Lately, Japanese 'gumball machine' industry is expanding rapidly, allegedly raising more than 250 million dollars in gross revenue. Sure, Japan has been known for their sometimes bizarre but successful inventions and businesses for more than a couple of decades by now. But how has the good ole' gumball machine become a multimillion-dollar business? There seems to be some logic. First of all, there's the reasonable price. Each machine is usually set to a range of $1 to $3. Secondly, it is a self-service machine that requires no attendant, so no personnel expense is needed. As a result, the machine appeals to any store or venue that is looking to add a little flare to its business. At the same time, many new products are being made to be sold through this increasingly popular vending machine. Now we can find 3D comic characters and artist-designed toys. This time, we're planning an event called "What's in the Capsule?" at Zakka inNew York and Tokyo. Send in your ideas for possible products to be sold in those small capsules! Best designs and ideas may have a chance to be released as actual products from the major capsule toy company YUJIN. CONCEPT Put your independent free conception in the capsule case as an expression of your unique art and design! SUBMISSION FORMAT There is no standard format for submission. All designs should be clearly represented for evacuation. HOW TO SEND STEP 1. Put your design and idea on Letter size format. STEP 2. Send to ZAKKA Print out ...send to ZAKKA CORP. 147 GRAND STREET NEWYORK N.Y 10013 or Data ...send by E-MAIL to info@zakkacorp.com The file must be: photoshop EPS file with printable resolution image. REFERENCE ¥Capsule toys usually retail for $1.00-$5.00. ¥Character design, Badge, Sticker, Figure design, Small book etc....... ¥Some sizes of capsules are available... We are planning an exhibition in December for all participants. The exhibition will take place in New York and Tokyo simultaneously. Selected designs will be manufactured by YUJIN toy company.