
Japanese vending machines always get lavished with attention but now it’s time for their trash cans to step into the spotlight.
We’ve all heard about Japan’s abundance of unique vending machines, providing everything from hot soup to umbrellas every hour of the day and in all types of weather. Standing in their shadow, however, is an oft-neglected yet equally important convenience: the humble trash can. Appearing in different colours, sizes and types, these recycling receptacles are finally getting some attention in a cute photo collection by Tokyo Watchers, which brings them to life with a variety of amusing characters.
▼ There are happy trash cans…
▼ …angry trash cans…
▼ …polite ones…
▼ …sad ones…
▼ …dancers…
https://www.instagram.com/p/BArkP7AzQm4/?taken-by=tokyowatchers
▼ …and even some one-eyed characters too.
They’re not always alone, either. When there’s two or more of them, things can become even more animated.
▼ These two are so in love they can’t stop grinning.
▼ This one looks like a frazzled parent, trying to cope with two children.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BApZRPyzQvl/?taken-by=tokyowatchers
▼ This is what happens when trash cans choose thug life.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BApbpyhTQmN/?taken-by=tokyowatchers
▼ And this is how they look when they’ve overdone it on the drink.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BApZXfATQvy/?taken-by=tokyowatchers
https://www.instagram.com/p/BApZTebTQvm/?taken-by=tokyowatchers
To see more of Tokyo’s trash can creatures, you can follow Tokyo Watchers on Instagram or catch up with their Tumblr account here.
Source and Images: Instagram/Tokyo Watchers

Cute Instagram cat teaches us about Japanese culture with hilarious cosplay photo collection
Japanese photographer captures the lives of cats in Tokyo with beautiful results
Cute Miniature Shiba Inu dog sisters from Japan never leave each other’s side
Fanta Socata!? Now available exclusively from Japanese vending machines
Cute twin cats lavishing love on each other is the sweetest thing you’ll see today【Pics & Videos】
What makes a good boss in Japan? Workers sound off in survey
Things get heavy with the Gold Lucky Bag from Village Vanguard
The Purple Lucky Bag from Village Vanguard is an extra-large waste of money
Private booths are coming to Japan’s Shinkansen bullet trains even sooner than we’d thought【Video】
Japanese beef bowl chain Sukiya’s 2026 Smile Box lucky bag basically pays for itself
Cosplay costume room tour by Japan’s number-one cosplayer Enako is an eye-opener【Video】
Tokyo station platform to transform into sake bar with hot drinks, hot oden, and hot kotatsu
The complete guide to sushi in one handy picture
Starbucks Japan unveils New Year’s drinkware range for 2021
One of Japan’s rarest, craziest pay phones is hanging out in a tree-shaped phone booth【Photos】
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
Hayao Miyazaki says Happy New Year to Studio Ghibli fans with new art for Year of the Horse
Cup Noodle tries an authentic Jiro-style ramen, but something’s not quite right
The best Starbucks Japan Frappuccinos we want to drink again in 2026
We revisited Sweets Paradise after a decade to see if Japan’s dessert buffet still delivers
That time Seiji called JASRAC to ask why he didn’t get paid royalties for his song being on TV
We found possibly the quietest Japanese-style hotel in Tokyo’s bustling Shinjuku district
Pizza Hut Japan’s hot lucky bags are perfect for a New Year’s pizza party
Japan’s oldest largetooth sawfish in captivity back on display in Mie Prefecture
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Stamina-destroying “Paralysis Noodles” are Tokyo’s newest over-the-top ramen innovation
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
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】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
One Piece, Star Wars and other characters come to life with mind-bending art within art 【Photos】
Japanese capsule toy vending machines now selling working capsule toy vending machines
Japanese cats join couple every night for beautiful meals, cute photos【Pics】
Creative mum takes cats and anime characters out of the bento box and into cute sushi collection
Classy pipes, intestines, and a taste of the past all can be yours from Asakusa vending machines
Korean artist seamlessly blends real life with beautiful optical illusions【Photos】
Artist living in Tokyo captures the beauty of ordinary buildings in his Tokyo Storefront series
The Damborghini: A Lamborghini made entirely from cardboard
Mock-up Nike x Dragon Ball shoes look so awesome, we wish they were real
Japanese green tea vending machine has a puppet show that tells the story behind the drink
These awesome Japanese alley cats think they’re street fighters too 【Photos】
Adorable family of cats and children look out for each other during nap time and at play
Cute cat is the star Tsum Tsum character in this Japanese home!
Japanese cook uses sushi-making as inspiration for beautifully artistic bread loaves
Weird Japanese vending machine art installation has us sweaty, disturbed
Leave a Reply