The Japanese love convenience, and this can be seen through the vending machines in Japan.
In Japan there is an unbelievable amount and range of vending machines, conveniently located under apartments, side of the roads, outside convenient stores, museums and basically everywhere. Someone actually counted the number of vending machines in Tokyo, Japan and... there was a vending machine every 21 meters on the average.
Japan even has the highest vending machines per capita. One machine for every 23 people in Japan!
Also, several vending machines are usually placed together, so commuters need not worry about variety.
They have normal drinks vending machines that sell:
Milk, energy drinks, beer, coffee, tea, finger food, sushi, chocolates, vitamins, medicine, and meals such as bento(lunch boxes) and cooked noodles.
Ever wonder or worried about how your hot drinks are made in vending machines? This might just put your mind at ease. Cameras were placed at various spots of the vending machine to give buyers view throughout the process of making the drinks.
Some vending machines have a scanner for users to scan a card, identify themselves as above the legal age to buy products.
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| Photo taken from photomann.com |
They also have machines that sell a wide range of cigarettes(buyer has to be verified to be above the legal age) but strangely enough, those that sell alcohol doesn't require identification.
Now that we have covered the normal vending machines, it is time to show you the creative ones!
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| Taken from http://www.geekologie.com/2008/04/sure_why_not_vending_machine_d.php |
Thats right, vended shoes! These are quite useful i would think, if you ruined your shoe and need a new one. Or for the females, your high heels.
Next, scroll down SLOWLY, can you guess what is/are the vended items?
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| taken from http://lemonwackyhello.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/underwear_vending.jpg |
Don't peek at the answer!
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They are... Vended underwear! Indeed so, and some machines even sell cold ones for summer.
This, is the infamous Used Panties Japanese Vending Machine...
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| Picture taken from cscoutjapan.com |
Contrary to a lot of internet rumors, the innovative idea of soiled panties vending machine has been banned by an equally innovative way in 1993.(It instantly sparkled much controversy and upset the authorities)
There are people saying that they have seen the actual machines but also those who have asked locals, policemen and other Japanese about them but said that they don't exist, existed or if they do, it would have to be in a very remote back alley.
It is now nearly impossible to find it(even if u see pictures of some, the product may be unused by actual girls) there still is a slight chance that it exists in a tiny remote corner but you would have to find it to prove it.
The following are even more vending machines that sell other items!.
Umbrellas!
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| Picture taken from photomann.com |
Stuck at a place because of rain? Worry no more!
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| picture taken from photomann.com |
Forgot an anniversary or rushing to meet that special someone? - Grab a bouquet along the way! This would help save a lot of people.(Especially men)
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| Taken from http://www.humor-articles.com/vending-machines-for-everything/ |
Even books are vended!!
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| Taken from http://chynesboi.xanga.com/682794174/japan-the-land-of-the-vending-machines-i-mean-raising-sun/ |
And illicit magazines! I wonder how would a passer by would react to people purchasing from this.
These machines were said to lessen the embarrassment for those trying to buy these;
Instead of buying from a shop with other patrons and cashers.
This would be a stranger concept - vending eggs, they are restocked everyday straight from the farm so it actually sells fresh eggs!
Instead of dropping the product to a collection spot, there is a red button to the right to release the latch for you to reach in and collect the product.
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| Picture taken from http://declubz.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/lobster-vending-machine.jpg |
These are live lobsters, try catching one for just $3
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| Taken from http://www.humor-articles.com/vending-machines-for-everything/ |
As shown, it dispenses live bait for fishers.
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| Taken from http://itravelmags.com/20-odd-vending-machines-around-the-world/ |
This had to be magnified, you have to look closely at the portion below the displayed drinks, above the advertiser's head. And what you see there is... Vended video cameras!
Grab a camera with a drink!
Other vending machines Japan have that are not posted are: bananas, tomatoes, other vegetables, rice, condoms and many more!
Also, a new type of vending machine was introduced recently; it recommends drinks based on face scanning technology!
So, how much do the Japanese love convenience? A whole lot. It seems like another world there! And I would gladly migrate, learn the Japanese language earnestly and live there!
The innovation and creativity that drives vending machines and convenience... Another motivation for me to migrate in Japan.
Updated: Here is another site about even more vending machines in Japan!
The different varities of vending machines in Japan really fascinates me. Singapore should have vending machines like the ones which vends umbrellas so that we can buy instant ones when there is a sudden downpour!
ReplyDeleteI agree, Singapore should also have vending machines that vends more varieties of drinks and food. Its usually the same old things that are being sold
ReplyDeleteAn interesting first introduction to Japanese culture! How did you get so interested in Japanese culture, and have you visited Japan and did you experience using the vending machines? It would be useful to share your own personal experience and provide more personal input and opinions.
ReplyDeleteConsider scannability and do not centralise text. Also, make sure that you are not using copyrighted images, and cite sources.
Blogroll?
I have gone to japan and i was really amazed at the products they sell in those vending machines, they have cigarettes, alcoholic drinks and some even selling condoms. Its just appalling to know the variety of products they provide in the vending machines. (:
ReplyDeleteThe vending machine that interests me the most is the "live lobsters machine". Hahhaa. I didn't know such vending machine do exist. Interesting post! :D
ReplyDeleteThe eccentricity of the Japanese people is simply amusing. I wonder how it would affect our culture as we know it if we had vending machines like these.
ReplyDeletei bet we could have machines vending carrot cake, chicken rice, roti prata, chicken chop, etc... ah, if only...*stomach growls in anticipation*
ReplyDeleteCool! the one where the lobster is simply amusing! 3 bucks for a lobster, pretty cheap(: i dont mind trying it. it is very interesting to know the different vending machine(:
ReplyDeleteI remember watching a news clip about a dress/skirt with a vending machine design. You can just blend in with the rest of the machines.
ReplyDelete