Ichiban Kuji is a lottery ticket that offers a chance to win popular anime and game character goods, sold in convenience stores and bookstores. Top prizes include luxurious items such as figures and plush toys, which any fan would love to get their hands on. However, it is generally perceived that winning top prizes is quite difficult. But did you know that the probability of winning top prizes varies significantly depending on the store? In this article, the author, a former convenience store clerk with detailed knowledge of Ichiban Kuji sales, reveals tips for winning top prizes.
First, let me briefly explain the mechanism of Ichiban Kuji. Ichiban Kuji consists of 80 lottery tickets in one set. Each set has seven types of prizes, from A to G, with a predetermined number of winning tickets for each prize. For example, in the "One Piece Emotional Stories" released in May 2023, it is as follows:
| Prize | Item | Number of Tickets |
|:--:|:--:|:--:|
| A Prize | Luffy Figure | 1 |
| B Prize | Zoro Figure | 1 |
| C Prize | Nami Figure | 1 |
| D Prize | Sanji Figure | 1 |
| E Prize | Chopper Figure | 1 |
| F Prize | Large Size Towel | 10 |
| G Prize | Mini Towel | 64 |
As can be seen from this table, there are only a total of 5 top prizes (A to E). This means you need to draw 5 out of 80 tickets. This translates to a probability of 1 in 16 (5/80) theoretically. However, in reality, this probability is often even lower. The reason for this is an issue on the side of the convenience store.
During my tenure as a supervisor for approximately 30 franchise stores for the convenience store headquarters, I witnessed this numerous times. Without going into detail, there were owners who stored the Ichiban Kuji prizes in the back without displaying them in the store. This makes it impossible for customers to know how many top prizes are left. People end up drawing lots without realizing that there are either no top prizes left or only a few.
In such stores, the probability of winning top prizes becomes very low. Conversely, if you know that top prizes are still available, the probability increases. So, how can you find stores where top prizes are still available? Let me introduce the method I used.
Firstly, as you can understand, it is important to choose a store that "displays all the Ichiban Kuji prizes on the shelf." Knowing the remaining number of prizes helps you visualize how many more draws you might need for the top prizes. Ichiban Kuji prizes are usually displayed on shelves near the cash register. If you want to win top prizes on a low budget, it is advisable to avoid stores where you cannot find Ichiban Kuji prizes on display, as they are likely kept behind the cash register or in the back.
It is also crucial that the store "displays the 'lottery ticket collection and pasting sheet' (hereinafter referred to as the lottery ticket sheet)." This sheet allows you to check the remaining quantities of each Ichiban Kuji prize. It is often posted on the wall near the shelf where the Ichiban Kuji prizes are displayed, or inside the cash register. To increase your chances of getting top prizes, checking the lottery ticket sheet is essential. If you find that the lottery ticket sheet is not displayed in a visible location or the staff refuses to provide information, I strongly recommend changing the store.
Next, let me explain how to calculate the probability of winning top prizes. First, count the number of displayed prizes in the store. For example, in "One Piece Emotional Stories," if there is one figure each for A to E prizes, it means all the top prizes are still available. Conversely, if there is no figure at all, it means all the top prizes are gone. In between, make a note of the types and numbers of remaining figures.
Then, check the lottery ticket sheet to confirm the remaining quantities of each prize. For example, in "One Piece Emotional Stories," it is written how many of each of the seven types of prizes, from A to G, are remaining. By subtracting this number from the number of prizes displayed in the store, you can determine the number of prizes kept behind the cash register or in the back. For instance, if it is stated that there are 10 remaining F prizes (Large Size Towels) and only 5 towels are displayed, it means that there are 5 towels stored behind the cash register or in the back.
Finally, calculate the probability based on the remaining quantities of the top prizes (A to E) and the total remaining quantities. For example, if you find that there are 3 top prizes remaining in "One Piece Emotional Stories," what would be the overall remaining quantity? Adding the number of prizes displayed in the store to the number of prizes kept behind the cash register or in the back will give you the total remaining quantity. For instance, if there are 20 displayed prizes and 10 stored behind the cash register or in the back, the total remaining quantity would be 30. In this case, the probability of winning top prizes would be 10 percent (3/30).
If you find the calculated probability acceptable, go ahead and draw the lottery at that store. If it is not acceptable, go to another store and calculate the remaining quantity of prizes and the probability of winning top prizes again. It is a methodical process, but this repetition is the key to mastering Ichiban Kuji (for my part, I draw the lottery at a store if the probability is above 10 percent. If the calculation indicates that top prizes will be won once in every 10 draws or more, there is a fair chance, especially on lucky days).
Furthermore, make sure to set a clear budget. If you keep it vague, you might fall into a negative spiral, thinking "just one more time" or "one more time," even if you cannot win top prizes. Getting too absorbed in the game might lead you to spend an unexpected large amount.
You may have realized that Ichiban Kuji is not just about luck but also requires strategy. Knowing the tricks of the convenience store can significantly increase the chances of winning top prizes. For all Ichiban Kuji fans, please try this method.
I hope your dreams come true!