What this is
Ichiban Kuji is a popular lottery-style merchandise campaign run by Bandai Spirits, sold at convenience stores, hobby shops, and anime retailers across Japan. This edition celebrates the 20th anniversary of Ouran High School Host Club, the beloved 2006 shojo manga and anime series by Bisco Hatori about a scholarship student who accidentally joins an elite high school's host club. Each lottery ticket costs ¥750 and yields a guaranteed prize — typically figures, acrylic stands, cushions, or other character merchandise — with rarer items available as higher-tier prizes. The campaign launches in-store from October 24, 2026, with stock selling out quickly at popular locations. It represents a significant milestone release for one of the most iconic shojo anime titles of the 2000s.
Who should go
This is a must-visit for fans of Ouran High School Host Club, collectors of anime merchandise, and anyone who grew up watching shojo anime in the mid-2000s. The lottery format makes it exciting even for casual fans, as every pull guarantees a prize. Visitors to Tokyo who want a uniquely Japanese pop-culture shopping experience will find Ichiban Kuji a fun and affordable way to engage with anime culture. Head to larger Animate, Aeon, or Lawson locations early on release day for the best prize pool selection.
Good to know
Ichiban Kuji is sold at Lawson convenience stores, Animate branches, and hobby retailers — Akihabara and Ikebukuro are your best bets in Tokyo for the widest stock. Lawson locations accept IC cards and some foreign credit cards, but smaller hobby shops are often cash-only, so carry yen. Prizes are tiered from A to Last One, with the rarest items going fast; if you want a specific prize tier, arrive right at store opening. Stock is not replenished once sold out, and the campaign ends when all tickets are gone — there is no fixed end date. Foreign visitors can check participating store lists on the official Bandai Spirits Ichiban Kuji website before heading out.
This event was sourced and translated from Japanese by What's On Japan. Details may change — verify with the official source before attending.