Due to the impact of this epidemic, the type and number of vending machines in Japan has increased significantly in recent years. You’ve probably seen all kinds of vending machines on the streets of Japan before, with ice cream, frozen food, ramen, masks, and everything else you can think of being put into a vending machine. But Japan can always break our imagination. Let’s take a look at some of the special vending machines that Japan has launched!
Over-the-Counter Medicine Vending Machine
In May 2022, ‘non-prescription medicine vending machines’ were installed at JR Shinjuku Station to sell Class 2 and Class 3 medicines. The purpose of this arrangement is to solve problems on the move, such as sudden physical discomfort when going out or travelling. Also, to address the shortage of pharmacists, pharmacists can remotely guide consumers through the LCD screens and network cameras of these vending machines. Consumers in need can click on the symptoms on the screen, then click on the product, and then wait for the remote pharmacist to confirm the purchase content and permission before purchasing, very convenient isn’t it?
■Installation location: Near the Eki RESQ Shinjuku South Exit store inside JR Shinjuku Station South Ticket Gate
Drink x Kaiyodo Kyoto’s Famous ‘Gashapon’ Vending Machine
This vending machine was mainly installed to promote Kyoto tourism. In this vending machine, you can buy figures of Kyoto’s famous temples, Kyoto Tower, and other Kyoto tourist attractions designed by the famous ‘Kaiyodo’. In addition, when you put money in and take out products, the vending machine will also talk to you, such as saying good morning or saying thank you, giving consumers fun in addition to buying drinks.
■Installation location: Bus Pond in front of Sanmon Gate of Chion-in Temple, headquarters of the Jodo Sect (400 Hayashika-cho, Higashiyama District, Kyoto Prefecture)
Flower Vending Machine
This ‘flower vending machine’ will be installed in front of a wedding venue in Omiya, Saitama Prefecture, in December 2021. Flowers are available 24 hours a day, and there are 19 types of flowers to choose from, including flower gift boxes produced by the famous flower shop ‘Hibiya Flower Garden’ and preserved flowers that will not wither. The size of the flowers is also portable, so you don’t have to spend time going to a flower shop to choose them. You can easily buy flowers whether you are at work or shopping, perfect for the busy modern lifestyle!
■Installation location: Belle Vie OMIYA SUNPALACE/GLANZ (1-123 Nakamachi, Omiya-ku, Saitama Prefecture)
■Reference price: 1,500 yen to 4,500 yen an
Nappy Vending Machine
In response to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism’s plan to speed up the establishment of childcare support facilities, DyDo DRINCO and a paper and medical company jointly launched this ‘nappy vending machine’ in October 2019. In addition to regular drinks, this vending machine also sells disposable baby nappies in small packs (2 pieces), so parents who are raising children don’t have to worry about nappies when they go out. The best part is, you can also buy baby wipes at the vending machine, which is very noteworthy!
■Installation location: road rest stops, other large commercial facilities, etc.
Whipped Cream Cake Jar Vending Machine
This ‘can of cake’ came from the owner of a risotto & sundae speciality shop in Hokkaido. This seemingly drinkable cake instantly became a topic of conversation in Japan. The freshly baked cake is boldly put into the tin, and the ingredients use a lot of fresh cream from Hokkaido, so the taste is not perfunctory at all. Also, the transparent tin allows you to see a beautiful cross-section of the cake, making it perfect for Instagram photos.
Another new flavour ‘NAMAKURI Whipped Cream Can’ first landed in Sapporo City in September, since going on sale in Shibuya, Tokyo in April 2022, it has become very popular with long queues every day. The speciality cream uses fresh Hokkaido cream and mascarpone cream with medium acidity, the perfect balance will have you finishing a jar in one sitting.
■Installation location: OKASHI GAKU (1F, 2-10-1 Minami 4 Nishi, Minami 4 Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido)
There are so many types of vending machines in Japan that are very convenient. In addition to the vending machines introduced above, there must be many strange vending machines, waiting for everyone to discover them in Japan!
