Research 04/021
Japan's Vending Machine Culture

Credits: Unknown

Wherever you go in Japan you are never too far from a vending machine, this oddity, particular of this nation, not only concerns common vending machines that sell soda or snacks but a wide range of machines that sell peculiar products, that we wouldn’t normally expect to be sold this way. From vending machines that sell fruit and vegetables, to those that sell popcorn or eggs, or Dashi, a fish broth that is one of the staple ingredients in many dishes.

This phenomenon happened for several reasons, first of all, the low crime rate allows these machines to be left outside without getting vandalized, and also, the high cost of space, in cities populated by millions of inhabitants like Tokyo, and the high cost of labor make this the easiest way to sell products at a good price without the expense of a shop and employees.

Credits: Unknown

Even for customers, this solution is extremely convenient, as it allows them not only to be able to buy their favorite products directly on the street but also to pay for them less than in a shop, so much so that it is possible to cook meals only with ingredients bought in vending machines.

Credits: Unknown

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