Japan's vending machines tell you a lot about the country's culture

After spending two weeks in Tokyo, one aspect of the city continued to strike me after I returned: the overwhelming abundance of vending machines.

The proliferation of vending machines is impossible to ignore. They are on nearly every block in Tokyo — down alleyways, in front of convenience stores, in areas both residential and commercial.

At slightly over 5 million nationwide, Japan has the highest density of vending machines worldwide. There is approximately 1 vending machine per every 23 people, according to the Japan Vending Machine Manufacturers Association. Annual sales total more than $60 billion.

Discussion

Yubi #12625

I lived at 8 places in Japan and I was never more than 100 m away from a vending machine! There are websites and blogs that show information about vending machines in which drinks are cheaper. I also have a friend who operates a vending machine. He would buy drinks at the supermarket when they go cheaper, and put them in the vending machine. For me, they are part of Japanese culture.