prizes — every ticket wins something, ranging from small accessories to premium figures. This release celebrates Ghost in the Shell: THE GHOST IN THE SHELL, the landmark manga and anime franchise by Masamune Shirow that has been hugely influential in science fiction and cyberpunk culture worldwide. Each draw costs ¥850 (tax included), and prizes are tiered, with rarer, higher-quality items assigned to top-tier ranks. The campaign launches sequentially from September 26, 2026, and runs while supplies last across a wide network of retail locations.
Who should go
This is ideal for Ghost in the Shell fans, anime collectors, and anyone interested in Japanese lottery merchandise culture. It appeals to both casual fans looking for affordable collectibles and serious figure collectors chasing the top-prize items. The wide retail distribution — convenience stores, bookstores, hobby shops, and online — makes it accessible without needing to visit a specialist store. If you're targeting specific prizes, visit participating stores early on release day before popular items sell out.
Good to know
Each draw guarantees a prize — no losing tickets — but prize tiers are random, so budget accordingly if you're aiming for top-tier figures. Payment is typically cash at convenience stores; hobby shops may accept cards but cash is safest to have on hand. Ichiban Kuji ONLINE is an option for those who cannot visit stores in person, though shipping to overseas addresses is generally not supported — a Japanese address or forwarding service is needed. Store staff are asked not to be contacted directly about stock or release timing, so check the official Ichiban Kuji website for updates. Some stores may delay or cancel their participation, so confirming availability before visiting a specific location is advisable.
This event was sourced and translated from Japanese by What's On Japan. Details may change — verify with the official source before attending.