Vending machines are a huge part of Japan’s culture. There is one vending machine per 30 people in the country and they can be found everywhere from residential areas to commercial complexes.
Vending machines are popular in Japan because of their reliability and convenience. They also offer a sense of certainty as Japanese people tend to be overly concerned with schedules and work hours.
1. They Sell Edible Insects
Vending machines in Japan are a fixture on every corner, from neon-lit skyscraper hubs to empty mountain lanes. The trend started in the 1950s with automated “fountain-style” juice dispensers that dispensed small cups of fruity refreshment for 10 yen. The machines became a hit, as they were much cheaper than buying a whole glass at a local juice bar. Vending machines also began dispensing short-distance train tickets at stations in remote areas where it wasn’t financially viable to hire human workers 24 hours a day.
The number of vending machines peaked at around 2000, but even though they have slipped slightly, it is still hard to imagine a Japanese street without one. There are many reasons why vending machines are so popular here: they have lower running costs than a store; they offer round-the-clock convenience; and Japan’s low birth rate, aging population, and high real estate prices make labor expensive.
Recently, the machines have started to sell a more unusual product: edible insects. The machines can be found in places like Tokyo’s Nakano Broadway and Akihabara, where customers can sample a variety of bug snacks such as Zebra Tarantula, Rhinoceros Beatles, and chocolate-coated grasshoppers.
2. They Sell Dashi
The number of vending machines in Japan is staggering. It’s estimated that there are about 5 million machines scattered around the country – that’s one machine per 23 people! The machines rake in over $60 billion annually and have an amazing variety of goods on offer.
You can get anything from soft drinks, coffee, tea, cigarettes, candy, food and alcohol from Japanese vending machines. Some even sell ice cream! On a hot and humid summer day, a bowl of cold ice cream from a vending machine is like heaven.
Some vending machines also dispense sushi and other seafood items. However, you’ll need an ID or an IC card to buy these, as the machines aren’t allowed to sell to minors.
Vending machines are a staple of life in Japan, especially in big cities. They’re available 24 hours a day and make it possible to purchase products outside standard store opening hours. They are also an excellent source of comfort during disasters, as they contain back up batteries and generators in case of power outages.
Visit the following website to find out more about Japanese Technology:
3. They Sell Flowers
The variety of products that can be bought from Japanese vending machines is impressive. The country is full of wild and strange vending machines where you can get yakitori (chicken skewers), snails, model trains, ice cold drinks, and even a heart-shaped balloon!
Vending machines are a big part of life in Japan and serve to compliment the busy lifestyles that most people live. Whether in Tokyo or the countryside, you can easily find a machine where you can buy soft drinks, coffee, tea, cigarettes, candy, soup, hot food, sake, or beer.
Interestingly, you can also purchase flowers from some of these machines. This is a great option for salarymen who don’t want to buy flowers at a store but still want to show their loved ones how much they care. Some of the machines dispense small bouquets while others offer more extravagant options that come inside glass vases. Vending machines in Japan are well-maintained and restocked often. They also have trash cans built into them or placed nearby to avoid littering. The Japanese have a fondness for automation, so they feel comfortable buying things from machines that provide clarity and predictability.
4. They Sell Rhinoceros Beetles
One of the most bizarre things about Japan is how many weird and wonderful products you can buy in their vending machines. Vending machines in Japan sell everything from a bottle of sake to surgical masks and even live insects. The machines are a physical embodiment of the fast-paced lifestyle of the Japanese and the value placed on convenience.
There are about 5.4 million vending machines in Japan, so the selection is mind-blowing. It’s no wonder that people are so fascinated with what is on offer – it’s wild and strange!
For example, a machine in Kumamoto sells edible insects. Another one sells teddy bears that are used to comfort children who are sick or afraid. The machines also have a section dedicated to pet items including cats, dogs and fish. These are sold to people who don’t have the space for a full-sized pet or simply want a little companionship on the go. They are popular among men who travel for work as they can take their pets with them. A company in Ogaki even sells rhinoceros beetles in their machines. They are sold for $3.35 a pair and are quickly snapped up by eager kids.
5. They Sell Dog Wigs
Japan is a country that is deeply rooted in tradition but at the same time on the cutting edge of all technologies. From the mesmerizing tea ceremonies to the strict code of etiquette that can make you an outcast if you don’t follow it, there is so much to be amazed by when visiting this strange land.
Vending machines have been popular in Japan for decades. The first machines started popping up in the 1950s, with automated juice dispensers being a huge hit. They quickly became a staple in offices and were even used to dispense short-distance train tickets in remote areas where it wasn’t economically feasible to have 24 hour staff at the stations.
Vending machines sell everything from bottles of fish soup to wigs and even warm hot dogs. However, it seems that the latest trend in vending machines is causing some controversy. In Semboku City, a machine has been popping up that sells — you guessed it — bear meat! The machines are advertised as being safe for germaphobes to use because they’ll only dispense one cube at a time.
