You stop on your way home after work. You whip out a crisp five dollar note from your wallet. You slide it into the magical money eating mouth of the vending machine. You press some buttons above the money mouth. Five long seconds later, the machine finally spits out the long-awaited…pantyhose?
You read that right and yes, this happens. In Japan.
Japan is known for its quirks and one-of-a-kind humor and its vending machines are no exception to the whimsical creations of Japanese innovators. Catering to the needs of everyone in the country today, vending machines have been in use since the 1950s. In Japan, vending machines are arranged in rows lining streets, illuminating them throughout the night and serve as 24/7 retail.
Whilst we know vending machines to provide us with late night snacks in the library and drinks after a workout, the Japanese are accustomed to vending machines of another caliber. Here are 7 of the wackiest vending machines you can find in the Land of the Rising Sun.
1. Canned Ramen
Photo courtesy of dramafever.com
While some eat beans out of a can, the Japanese eat ramen out of a can. Each can is sold for about $3 and is pre-heated and ready for you to down on the side of the street. How convenient.
2. Umbrellas
Photo courtesy of dramafever.com
Never get caught without protective rain gear again with these vending machines conveniently located on a street near you.
3. Pantyhose
Photo courtesy of dramafever.com
Have a rip in your pantyhose because of a nasty fall down the stairs at the office? Did you just find three holes in your pantyhose at the back of your calf? Don’t fret! This vending machine will hopefully be right around the corner of your office building for you to save yourself from embarrassment.
4. Cold Sake and Beer
For when you can’t even make it to the bar.
5. Eggs
Photo courtesy of dramafever.com
Going to the grocery store is what we normally do for eggs but here’s a more novelty way of obtaining tomorrow’s breakfast (The sign reads ’24 hour Eggs’, so you can even get them for a late night scramble!).
6. Canned Bread
Photo courtesy of kotaku.com
Because who even wants sandwiches and grilled cheeses with normal bread anymore?
7. Porn
Photo courtesy of kotaku.com
Overcome your mom’s parental controls or blocked websites in school with these porn magazines conveniently sold to you in vending machines. In all seriousness, though, how did they come up with this idea?