Japan for the Uninvited

There are over 5 million vending machines in Japan, with a turnover of almost a million every year.

Soft drinks and cigarette machines are most prevalent, but you may also come across those containing: beer, manga, videos, condoms, instant ramen, eggs, pornography, hot food, live lobsters and underwear. Tragically, you can’t buy a schoolgirl’s used underwear any more, but you can use your imagination…

The popularity may be explained by cultural shyness, cultural laziness, or not minding your streets being covered in garish moneyboxes.

• Vending Machines of Japan
  A gallery of strange vending machines and their contents
  
• Vending Machines: basic information (Japan Guide)
  
• Vending Machines in Japan