In the eyes of Japanese people, vending machines that sell almost anything are as common as 24-hour convenience stores, but this familiar sight has become a photo opportunity for many foreign tourists, after all, the variety of products sold in Japanese vending machines is truly extensive. According to data from the Japan Vending Machine Manufacturers Association, as of the end of 2014, there were 5.03 million vending machines nationwide, with beverage vending machines, the most commonly seen, accounting for 51% of the total. The number of vending machines in Japan is on a declining trend, with a 1.1% decrease from 2013, mainly due to the aging population and declining birthrate leading to a reduction in the smoking population and public transportation passengers, resulting in fewer cigarette vending machines and station ticket machines. However, despite this backdrop, the total sales value of vending machine products still approaches 5 trillion yen, making it fair to say that vending machines constitute an industry. The widespread adoption of vending machines in Japan dates back to the period of high economic growth after the war. During this time, large populations migrated to cities, and the ability to purchase desired products on the street at any time met the demands of the era. Taking beverage vending machines as an example, although owners need to pay for inventory, long-term rent, electricity, and insurance, the initial startup capital, restocking, and maintenance costs are borne by the beverage manufacturers, so many small shop owners are willing to allocate space for vending machines. Technological advancements further enhanced the convenience of vending machines; originally they only had refrigeration, but after improving temperature control, people could buy both cold and hot drinks from a single machine. Japanese-made vending machines also have low failure rates, quickly gaining consumer favor. Currently, the density of vending machines in central Tokyo has reached one per 30 people, approaching saturation. It is against this backdrop that many new types of vending machines have emerged, as seen in news and online. FamilyMart has been experimenting with convenience store-style vending machines since 2010, selling over 60 types of products, from rice balls, sandwiches, and bento boxes to socks, at prices consistent with regular FamilyMart stores. These convenience store vending machines are primarily installed in office buildings, hospital staff areas, and highway service areas. With increasing sales, the number of convenience store vending machines grows by about 500 units annually. In 2011, the fruit and vegetable company MVM Shoji introduced an apple vending machine. Apples are cut into halves (about 80 grams) and treated to prevent browning, sold with or without peel for a uniform price of 200 yen. Female office workers on their way to work often buy half an apple to supplement their daily vitamins. Vending machines capable of responding to natural disasters are also gradually increasing. In the event of a major earthquake, local governments can request that beverage vending machines be switched to free dispensing mode either manually or via remote control. Currently, Kirin and Coca-Cola Japan have introduced such vending machines, which can also display disaster information on their screens. The increase in foreign tourists has also led to the creation of beverage vending machines with Wi-Fi functionality, allowing tourists to use Wi-Fi for free within a 30-meter radius. New types of vending machines also serve promotional purposes. In August 2013, lingerie brand Wacoal placed its popular bra, which had sold over 350,000 units cumulatively, into vending machines for sale. Although only 7 units were sold in two months, it generated enough buzz for Wacoal. A general store called "Wazakka Shibuya Maruwatanabe" in Tokyo's Shibuya district set up a souvenir vending machine next to the store, selling Japanese-style earrings and small charms. Considering foreign tourists, all products are accompanied by English descriptions. ▲ Bra vending machine ▲ Souvenir vending machine In the development trend of vending machines, some old-fashioned machines have not retired from the stage and are still diligently "working." On August 20, the NHK program "Document 72 Hours" featured a 40-year-old udon noodle vending machine and its customers' ordinary yet heartfelt 72 hours. In Isesaki City, Gunma Prefecture, on the outskirts of Tokyo, there is also a retro vending machine cafeteria where you can see hamburger vending machines, sandwich vending machines, and noodle vending machines that have gradually disappeared with the spread of convenience stores. To relive nostalgia, many Japanese parents take their children to the "vending machine cafeteria" to taste the flavors of their childhood. ▲ Vending machine cafeteria Cover image from keepjoseph.lofter.com