Before I came to Japan I had the vague idea that it was the vending machine capital of the world. I was led to believe that I could walk along the street and do all my grocery shopping, buy my beer, my t-shirts, get a hot meal, and a shot of sake and if I were that way inclined buy my cigarettes from the copious amount of vending machines dotted along every Japanese pavement. I was even told there was specialist machines forgentlemenwho might want to buy schoolgirl underwear!!!!
And there are plenty of machines on show. For example, in the 100 metres or so from my house I counted 8 machines. But don’t get excited. I am not buying the new iPhone XS, fresh eggs or some slightly disturbing kinky product from the roadside dispensers. The only thing they sell is drinks. Not even alcoholic drinks, just the deliciously named Pocari Sweat, seventeen types of green tea and over-priced coke. There’s not even any dandelion and burdock or Apple Tizer. I feel like I have been short-changed although let me assure you the machines always give the correct change, unlike the old Nestle machine on Cardiff Central platform 7, that took your money but never released the draws.
Apparently, all the vending machines mention above do exist, but they are hidden away, only revealed when the air quality is right. Much like this guy.
So if you are coming to Japan expecting vending machine heaven, you won’t find it unless you really go hunting.
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