Po

Among the bizarre phenomena of modern Japan, its dizzying array of vending machines-jidohanbaiki-have achieved a special status. From big cities to small towns, these brightly lit metal boxes lure passers – by at every turn.

Japan boasts the world’s highest number of vending machines per capita, roughly 1 for every 23 residents, according to the Japan Association of vending machine manufacturers.

But what distinguishes the country’s vending machines from each other is the range of products themselves. For the first time, visitors are surprised to find not only snacks or hot coffee, but also batteries, eggs, umbrellas, burgers to go and beer, as well as ice to keep it cold.

An ambitious vending machine run by Tateishi Burger in Tokyo’s katsushike ward has taken on the task of serving ready-made burgers starting at 100 yen (84 us cents) as well as a loaf of bread. It works like an old-fashioned automaton, with cooks behind the scenes preparing grubs, although as you can see in the photo, the machine itself has a seedy look to it, perhaps in keeping with the low price tag. Again, those who want a Prime cut can find the full barbecue menu available on another car near Tokyo’s Takadanobaba station.

Microwave, fried and packaged foods are not the only options in Japan’s vending machines. An entire food vending machine can – at least in theory – be made from scratch: eggs from a local farm (sold a bag for the equivalent of about $ 2.50 in Chiba Prefecture), tomatoes (just vending away), and, while they may be less fresh, Apple slices and bananas, as shown here.

In the world of Japanese vending machines, culinary strangeness is sometimes compounded by unusual packaging. A cylinder of bread in a jar, anyone? Or how about “audena,” a dish consisting of boiled radishes, minced fish balls and hard-boiled eggs? A jar of stuff is seen in this photo, showing an image of some ingredients.

In style conscious Japan, it’s no surprise that vending machines have expanded their offerings beyond food and drink to include items related to personal presentation. If a dashing salaryman rushed to his next meeting realize he left his tie at home, a nearby vending machine has it covered.

And of course, what good are stylish threads without a hairstyle to match? Tony

Some vended items in a category of their own: a quick bouquet of flowers, some batteries, umbrellas, gloves, hose panties and baby toys are all available. Or if you need luck that too can be purchased with a handful of coins, thanks to the lucky charms from this temple vending machine.

Finally, not looking at Japan’s array of vending machines would be complete without looking at its battered side. First of all, the legendary vending machines allegedly used panties for fetishists. According to popular video game and pop culture site Kotaku, used women’s underwear was actually sold in the 1980s and early 1990s in niche establishments. But after the store was arrested for selling underpants to underage girls, the practice was banned.

Psychedelic mushrooms were also once legally sold from vending machines. Kotaku notes that while psychedelic mushrooms were banned just before Japan co-hosted the 2002 FIFA world Cup, a barely legal herbal concoction called “dappou herbs” is still for sale in vending machines today. Users can participate in the mystery mix, although it is not recommended: in 2012, a woman died in Tokyo’s Shibuya district after Smoking a batch of mysterious herbs.

– Jonathan DeHart in Tokyo

Finally, not looking at Japan’s array of vending machines would be complete without looking at its battered side. First of all, the legendary vending machines allegedly used panties for fetishists. According to popular video game and pop culture site Kotaku, used women’s underwear was actually sold in the 1980s and early 1990s in niche establishments. But after the store was arrested for selling underpants to underage girls, the practice was banned.

Psychedelic mushrooms were also once legally sold from vending machines. Kotaku notes that while psychedelic mushrooms were banned just before Japan co-hosted the 2002 FIFA world Cup, a barely legal herbal concoction called “dappou herbs” is still for sale in vending machines today. Users can participate in the mystery mix, although it is not recommended: in 2012, a woman died in Tokyo’s Shibuya district after Smoking a batch of mysterious herbs.

– Jonathan DeHart in Tokyo