Japońskie automaty vendingowe – od napojów, przez gorące zupy i hamburgery, świeże owoce po elektronikę, mangi i używaną bieliznę

Five and a Half Million Japanese Vending Machines

Vending machines, known in Japan as "jidōhanbaiki" (自動販売機, literally "automatic selling machines"), are an integral part of the country's landscape. Japan is home to over 5.5 million vending machines, meaning there is one machine for every 23 people. In Tokyo, vending machines can be found on almost every street corner, and their presence is so impressive that they appear in the most unexpected places, such as temples, mountains, and even historical landmarks.

The number of vending machines in Japan exceeds the total population of some smaller countries. Japanese vending machines are not only ubiquitous but also incredibly diverse. Besides the standard drinks, coffee, tea, and snacks, there are special machines offering fresh fruits, surgical masks, hot meals, and even live insects and used women's underwear.

Let’s explore what inventions Japan has to offer this time.

The History of Vending Machines in Japan

Vending machines in Japan have their roots in the late 19th century. The first Japanese vending machine was invented by Takashichi Tawaraya in 1888 (the world's first vending machine appeared slightly earlier in the UK, though some trace the origins back to ancient Egypt by a Greek). It was a machine for selling tobacco, which used simple technology to allow the purchase of cigarettes without human interaction. Tawaraya patented his invention the same year, and his innovative machine marked the beginning of a long and rich history of vending machines in Japan.

In the 1920s, vending machines for selling sweets began to appear gradually. However, the real boom occurred in the 1950s and 1960s when drink vending machines started gaining immense popularity. In 1962, an American beverage producer debuted in the Japanese market with the "Fountain-style Juice Dispenser," sparking a dynamic increase in the number of vending machines. Within just a few years, the number of vending machines rose from 240,000 in 1964 to one million in 1970. By 1984, this number exceeded 5 million, making Japan the world leader in the number of vending machines.

One of the key factors in the success of Japanese vending machines was their ability to quickly introduce technological innovations. In the 1970s, vending machines that could sell both hot and cold drinks from a single machine were introduced. Another innovation was the introduction of machines with hot meals, such as ramen, curry, and hamburgers. Thanks to advanced cooling and heating technology, these machines could serve fresh and warm food in seconds. Moreover, vending machines began to sell a variety of products, from electronics to clothing to unusual items like live insects and fresh fruits.

What Vending Machines Can Be Found in Japan?

Standard Vending Machines

Drinks: Coffee, Tea, Juices, Soft Drinks

Drink vending machines are the most common type of vending machines in Japan. They offer a wide selection of drinks, including coffee, tea, juices, and soft drinks. Many of these machines are equipped with heating and cooling systems, allowing them to serve both hot and cold beverages. They are often found on streets, at train stations, in offices, and in schools, making them very convenient for users. Other typical machines can sell snacks, cigarettes, newspapers, etc., as seen worldwide.

Unusual Products

Hot Food: Ramen, Curry, Hamburgers

Hot food vending machines are a true revolution in the world of vending machines. They offer ready-made meals such as ramen, curry, or hamburgers, which are heated inside the machine and dispensed in seconds. Users select a dish from the menu, insert coins, and receive a hot meal shortly after. These machines are particularly popular in high-traffic areas such as train stations, airports, and shopping centers.

Electronics: Cameras, Phones, SIM Cards

Vending machines selling electronics are a frequent sight in Japan. They offer products such as cameras, mobile phones, and SIM cards. They operate similarly to other vending machines: users select a product, insert the appropriate amount, and receive their purchase. These machines are most commonly found at airports and in large shopping centers.

Clothing: T-Shirts, Underwear, Surgical Masks

Vending machines with clothing offer products such as t-shirts, underwear, and surgical masks. They are particularly useful in emergencies when a change of clothes or a protective mask is needed. These machines can be found in shopping centers, at airports, and at some train stations.

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Daily Use Products: Umbrellas, Batteries, Toilet Paper

Vending machines selling daily use products are a true lifesaver in emergency situations. You can buy umbrellas, batteries, toilet paper, and many other items from these machines. They are mainly found in public places such as train stations, shopping centers, and office buildings.

More Surprising Vending Machines

Akihabara: Insect, Oden, and Canned Ramen Vending Machines

Akihabara, known as the mecca of electronics and anime, offers some of the most unusual vending machines in Japan. Here you can find machines selling insects like dried grasshoppers, as well as traditional Japanese dishes such as oden (Japanese stew) and canned ramen. These vending machines attract both locals and tourists looking for unique culinary experiences.

Special Lottery Vending Machines

In Japan, you can find vending machines selling drinks and snacks that also offer the chance to win a free product. After making a purchase, an electronic roulette is triggered, and if the user is lucky, they receive an additional drink or snack for free. These machines are particularly popular in high-traffic areas such as train stations and shopping centers.

