Mayu Launches Self-Powering POS Sensor to Visualize Capsule Toy Retail

Recently, it has been reported that capsule toy machines, typically costing around 300 yen, are attracting lines of hundreds of people.

For popular items, sales methods such as numbered tickets, lottery systems, and purchase limits have become common due to immediate sell-outs upon release. In May 2026, media outlets reported on long lines, immediate sell-outs, and resale issues surrounding products like "Chiikawa Mejirushi Accessories 3" and "Super Mario Mejirushi Accessories ~Yoshi Collection~." Some stores have even resorted to delaying or canceling sales to manage congestion and ensure safety.

Changes in capsule toy retail are not just about high sales volumes; the industry is shifting from impulsive discoveries to target-driven searches. To address this, Mayu has launched a self-powering POS sensor that can be retrofitted onto existing machines, coupled with a cloud system for sales, inventory, and product management.

This system generates electricity from the motion of the handle being turned, converting these actions into sales data. It requires no batteries, external power sources, or construction, allowing for easy installation. It records how many times each individual machine is played and transmits the data.

While consumers once enjoyed capsule toys found by chance at the point of sale, the recent trend involves checking social media and store announcements for stock updates to track down desired items. Small accessories known as "Mejirushi" items—used to label umbrellas, bottles, or bags—have significantly accelerated this change as they offer a way for fans to show off their collection.

Consumers want to know where they can purchase specific items. While some companies have begun offering product search and inventory check services, enabling this requires retailers to track stock for every individual machine.

According to the Japan Capsule Toy Association, the 2025 market size reached approximately 196 billion yen (manufacturers' shipment value), a 39.0% increase from approximately 141 billion yen in 2024. As of January 31, 2026, there are over 900 specialty capsule toy stores nationwide in Japan.

While manual refilling and cash collection were once sufficient, the market's expansion now demands precise tracking per unit. With this system, Mayu supports the store management needs of the "search-and-buy" era by automatically capturing sales data through the turn of the machine's handle.