Convenience stores really have become an integral part of our lives, haven’t they? We think nothing of seeing them on every street corner, and I’m sure we’ve all come to rely on them in times of emergencies (like when you’re in dire need of Häagen-Dazs cookies & cream ice cream at two in the morning). Well, convenience stores may be practically ubiquitous, but we have to say this particular one took us by surprise. It’s certainly not like any convenience store we’ve ever seen!
vending machine (Page 4)
On a recent trip to the US, one of our Japanese reporters, Yoshio, heard about an unusual vending machine that serves up ice cream. Excited to see how the icy treats would be delivered, our reporter made a beeline for the machine’s nearest location: the local Walmart. We filmed the machine in action and got his take on the automated ice cream experience first-hand.
Ladies and gentlemen, meet Aki-chan. She’s adorable and highly intelligent–a desirable combination in any girl, wouldn’t you say? All right, so maybe she’s a bit on the hairy side, but that’s not really her fault, because … well, she’s not human.
And as you can see from the video we have for you below, while Aki-chan may not be a member of the Homo sapien species, she certainly has a delightful trick up her sleeve (even if she isn’t wearing anything with sleeves)!
Readers of our site may be aware that Japan is home to vending machines that sell a wide range of bizarre and unexpected products, from pornographic magazines to fresh eggs and even fermented soybeans (natto). Now, we’ve found yet another interesting vending machine that’s been featured in a story on Asahi Newspaper’s digital site which we thought would be interesting to share with you.
This machine in particular caught our attention because it combines the Japanese people’s fondness of vending machines with their love of a dish that is extremely popular in Japan. And what might that dish be? We’ll give you a hint — it’s golden brown in color and has a delightfully rich and spicy aroma that’s sure to make your mouth water… Read More
Legend has it that in the urban center of Osaka there sits a vending machine so cheap that it boggles the mind. Here a tasty beverage can be purchased for a measly 10 yen (US$0.11).
RocketNews24 had sent a reporter, Usagi Yumeno, to Fukushima Ward in the port town in search of this machine.
Rumor has it that among the numerous maid cafés, manga, DVD, and video game shops in Akihabara, Tokyo, there exists a unique corner full of vending machines.
The machines contain typical fare for Japan – colas, teas, snacks, condoms, and such – but are guarded by savage penalties unbecoming of the general levels of politeness in this country. In fact, often involving dismemberment, these penalties seem more at home in a bleak post-apocalyptic Thunderdome type society than urban Tokyo.
Few know about this legendary group of vending machines outside of Akihabara aficionados. So our reporter, Kuzo, decided to venture up the electric river of Akihabara in search of the Heart of Vending Machine Darkness.
You, Me, And a Tanuki is a weekly featured blog run by Michelle, a Californian who is currently one of only two foreigners living in Chibu, a tiny fishing village on one of the Oki islands in Japan. Check back every Saturday for a new post or read more on her website here!
You can get coffee just about anywhere in Japan thanks to the millions (yes, millions) of vending machines littered around the country. ”How convenient,” you must be thinking. Yeah, if you like drinking awful coffee.
Ever had the irresistible urge to have fresh apples while you’re outdoors? Well, if you ever have such an urge when you’re at the Kasumigaseki subway station or the Suidobashi subway station in Tokyo, you don’t need to wait to satisfy your urge. You can get some fresh cut apples right at the station – from a vending machine!
While passing by the Shinkansen ticket gates at Tokyo Station, I noticed a vending machine that didn’t seem to belong there. Strange in this land of vending machines, I know, but something about this machine was different.
MOST POPULAR
Today
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
Starbucks Japan unveils new Frappuccino showcasing “mottainai” culture
Tokyo’s Pokémon Cafe reopens this month with brand-new sweets and Pikachu show
Japanese convenience store shows us how to dress for the rainy season
Japanese high school closes its cafeteria, replaces it with a 7-Eleven convenience store
Osaka is hosting a “hentai” event, but it’s probably not what you think
Lawson opens a new mini supermarket, and the lucky bags can essentially stock your kitchen
Kyoto public junior high school becomes first in Japan with a hoodie school uniform
American college student missing in Kyoto, last seen by family one week ago
Studio Ghibli adds new range of neckties to its anime merchandise store in Japan
Weekly
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
New official Ghibli anime food cookbook will teach you how to make Ponyo’s ramen and more- 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
- Starbucks Japan unveils new Frappuccino showcasing “mottainai” culture
What’s up with the Ghibli Park photo and video ban?- Japanese convenience store shows us how to dress for the rainy season
- Osaka is hosting a “hentai” event, but it’s probably not what you think
What’s it like to join Tokyo’s walking-and-talking-with-strangers club for a day?
Krispy Kreme releases a new Doughwich… at only one store in Japan
Monthly
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- Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
- New official Ghibli anime food cookbook will teach you how to make Ponyo’s ramen and more
- Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
Japan now has gyoza doughnuts, and they taste like no other doughnut we’ve tried before
Japanese convenience store Lawson launches new “mini supermarket” chain, L Minimart
Japan’s real-world Pokémon hot spring’s first photos are here![Photos]- Kyoto public junior high school becomes first in Japan with a hoodie school uniform
Yearly
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
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Osaka is hosting a “hentai” event, but it’s probably not what you think
Lawson opens a new mini supermarket, and the lucky bags can essentially stock your kitchen
Kyoto public junior high school becomes first in Japan with a hoodie school uniform
American college student missing in Kyoto, last seen by family one week ago
Studio Ghibli adds new range of neckties to its anime merchandise store in Japan
Japan Post’s mail carriers are getting some cool upgrades, but packages might be a little late
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
A Japanese toast sandwich remix: The toasted rice rice ball[SoraKitchen]
Body of missing foreign tourist in Japan found floating off coast of town he was last seen in
Japanese convenience store challenge is only for those with extreme tastes
Cup Noodle hamster wheel is the new adorable pet toy animal lovers in Japan want[Video]
Video of man spraying liquid on conveyor belt sushi leads to arrest in Japan
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever muscat-flavoured chilled cup drink
With hot sweaty Shibuya summer on the way, free sodium tablets to be given out in downtown Tokyo
-
