Launched in early 2023 by Kyodo Senpaku Co., a major Japanese whaling company, these unmanned “Kujira Store” outlets aim to boost declining demand for whale meat—a traditional food that’s fallen out of favor amid global conservation concerns and shifting diets. The machines are decorated with cartoon whales and blend into Japan’s ubiquitous vending culture, which includes everything from hot meals to umbrellas. As of late 2025, they remain operational, with social media posts showing continued public interest and visits.
Launch and Expansion Plans
- Debut: The first machine opened on January 24, 2023, in Yokohama’s Motomachi shopping district. Two more followed shortly in Tokyo’s capital region.
- Growth: A fourth was planned for Osaka in February 2023. The company targeted 100 machines nationwide within five years (by 2028), focusing on urban areas to make whale products more accessible without relying on supermarkets, which often avoid stocking them due to pressure from anti-whaling activists.
- Rationale: Though the government maintains that eating whale is a cherished part of Japan’s culture, whale meat consumption peaked at 233,000 tonnes in 1962 but dropped to just 1,000 tonnes by 2021, overshadowed by cheaper proteins like chicken and beef. Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, sourcing meat from domestically caught whales.
“There are so many major supermarkets that are afraid of being harassed by anti-whaling groups so they won’t use whale. So there are many people who want to eat whale but can’t,”
Therefore, we are opening stores with the thought that we can provide a place where those people can eat.
Tokoro, the firm owner said at the launch.
Products Available
These machines dispense frozen and processed items, priced affordably to encourage trial. All products are from Japanese-caught whales, emphasizing sustainability within the company’s operations. Whale meat advocates point to its high protein content and low carbon footprint compared with other meats.
| Product | Description | Price Range (JPY) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whale Sashimi | Frozen thin slices for raw consumption | 1,000–2,000 (~$7–14 USD) | Popular entry-level item |
| Whale Steak | Frozen cuts for grilling or frying | 2,000–3,000 (~$14–21 USD) | Lean, red meat similar to beef |
| Whale Bacon | Frozen smoked strips | 1,500–2,500 (~$10–17 USD) | Processed for easy cooking |
| Whale Skin | Frozen chewy texture, often boiled | 1,000–1,500 (~$7–10 USD) | Traditional delicacy |
| Canned Whale Stew | Ready-to-eat preserved meat | 800–1,200 (~$5–8 USD) | Shelf-stable option |
Current Status (2025)
- Locations: Primarily in Yokohama (e.g., the flagship Kujira Store with three machines) and Tokyo. Osaka’s outlet is confirmed operational. No widespread expansion reports beyond the initial rollout, but machines are still active—recent visitor photos from April and September 2025 show them in use.
- Public Reaction: Mixed. Japanese users share novelty videos and visits, with one virtual simulator even featuring whale meat options. Internationally, it’s sparked debate; Korean netizens in 2024 called it “barbaric” while highlighting their own whale meat shops (though Korea bans whaling). Conservation groups like Whale & Dolphin Conservation criticize it as “automated cruelty,” estimating 3,000 tonnes of whale products sold annually via these outlets.
- Sales Impact: Early reports suggest modest uptake, appealing to tourists and older generations nostalgic for the food. A 2024 Reddit thread noted surprise at seeing one in Tokyo, and 2025 X posts describe it as a “must-see” oddity.