Japan is famous for “crazy” vending machines that are fabled to encase bizarre products and inappropriate wares. But for the most part, Japanese vending machines just spit out cans of cold or hot beverages, and sometimes soup. But this particular one found on a rarely traveled road in Tokyo could be a first as it seems to contain a giant beetle for sale.
It all started when Twitter user, Tomoya, was taking a stroll down an unfamiliar street in the Adachi ward of Tokyo. She soon came across a peculiar, yet nostalgic vending machine. No, not one filled with delightful soft drinks of years gone by; this one was filled with erotic books.
Right next to it was yet another strange vending machine filled not with dirty magazines, but a large stag beetle, or kuwagata-mushi in Japanese.
The bug sits right next to a can of milk tea and grape soda as if it belongs there. To the far right is a can of yakitori chicken for 450 yen (US$4.37), getting closer to the realm of insects, but not quite. The beetle appears to be priced at 630 yen ($6.12) and includes a note that it’s kept at room temperature even though the insect appears in a red row that denotes hot vended beverages. The sight of this giant beetle inside of a grungy vending machine on a forgotten road intrigued Tomoya, and she tweeted that the next time she came by this particular road, she would buy a stag beetle.
She later tweeted that everything inside the vending machine turned out to be at room temperature, even the grape soda. She also noticed that Kit Kats were sold in the vending machine and hypothesized that maybe the beetle was actually made of chocolate. Unfortunately, Tomoya never reveals whether or not the stag beetle is alive inside the forgotten lukewarm vending machine. So readers, it’s up to you! The next time you stroll down a less traveled street in Tokyo, keep your eyes peeled. You never know what you might encounter in an old worn out vending machine. And if you come by this particular one, free one of those stag beetles and tell us if it’s made of chocolate!
Eating a bag of Rhino Beetles from Kumamoto’s bug-food vending machine【Taste test】
Give your loved ones stag beetle larvae and more this Valentine’s
Rare living male-female stag beetle is currently housed in Miyazaki prefectural museum
Vending machine selling edible bugs is an instant hit in Kumamoto, generates about $4,600 a month
We try insect snacks from this vending machine in Tokyo, and get a bonus surprise in the capsule
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
Kyoto public junior high school becomes first in Japan with a hoodie school uniform
Japanese convenience store shows us how to dress for the rainy season
Tokyo’s Pokémon Cafe reopens this month with brand-new sweets and Pikachu show
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
Lawson opens a new mini supermarket, and the lucky bags can essentially stock your kitchen
Studio Ghibli adds new range of neckties to its anime merchandise store in Japan
Tourists brave Typhoon Jangmi to queue at two famous sites in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan unveils new Frappuccino showcasing “mottainai” culture
Japan’s sticker wars are reaching a breaking point, even for enthusiasts
New official Ghibli anime food cookbook will teach you how to make Ponyo’s ramen and more
Japanese convenience store Lawson launches new “mini supermarket” chain, L Minimart
What’s up with the Ghibli Park photo and video ban?
Osaka is hosting a “hentai” event, but it’s probably not what you think
Starbucks Japan has a problem with its sell-out breakfast that might annoy solo diners
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
Japan now has gyoza doughnuts, and they taste like no other doughnut we’ve tried before
Japan’s real-world Pokémon hot spring’s first photos are here![Photos]
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Japanese vending machines now sell pandemic goods
We accidentally buy some silkworm candy at Hokkaido’s Vending Machine Land
A vending machine where you don’t know what you’re buying until it comes out – we give it a try!
Weird Japanese vending machine find: Soda that looks like mayonnaise
Monjayaki vending machine appears in Tokyo
Japanese vending machine sells…retro toothbrushes?
Mysterious eyes found in Japanese vending machine coin slot
Japanese vending machines now selling One Piece character cakes【Photos】
Japanese vending machines now sell pearl jewellery
Taste-testing Tokyo’s biggest, best edible bug vending machine【Photos】
A Kyoto factory vending machine sells gourmet mystery meals at bargain prices
Bizarre Japanese vending machine sells “Peace and Equality” and “Angels and Demons”
There’s a Tokyo vending machine that sells love in a can (or a shot at it)
Japanese convenience store’s love letter vending machine proves they really do sell everything
New vending machines sell products from iconic Japanese stores
Get a soda and good karma with this donation-accepting vending machine