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Vending Machines

Vending Heaven

If you ever get a chance to go to Japan you will notice that vending machines are EVERYWHERE! It is really handy and whenever I come back from Japan there is always a period I go through that can be considered "vending machine withdrawal".

Of course the most common thing available in vending machines are drinks. Most of the drink machines have cold and hot selections available, so if you are in the mood for a can of hot coffee or a cold soda you just insert \120 (approx. US $1.15) which is the standard price for vended drinks in Japan and make your selection. 

Not Just Drinks

It isn't very hard to find vending machines that carry some unique items. You can find machines that sell many types of adult pleasure such as beer, cigarettes and even Japanese sake. Some beer machines are programmed not to sell beer after a certain time in the evening but many sell beer 24 hours a day and anyone who has money can purchase the beer regardless of age. Japan does not have the same restrictions of tobacco advertising as the United States it is not uncommon to see ads for cigarettes on trains and TV commercials. Other items that I have personally purchased from vending machines in Japan include shampoo, batteries, a shaving razor, hot cup ramen and if you can believe it a HOT cheeseburger!

Vending Hell?


And although I have never actually seen this type of vending machine it is rumored that in Japan there are vending machines that, believe it or not, sell school girls panties (pre-worn). Hope that doesn't offend anyone. But for your information and kind of a side note to this page, many Japanese coin laundries post warnings about "panty thieves" so this rumor of a panty vending machine might very well be true.

UPDATE: This was actually true as reported at Snopes.com


Marlboro Man LIVES!
Cigarette vending machine in Himeji City. Common in Japan.


Beer vending machine. Actually photographed next to the cigarette machines!


Beer not strong enough? Sake vending machine.
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