ORIX Corporation has acquired LULUARQ Inc., a pioneer in Japan’s booming capsule toy market known for its “Gachagacha no mori” retail chain. The financial services and investment conglomerate aims to accelerate store expansion and upgrade logistics operations of the Fukuoka-based company.
Founded in 1968, LULUARQ entered the capsule toy vending machine business in 1980 and launched Japan’s first specialty capsule toy stores in 2014. The company has established a nationwide network of vibrant retail locations that attract customers across generations with their diverse product selection and sensor-equipped machines that enable same-day restocking.
Japan’s capsule toy market reached ¥141 billion ($933 million) in manufacturer shipments for fiscal 2024, jumping 20% from the previous year. The sector has undergone significant transformation in recent years as specialty stores have proliferated, driving consumer interest well beyond their traditional children’s market to include adult collectors.
ORIX plans to leverage its business investment expertise to bolster LULUARQ’s recruitment, accelerate new store openings, and implement data-driven operational improvements. This latest acquisition expands ORIX’s diverse portfolio spanning financial services, real estate, energy, and transportation across 30 countries.
