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】
New Square Enix Cafe reveals Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, Nier, and Fullmetal Alchemist menu items
Burger King Japan offering all-you-can-eat quad-burgers, whoever eats the most gets more in December
Starbucks adds new Fruit Gummy sweets to stores in Japan
7-Eleven Japan releases a chocolate chip sandwich… that tastes like ice cream
Family Mart commits “reverse fraud” in new Giant All-Star Festival, and we couldn’t be happier
New Tokyo sweets shop offers 648 different mochi ice cream dumpling combinations
Godiva melts minds by releasing a new corn chocolate drink in Japan
Ghibli’s No Face continues to demonstrate his generous character growth by dispensing soy sauce
Pump yourself up with Yokohama’s new extravagant Cool Fuel ice cream
This shop combines traditional Japanese sweets with…mayonnaise?!?[Taste test]
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
Japanese convenience store shows us how to dress for the rainy season
Kyoto public junior high school becomes first in Japan with a hoodie school uniform
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
Japanese rice cooker recipe gives us a tasty new way to enjoy vegetables and wieners
Tokyo’s Pokémon Cafe reopens this month with brand-new sweets and Pikachu show
Starbucks Japan unveils new Frappuccino showcasing “mottainai” culture
Tourists brave Typhoon Jangmi to queue at two famous sites in Tokyo
Osaka is hosting a “hentai” event, but it’s probably not what you think
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
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
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
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
Mysterious eyes found in Japanese vending machine coin slot