Gashapon Unveils "Mezamashi Corasho Miniature Collection" Capsule Toys, Featuring Mini Voice-Activated Alarm Clocks!

Bandai's Gashapon division is set to release a new series of capsule toys based on the "Benesse Shinken Seminar Elementary School Course" theme: the "Mezamashi Corasho Miniature Collection." Each capsule will retail for 500 JPY, with an anticipated release in late August 2026!

The "Benesse Shinken Seminar Elementary School Course" (進研ゼミ小学講座) is a children's educational publication launched by Benesse Corporation in Japan in 1988. It features beloved original characters like Shimajiro, who gently guide children in adapting to and developing various life habits. Corasho is the main character from "Challenge 1st Grader" (チャレンジ1ねんせい), a version of the "Shinken Seminar Elementary School Course" aimed at first-grade students. Subscribers to the monthly magazine would receive the "Mezamashi Corasho Alarm Clock" (めざましコラショ) as a special pre-enrollment bonus for elementary school. Over the past 20 years, nearly a new design has been released annually, resulting in over 20 different versions!

Check out the official video below showcasing the 20th-anniversary collection of Mezamashi Corasho Alarm Clocks released last year!

【⏰めざましコラショ20周年！⏰】
歴代のめざましコラショが大集合したよ！みんなどのコラショで「おはようコラショ」したか教えてね！ pic.twitter.com/MxJ0092tnw

— 【公式】進研ゼミ小学講座 / コラショ (@shinkenzemiprom) October 30, 2025

While T-ARTS released alarm clock-themed charms earlier this year, now it's Bandai's turn! This "Mezamashi Corasho Miniature Collection" Gashapon series transforms the 2002, 2006, and 2008 generations of alarm clocks into adorable mini charms, each standing approximately 5 cm tall. The collection features a total of six variations, offering both standard and voice-activated versions for each year. The voice-activated models play those familiar phrases from their original release, though they are slightly rarer than the standard versions. Collectors will need some luck to snag them all!