Japan is known for it's broad and quirky vending machine culture. They sell a wide range of products including food, produce, hot meals, ramen, toys, anime, souvenirs, drug store supplies, clothes, underwear, umbrellas, magazines, newspapers, mystery items, etc. The vending machine culture can be attributed to commuter lifestyle and wanting to minimize time spent purchasing items. The lack of theft and installation of security cameras helped promote the expansion. Over the years it's grown to over 4 million vending machines in Japan. The offerings have evolved both out of necessity, showmanship and a desire to push the boundaries.
There are tours and websites devoted to the most unusual machines. If you decide to travel to Japan it would be fun to visit some of them. Do your research ahead of time to narrow down your choices and build a map of where you will be visiting. If you are looking for a curated experience there is a Vending Machine Museum in Kurihara, Miyagi. There are over 100 machines, some working, some not working but a true history of vending machines in Japan.
Please check out my friend Safiya's video on the machines she visited in Tokyo.
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