{
  "id": 1037666,
  "title": "Japanese gacha machine in Shibuya now sells tiny capsule terrariums",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/15/japanese-gacha-machine-in-shibuya-now-sells-tiny-capsule-terrariums",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-15T13:00:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "SoraNews24",
    "slug": "soranews24",
    "url": "https://soranews24.com/2026/08/15/japanese-gacha-machine-in-shibuya-now-sells-tiny-capsule-terrariums/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In Japan, gacha machines have become synonymous with random dispensing of various products. These machines, which use capsules to release their contents, have dispensed everything from tiny edible cakes to Casio watch rings. However, the latest addition to the gacha phenomenon is a unique twist - the \"Capsule Terrarium\" gacha machine located in Shibuya Hikarie, Tokyo.\n\nUpon discovering this machine, enthusiasts were intrigued by the prospect of creating miniature ecosystems with ease. Known as \"koke katsu\" or the \"moss hobby\" in Japan, terrariums surged in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic, as people sought new ways to pass the time at home.\n\nThe \"Capsule Terrarium\" gacha machine offers a user-friendly entry point into this hobby. Each turn of the handle costs 500 yen (US$3.33) and contains all the necessary components to create a mossy terrarium, including the moss itself. After purchasing one, the excitement continued as the machine dispensed \"Terrarium Figurine Gacha\" capsules for an additional 300 yen.\n\nInside the capsules, the contents varied, but typically included moss, waterproof stickers, terrarium soil, decorative stones, sand, a variety of tools such as tweezers, droppers, spoons, and even fixing rings. These miniature ecosystems were made accessible to novices like ourselves, making the once intimidating hobby a fun and affordable experience.",
  "summary": "We join the “koke katsu” trend to find out if these little ecosystems are as easy to make as they say. Japan is famous for its gacha machines, which dispense all sorts of products at random, through the clever use of capsules. After purchasing everything from tiny edible cakes to Casio Watch rings at these […]",
  "key_points": [
    "Japanese gacha machine in Shibuya sells tiny capsule terrariums",
    "Each turn costs 500 yen, includes moss and terrarium components",
    "Capsule Terrarium gacha machine makes hobby accessible to novices"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}