This is the second roundup of my gashapon hunting I have so far posted, you can find the first here. There will of course be others too, as and when new sets are released and I get the chance to hunt those amphibian and reptile figurines. As a quick reminder to the uninitiated, gashapon are toys dispensed in a vending machine in a capsule (usually a ball) that originated in Japan. The term can however refer to both the vending machines and the collectible toys themselves. Due to the randomised action of the gashapon machines, you never really know what figurines you’re going to get which makes the whole process more fun. Gashapon figurines are often detailed, well-made, and focus on a number of themes such as anime, video games and pop culture. Thankfully though, there are some that are based on animals and plants, and it is some of those we will be looking at in more detail below. As previously stated, I’m not necessarily setting out to collect every animal from every relevant set, I’m just trying to get as many diverse amphibians and reptiles as I can. With that said, let’s take a look at the second batch I was able to collect after a visit to the Bandai Namco Cross Store Camden.

Japanese pond turtle

The Japanese pond turtle (Mauremys japonica) is a freshwater turtle species native to Japan, found primarily on the islands of Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu. It inhabits rivers, ponds, marshes, and irrigation canals, where it spends much of its time basking on rocks or logs and foraging for aquatic plants, insects, and small animals. This medium-sized turtle has an olive-brown carapace with distinct growth rings and a yellowish plastron, giving it a subtle but attractive appearance. Unfortunately, the Japanese pond turtle faces threats from habitat loss, pollution, and competition with invasive turtle species such as the red-eared slider (see below). As a result, it is considered Near Threatened by the IUCN, and conservation efforts are underway in Japan to protect its natural habitats and support population recovery.

Alligator snapping turtle

The alligator snapping turtle (Macrochelys temminckii) is one of the largest freshwater turtles in the world, native to the rivers, lakes, and swamps of the southeastern United States. Known for its prehistoric appearance, it has a massive head, powerful jaws, and a rugged, spiked shell that resembles an alligator’s back (hence its name). This turtle is an ambush predator, lying motionless on river bottoms with its mouth open and using a worm-like appendage on its tongue to lure unsuspecting fish and other prey. Although it can live for several decades, the species has declined due to habitat destruction, overharvesting, and illegal collection. Today, the alligator snapping turtle is considered Vulnerable, and conservation programs focus on habitat protection and reducing human exploitation to help safeguard this remarkable reptile’s future. The gashapon model from Bandai Namco is of a hypomelanistic individual and does not reflect their natural colouration. If you’d like to learn more about the colouration aberrations of amphibians and reptiles, you may find this review I co-authored interesting.

Red-eared slider

The red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) is a semi-aquatic turtle native to the southern United States, particularly around the Mississippi River basin. It is easily recognised by the bright red stripe behind each eye and its smooth, olive-green shell marked with yellow patterns. Highly adaptable and hardy, red-eared sliders thrive in ponds, lakes, rivers, and even urban water bodies, where they bask frequently on logs or rocks. They are omnivorous, feeding on plants, insects, fish, and other small aquatic organisms. Due to their popularity in the pet trade, many have been released into the wild outside their native range, leading them to become one of the world’s most invasive turtle species. In many regions, they outcompete native turtles for food and basking sites, posing a serious ecological threat. We even have a large number of them here in Great Britain, which just demonstrates how hardy the species is.

Japanese tree frog (yellow morph)

The Japanese tree frog (Dryophytes japonicus) is a small, agile amphibian native to Japan, where it inhabits forests, grasslands, rice paddies, and even urban areas. Typically bright green or brown, this frog can change colour to blend with its surroundings, providing effective camouflage against predators. It is well adapted for climbing, with sticky toe pads that allow it to grip leaves and branches easily. During the breeding season, which occurs in early summer, males gather near ponds and rice fields to produce distinctive, high-pitched calls to attract females. The species plays an important ecological role by controlling insect populations, particularly mosquitoes. Hardy and adaptable, the Japanese tree frog is common throughout its range and often seen as a symbol of good fortune and the changing seasons in Japanese culture.

Green iguana

The green iguana (Iguana iguana) is a large, tree-dwelling lizard native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, as well as parts of the Caribbean. Recognised by its bright green colouration, long tail, and spiny crest running down its back, the green iguana is an excellent climber and swimmer, spending much of its time basking in the sun or resting high in the canopy. It is primarily herbivorous, feeding on leaves, flowers, and fruits, though young iguanas may occasionally eat insects. While popular as a pet due to its striking appearance, the green iguana requires specialized care and can grow over 1.5 meters (5 feet) in length. In some regions, particularly in Florida and other warm parts of the United States, escaped or released pet iguanas have formed invasive populations that disrupt local ecosystems and damage vegetation.

People (myself included) are drawn to gashapon, because they combine the thrill of chance with the artistry of highly detailed miniatures. Collectors especially admire gashapon figures of amphibians and reptiles for their remarkable accuracy and realism, from the precise textures of scales and skin to the lifelike, dynamic poses that capture natural movement and behaviour. While not all of the figurines above are hyper-realistic, they still do a great job in representing the species they are intended to do so. There is no head-scratching trying to figure out what they are meant to represent. These miniature sculptures often reflect close scientific observation, giving enthusiasts both a sense of authenticity and aesthetic satisfaction. The combination of craftsmanship, affordability, and the excitement of completing a series makes gashapon a unique intersection of art, science, and play. I hope you enjoy the video below where I quickly review these figurines and see them in full for the first time. If you collect gashapon or are tempted to after this blog, happy hunting and please let me know how you get on!

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