Flower and Gift Vending Machines

Flower and gift vending machines are the perfect solution for occasions such as anniversaries or birthdays. They offer fresh flowers, jewelry, and other small gifts. These machines are mainly found in shopping centers, airports, and hotels.

Hot Food Vending Machines, e.g., Yokai Express

Yokai Express vending machines offer a wide variety of hot meals, such as ramen, curry, and other dishes that are heated inside the machine and dispensed in seconds. These modern machines are ideal for people in a hurry who want a hot meal without visiting a restaurant. They are primarily located at train stations, airports, and large shopping centers.

Seasonal Product Vending Machines, e.g., Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

In Japan, you can find vending machines selling fresh fruits and vegetables, which are regularly stocked by local farmers. These machines are especially popular during seasonal periods when the availability of fresh produce is highest. They are mainly located near markets, train stations, and shopping centers.

Truffle Vending Machine

A vending machine selling truffles is true luxury at your fingertips. These precious mushrooms, known for their unique flavor and high price, can be bought directly from the machine. Truffles are stored in special conditions to maintain their freshness and aroma. Such machines can be found in exclusive districts of Tokyo, where they are popular among gourmets and lovers of luxury cuisine.

Laundry Vending Machine

A vending machine selling laundry services is an innovative solution for people in a hurry. These machines offer washing and drying services. Users insert their dirty clothes, and after a specified time, they receive them clean and dry. Laundry vending machines can be found in places like airports, hotels, and large shopping centers, making them an ideal solution for travelers and busy city residents.

Live Lobster Vending Machine

A vending machine selling live lobsters is a true sensation in Japan. Users can purchase a live lobster, which is stored in a special aquarium inside the machine. The purchase process involves inserting coins and selecting the appropriate button, after which the machine dispenses the lobster in waterproof packaging. Such machines can be found in luxury hotels and exclusive districts of Tokyo.

Hot Potato Vending Machine

A vending machine selling hot potatoes (or fries) is another interesting innovation. These machines offer baked potatoes, which are kept at the right temperature to be ready for consumption at any time. Users select a potato, insert coins, and receive a warm, ready-to-eat meal. Hot potato vending machines can be found on city streets and in parks, where they are popular among walkers and people looking for a quick, warm snack.

Dashi Vending Machine

A vending machine selling dashi, or Japanese broth, exemplifies how technologically advanced Japanese vending machines can be. These machines offer bottles of dashi, which can be used to prepare traditional Japanese dishes. The bottles are stored in special conditions to maintain the freshness of the broth. Dashi vending machines can be found near supermarkets, markets, and grocery stores.

Canned Flower Vending Machine

A vending machine selling canned flowers is another example of Japanese innovation. These machines offer fresh flowers packed in special cans that allow for long-term storage without losing freshness. Canned flowers are the perfect gift for any occasion, which can be purchased at any time. These machines are particularly popular in shopping centers, airports, and hotels.

The History of Vending Machines Selling Used Women's Underwear

Vending machines selling used women's underwear, known in Japan as "burusera" (ブルセラ), gained popularity in the 1990s. These machines offer used panties, often allegedly worn by young women, including schoolgirls. The purchase process is simple: the customer inserts coins, selects the product, and receives the packaged panties. Despite the controversy, these machines provided anonymity for both sellers and buyers, which was one of the key factors in their popularity.

In the 1990s, vending machines with used underwear were widely available in certain parts of Japan, such as Chiba City. However, in 1993, their presence caused a significant uproar, mainly due to suspicions that the underwear came from underage girls. As a result, authorities introduced regulations aimed at restricting the sale of such products. The machines were withdrawn, but used underwear continued to be sold in burusera shops. Further regulations in 1999 introduced laws prohibiting the sale of used underwear from individuals under 18 years of age.

Although officially vending machines selling used underwear have been removed, they can still be found in some less legal places and as display items in antique shops or at flea markets. There are also instances where imitations of such machines appear in the form of gacha-pon, which are machines with small capsules containing various items, including allegedly used underwear. *Where does the name burusera come from? The name "burusera" (ブルセラ) comes from the combination of two Japanese words: "buruma" (ブルマ), which is a Japanized version of the English word "bloomers" (traditional sports shorts worn by Japanese schoolgirls), and "serafuku" (セーラー服), which means sailor school uniform. "Burusera" refers to the fetish for used clothing and underwear, especially those worn by young girls and schoolgirls.

Popularity and Development of Vending Machines

Vending machines have gained immense popularity for several key reasons, making them an indispensable part of the Japanese landscape.

Low Crime Rate in Japan

One of the main factors that enabled the development of vending machines in Japan is the low crime rate. In other countries, vending machines are often placed in enclosed spaces, such as offices or schools, to protect them from vandalism and theft. In Japan, vending machines can be found on streets, in parks, and even in more remote locations such as mountain tops, due to high social trust and low crime.

