“Ichiban Kuji” is a lottery-style prize system commonly found in Japanese convenience stores and anime shops. It offers a chance to win exclusive merchandise featuring popular anime and game characters. In this article, I will explain in detail how Ichiban Kuji works, how to purchase tickets, and more.
What is Ichiban Kuji?
Ichiban Kuji is a “no-loss” lottery-style prize system sold by BANDAI SPIRITS. For a set price per draw (typically 700–1,000 yen), participants draw a ticket and receive a prize based on different ranks, such as A Prize or B Prize.
It often features collaborations with popular anime and game franchises, making it a sought-after opportunity to obtain exclusive merchandise. This has contributed to its widespread popularity.
How to Play?
How Much Does It Cost Per Draw?
The price of one Ichiban Kuji draw typically ranges from 700 to 1,000 yen.
Types of Prizes and Their Contents
Ichiban Kuji offers various prize ranks.
A Prize
The most luxurious prize (e.g., large figures or special items).
B, C, D Prizes
Mid-tier prizes (e.g., small figures, cushions, or art panels).
Lower-tier Prizes (E and below)
Items such as towels, acrylic stands, and stationery.
Last One Prize
A special prize given to the person who purchases the very last ticket.
What is the Last One Prize?
The Last One Prize is a special item awarded to the customer who buys the final ticket in the set. Some people even check the remaining number of tickets at stores to strategically aim for this prize.
Where Can You Buy Ichiban Kuji?
Convenience Stores
Ichiban Kuji is available at convenience stores across Japan, including Lawson, FamilyMart, and 7-Eleven. For popular series, fans often line up early in the morning on release days, and tickets may sell out quickly.
Anime & Hobby Shops
You can also find Ichiban Kuji at specialty stores such as Animate, Gamers, and Surugaya, which focus on anime and hobby-related merchandise.
In-Store and Online Sales
Ichiban Kuji is available through both physical stores and online sales, but some items are exclusive to either in-store or online purchases.
Before buying, be sure to check the official website to see where the specific lottery you’re interested in is available.
Ichiban Kuji Official website
https://1kuji.com/
What Types of Ichiban Kuji Are Available?
Anime & Game Collaborations
There are Ichiban Kuji lotteries for various anime and game franchises, including Pokémon, One Piece, and Naruto.
Characters
Ichiban Kuji also features character-themed lotteries, including franchises like Disney, Sanrio, and Peanuts.
Other Themes
In addition to anime and character collaborations, Ichiban Kuji also features a variety of other themes, such as movies, popular Japanese snacks, and picture books.
How to Play Ichiban Kuji
Find a Store That Sells Ichiban Kuji
Ichiban Kuji is mainly sold at the following locations.
- Convenience Stores (Lawson, 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, etc.)
- Anime Shops (Animate, Gamers, hobby shops, etc.)
- Bookstores (TSUTAYA, Kinokuniya, etc.)
- Electronics Retailers (Yodobashi Camera, Bic Camera, etc.)
Before purchasing, check the official Ichiban Kuji website to see where the specific lottery you want is available.
Store search Page
Select a Product (Required)
Choose the Ichiban Kuji you want to participate in from the list.
Find a Store
1: Search by Prefecture
Select a prefecture from the “都道府県を選択” dropdown menu.
Choose a city, ward, town, or village from the “市区町村を選択” dropdown menu below.
Click the black button labeled “都道府県検索”, and a list of stores will appear on the right side.
2: Search by Current Location
Click the black button labeled “現在地検索”, and a list of nearby stores will appear on the right side.
The orange button labeled “地図検索” allows you to search using a map.
Take the Ichiban Kuji Purchase Ticket to the Cash Register
For example, in convenience stores, the Ichiban Kuji corner is often located near the register.
Take the purchase ticket (a small card) from the display.Pick as many as you want to draw.Bring them to the cash register for payment.
Draw the Lottery
The store staff will bring out the Ichiban Kuji box, and you can draw as many tickets as you purchased.
Reveal Your Ticket
Ichiban Kuji tickets are designed to be peeled open.
Peel the ticket yourself to reveal the prize.The prize you won will be written inside.
Receive Your Prize
Hand your peeled ticket to the store staff, and they will bring you the corresponding prize.