Japan boasts an impressive array of vending machines, numbering around 2.6 million as of December 2023. In the span of the last four decades, I’ve witnessed significant shifts in this vending landscape. Notably, there has been a decline in machines vending alcohol and cigarettes, paralleled by a rise in machines offering both hot and cold beverages from a single unit. Among these innovations, my personal favorite is the advent of machines equipped with QR code scanning capabilities, allowing seamless payment through an app on my smartphone.
In my photo, two distinct elements immediately captured my eye: the presence of a Pokémon character adorning the vending machine, and upon closer inspection, the machine’s disaster response capabilities.
The Ito En beverage company has partnered with the popular Pokémon Go game for a joint promotion of the game and Ito En drinks. Beyond its promotional features, this vending machine also serves a crucial role in the local community as a disaster response vending machine. In the event of a severe earthquake and subsequent power outage, it can dispense drinks at no cost, providing essential relief to those affected by the crisis.
While I sincerely hope to never have to utilize the services of a disaster response vending machine, it’s reassuring to know that some large corporations are stepping up to make their services and products accessible to society during times of crisis.
Check out my full write-up (a concise 2-minute read), which includes a glossary and references for further reading (link in Profile).
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Location: Gumyoji, Minami Ward, Yokohama, Japan
Timestamp: 17:45・2024/04/09
Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter
ISO 400 for 1/250 sec. at ƒ/2
Classic Negative film simulation
Japan boasts an impressive array of vending machines, numbering around 2.6 million as of December 2023. In the span of the last four decades, I’ve witnessed significant shifts in this vending landscape. Notably, there has been a decline in machines vending alcohol and cigarettes, paralleled by a rise in machines offering both hot and cold beverages from a single unit. Among these innovations, my personal favorite is the advent of machines equipped with QR code scanning capabilities, allowing seamless payment through an app on my smartphone.
In my photo, two distinct elements immediately captured my eye: the presence of a Pokémon character adorning the vending machine, and upon closer inspection, the machine’s disaster response capabilities.
The Ito En beverage company has partnered with the popular Pokémon Go game for a joint promotion of the game and Ito En drinks. Beyond its promotional features, this vending machine also serves a crucial role in the local community as a disaster response vending machine. In the event of a severe earthquake and subsequent power outage, it can dispense drinks at no cost, providing essential relief to those affected by the crisis.
While I sincerely hope to never have to utilize the services of a disaster response vending machine, it’s reassuring to know that some large corporations are stepping up to make their services and products accessible to society during times of crisis.
Check out my full write-up (a concise 2-minute read), which includes a glossary and references for further reading (link in Profile).