Convenience and 24/7 Availability

Vending machines offer unprecedented convenience as they are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Through them, you can buy drinks, snacks, and even hot meals at any time of the day or night. This is particularly important because a large part of the society works daily until late hours, making it impossible to shop outside of 24/7 stores. In such cases, vending machines become the first source of essential goods.

Technology

The Japanese generally have a positive attitude towards technology, reflected in their acceptance and enthusiasm towards vending machines, among other things. Vending machines are considered convenient "robots" that perform daily tasks. Moreover, the more interesting inventions have become part of popular culture and a tourist attraction, further increasing their popularity.

Introduction of Cooling and Heating Systems

One of the key innovations was the introduction of cooling and heating systems that allow for the sale of both cold and hot drinks and meals. These machines can maintain different temperatures simultaneously, meaning you can buy iced coffee in summer and hot tea in winter. This makes them extremely versatile and adaptable to changing consumer needs.

Modern Payment Solutions: Cashless Transactions, Facial Recognition

Modern vending machines in Japan are equipped with advanced payment solutions that increase user convenience. Almost all machines accept cashless transactions such as credit card, debit card, and mobile wallet payments. Increasingly, vending machines are even equipped with facial recognition technology, providing additional security and allowing for quick and easy purchases.

Vending Machines with AI Technology

The most advanced vending machines in Japan use artificial intelligence (AI) to optimize their operations. These machines can analyze sales data and adjust their inventory accordingly, allowing for more efficient goods management. AI can also personalize shopping experiences by suggesting products based on previous purchases, recognizing the user by facial scan.

Vending Machines as Tourist Attractions

Japanese vending machines, known for their extraordinary diversity and innovation, have become not only a part of daily life but also a tourist attraction. For enthusiasts of such machines, Japan offers many places worth visiting. The most interesting machines can be found, of course, in places like Akihabara or Shinjuku in Tokyo, but beyond the usual experience of using such a machine, you can seek knowledge about it – in specific, Japanese vending machine museums.

Vending Machine Museum in Sagamihara

The Vending Machine Museum in Sagamihara is located in the used tire shop Rat Sunrise. This unconventional place attracts vending machine enthusiasts from all over Japan and abroad. The museum offers a fascinating exhibition of retro vending machines, allowing visitors to travel back in time and see how these devices have evolved. Among the exhibits, you can find machines selling drinks, snacks, and even more unusual products like hot food. Each machine has its own unique history and represents different stages of vending technology development in Japan.

Visitors can see how vending machines operated in the past and what products were available. The museum also offers interactive presentations showing how the technology and design of vending machines have changed over the years. For technology and history enthusiasts, this place provides a unique opportunity to explore the fascinating world of Japanese vending machines and understand their impact on daily life in Japan.

Vending Machine Corner in Tokyo

In Tokyo, there are many places with vending machine exhibitions that attract tourists from around the world. One of the most well-known is Vending Machine Corner, a unique place where you can see and try various vending machines. This place offers a wide range of devices, from those traditionally selling drinks and snacks to more unusual machines offering fresh fruits, hot meals, and even quirky products like insects and used underwear. A visit to Vending Machine Corner allows for a close encounter with Japanese vending culture and understanding why these machines have become such an integral part of daily life in Japan.

This is an excellent opportunity to see the diversity and innovation of Japanese vending machines firsthand. Visitors can not only admire the variety of devices but also learn more about the technological innovations that enabled their development. Vending Machine Corner is also a place where you can see interactive presentations and demonstrations showing how different types of machines work and what unique features they offer. This allows both technology enthusiasts and regular tourists to immerse themselves in the fascinating world of Japanese vending machines, understand their evolution, and appreciate their role in Japanese society.

Conclusion

In conclusion, vending machines in Japan are not only a convenient retail solution but also an integral part of the country's culture and technology. The future of these machines looks incredibly promising, with many innovations on the horizon that could further increase their popularity and functionality.

One of the most important trends is the development of AI technology, which allows for the personalization of shopping experiences. Vending machines equipped with artificial intelligence can analyze user preferences and suggest products that might interest them. This not only increases customer satisfaction but also can contribute to increased sales.

Thanks to AI technology, vending machines can offer more personalized services tailored to individual consumer needs. An example is the facial recognition system that identifies users and suggests products based on previous purchases. These solutions make shopping faster and more intuitive, which consumers may desire.

Another important aspect of the future of vending machines in Japan is eco-friendly initiatives. In response to growing concerns about climate change, vending machine manufacturers are introducing solutions aimed at reducing energy consumption and waste. Examples include machines equipped with energy-saving technologies such as zone cooling systems and machines with their own recycling systems to help manage waste.

Japanese Vending Machines – From Drinks, Hot Soups, and Hamburgers to Fresh Fruits, Electronics, Manga, and Used Underwear