Vending Machines

Question of the Day, Oct. 16

Q: What do the vending machines look like in Japan? (Nick)

A:  As you can see in this picture, they are similar to our vending machines, but they always display a sample of the actual items being sold.  Do you recognize the American actor whose picture is on this machine?  His image is used to advertise a brand of iced coffee called "Boss."

Vending Machines

*Japan has more vending machines per person than any other country in the world -- one vending machine for every 23 people.  Because Japan has low rates of crime and vandalism, vending machine owners do not have as much trouble with the machines being broken into or vandalized as they might in some other countries.

In addition to soft drinks and snacks, Japanese vending machines have been used for selling books, fried food, iPods, toilet paper, music CD's, film, batteries, umbrellas, and even underwear!