Japan is globally renowned for its incredible vending machine culture. From hot coffee to hot food, you can find a machine for almost anything. However, if you venture into the neon-lit streets of Akihabara—the world capital of anime, gaming, and subculture—you will discover that these machines have evolved into something completely unique.
Welcome to the world of Trading Card Game (TCG) Vending Machines.
If you are a fan of Pokémon, One Piece, or simply love experiencing quirky local cultures, this is a must-try activity during your trip to Japan. Here is a deep dive into this fascinating phenomenon and the best spot to experience it.
What is an “Oripa” Machine?
In Japan’s trading card community, there is a massively popular concept called “Oripa” (Original Pack). Unlike factory-sealed booster packs, Oripas are custom-made packs curated by local card shops. They are essentially a “gacha-style” lottery: you pay a set price for a pack, and you have a chance to pull incredibly rare and valuable cards—or just standard ones.
While you can buy these over the counter, the local Akihabara culture took it a step further by putting them into vending machines. It is the perfect fusion of Japan’s love for automated convenience and its passionate gaming culture.
“Is It a Scam? Are the Winning Cards Actually in There?”
As a tourist, it is completely natural to look at a lottery-style vending machine and wonder, “Is this rigged? Are there actually rare cards inside?”
From an objective, third-party perspective, you can rest assured: the winning cards are absolutely in there. Japan’s trading card community is highly connected. If a shop were to operate a rigged machine with no winning cards, it would be instantly exposed on social media. In Japan’s strict internet culture, a business would face a massive “flame war” (backlash) that could ruin its reputation overnight. Because shop credibility is everything, these vending machines are strictly fair. You are getting a genuine thrill and a real chance to win.
The Ultimate Spot: “every treca”
While many shops now feature a machine or two, there is a new landmark in Akihabara that takes this culture to the extreme. It is a shop called “every treca”.
What makes this place special? They boast an overwhelming lineup of 9 TCG vending machines right at their storefront, specializing in the globally massive Pokémon and One Piece card games. Seeing a glowing wall of trading card machines is a surreal, “Only in Japan” sight that perfectly symbolizes Akihabara’s modern culture.
Check out these videos to get a feel for the real-life experience at the shop:
The Perfect Way to Spend Leftover Coins
Aside from the excitement, these machines offer a highly practical benefit for foreign tourists.
After a few days in Japan, your wallet is likely weighed down by endless ¥100 and ¥500 coins. Instead of lugging them back home, TCG vending machines are the perfect place to unload your spare change.
- Try your luck: Use your coins for a thrilling “Oripa” pull.
- Unique Souvenirs: Buy standard Japanese Pokémon or One Piece card packs directly from the machine to take home to your friends and family.
It is quick, fun, and leaves you with a memorable piece of Japanese pop culture. Next time you are wandering through Akihabara, make sure to stop by and test your luck!
Location Information
every treca
📍 1F Nippo Akiba Building, 3-9-10 Sotokanda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 101-0021
