What this is
Ichiban Kuji is Bandai's lottery-style prize draw system found in convenience stores and hobby shops across Japan — you pay a flat fee per pull and are guaranteed to win something, ranging from small accessories to premium figures. This particular run is themed around The Battle Cats, the wildly popular mobile tower-defense game by PONOS, with prizes featuring the game's deliberately crude cat artwork. Each draw costs ¥750 including tax, and a Double Chance Campaign runs from the release date through the end of February 2027, giving participants additional opportunities to win.
Who should go
Battle Cats fans and Ichiban Kuji collectors hunting themed merchandise. Casual anime and gaming tourists curious about Japan's lottery prize culture will also find this a fun, low-stakes souvenir hunt.
Good to know
Ichiban Kuji draws are sold at the counter — ask staff for 'Ichiban Kuji' and point to the relevant banner if there's a language barrier. Lawson convenience stores are the most reliable location to find this series; stock varies by branch and sells out without warning. The Double Chance Campaign runs until end of February 2027, meaning certain prize tickets can be mailed in for an additional draw — check the official site for campaign details as foreign addresses may not be eligible. Cash is strongly recommended as lottery transactions at convenience stores are almost always cash-only.
This event was sourced and translated from Japanese by What's On Japan. Details may change — verify with the official source before attending.