Japan is a nation of vending machines – 5.2 million of them! You find them everywhere, selling all sorts of products. And many vending machines in Japan do much more than simply sell things.
There are ultra-energy-efficient vending machines, vending machines with lifesaving equipment, vending machines that give you the option to donate your change to charity, and vending machines that can evaluate a customer’s age and gender in order to recommend specific drinks.
Japan pioneered vending machines that could dispense hot drinks in cans. The inspiration behind their development might surprise you. Retro, low-tech vending machines still exist, and they have ardent fans. On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, it will examine the unique history of how Vending Machine developed in Japan, as well as their features.