Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the growing trend of blind box sales in Japan, particularly focusing on the challenges and consumer behavior associated with mixed pools of merchandise, highlighting the low probability of obtaining desired items and the psychological factors driving consumer purchases [2][4][21]. Group 1: Blind Box Sales in Japan - Japan has a unique culture of blind box sales, where consumers often face low probabilities of obtaining specific items, with chances as low as 1.4% to 2% for popular products [2][4]. - The concept of mixed pools in blind box sales increases the difficulty of obtaining specific items, leading to mixed reactions from consumers, who both criticize and participate in group purchases [4][21]. - Popular IPs (Intellectual Properties) like "Haikyuu" and "Detective Conan" frequently release merchandise with a large number of variations, making mixed pools a common practice [9][11]. Group 2: Consumer Behavior and Market Dynamics - The mixed pool sales model appears to be driven by the desire for higher sales volumes and repeat purchases, transforming consumer spending from "small money for happiness" to "more small money for happiness" [21][34]. - In contrast to Japan, domestic consumers often express dissatisfaction with mixed pool sales, leading to adjustments in pricing and marketing strategies by local IP holders to better align with consumer expectations [22][37]. - The success of mixed pool sales in Japan is attributed to the strong influence of popular IPs and a mature fan economy, which contrasts with the more cautious reception in the domestic market [22][35]. Group 3: Future Prospects and Challenges - The article suggests that while mixed pool sales have proven successful for high-profile IPs, the sustainability of this model in the domestic market remains uncertain due to consumer backlash and the need for continuous optimization [34][37]. - The potential for mixed pool sales to become a mainstream commercial model in the domestic market hinges on addressing consumer concerns and improving the overall purchasing experience [35][39]. - The mixed pool sales strategy has shown promise in increasing revenue for companies, as evidenced by significant year-on-year growth in related merchandise sales [32][34].