In Japan, you might almost think you can live on vending machines alone. Want a hot coffee at 3am? A vending machine. An umbrella because it suddenly rains? A vending machine. A fresh egg, a bowl of rice, or even a tie for your urgent appointment? Yes, you guessed it: another vending machine.
But why is Japan so obsessed with these machines? Let's dive into the fascinating (and sometimes surreal) world of Japanese vending machines!
1. A distributor for everything and everyone
If you walk around a Japanese city, you can't go 100 meters without coming across a vending machine. They are literally everywhere! In train stations, in dark alleys, on top of mountains (yes, really), and even in the middle of nowhere. There is said to be about one vending machine for every 23 people in Japan, or about 5 million machines in operation. And the most fascinating thing is that they don't just sell cans of soda or bottles of water, no... in Japan, vending machines have many surprises in store for you.
Imagine: it's late and you're freezing? Hop, the machine gives you a can of hot soup, ready to be enjoyed. Are you dying of heat and can't find a shady spot? No worries, there's a vending machine that will sell you an umbrella, a fan and a spray bottle in the blink of an eye. And if you thought it stopped there, think again. Some vending machines even offer you unusual items like fresh flowers, eggs, or even... jewelry. Just so you never arrive in a hurry for your date.
2. Drinks: The kingdom of diversity
Beverages are the mainstay of vending machines in Japan, but again, the variety is incredible. In Japan, vending machines offer you hot AND cold drinks, all in the same machine. Need a refreshing iced tea in the middle of summer or a piping hot green tea in the winter? The same machine will do it!
And if you feel like trying something a little more… adventurous, you can try a can of corn soup, or one of the countless canned coffees (yes, in Japan, coffee is also drunk in cans). There are even drinks with mysterious flavors, like the curry-flavored drink, “they say George once tasted like boogers” (oh no, that’s for another story.)
3. Vending machines that sell… meals!
We’ve all been there: you’re hungry, it’s late, and the restaurants are closed. In Japan, it’s never a problem. Vending machines can sell you ready-made meals! Instant noodles, sandwiches, and even full meals like ramen or udon. Some vending machines even offer hot burgers, packaged as if they came out of a fast-food kitchen.
But the most impressive thing is probably the vending machine that sells fresh eggs. Yes, eggs, straight from a small Japanese farm, ready to be bought and cooked at home. In short, you could almost do all your weekly shopping without ever entering a store. Perfect for all agoraphobics
4. Unusual items you can find in vending machines
And now, let's move on to the vending machines that sell much more... unexpected items. Need a tie for a surprise meeting? There's a vending machine for that. Want to buy a goldfish to feel less alone? Yes, everyone has that moment in their life, and well, it's possible. There are even machines that offer you fashion accessories, rare toys, or limited edition products, perfect for die-hard collectors.
5. But why so many distributors?
So why is Japan the kingdom of vending machines? There are several reasons for this.
- First of all, Japan is a country where convenience is king. Vending machines allow people to meet their needs quickly, without having to wait or interact (perfect for introverts!).
- Then, security in Japan is so high that the machines can operate 24 hours a day without fear of being vandalized.
- And finally, the Japanese love efficiency, and what's more efficient than getting exactly what you want in a fraction of a second?
Vending machines are also a response to the often very busy work schedules of the Japanese. Between two meetings or after a long day of work, these machines are there to provide a quick solution, whether for a small hunger or an unexpected need.
Conclusion: One machine to dominate all machines
Vending machines in Japan are not just convenience machines, they are almost cultural symbols. They embody the marriage between technology, efficiency, and Japanese convenience culture. Whether you are a tourist fascinated by their endless options or a Japanese accustomed to their presence, these machines are an integral part of the Japanese urban landscape.
