Vending machines offer plenty in Japan

KRT Wire | 01/24/2006 | Vending machines offer plenty in Japan

Here's a story from the Yomiuri Shimbun, by way of FortWayne.com. Vending machines are ubiquitous around here, but the vast majority only sell drinks. There are exceptions, of course:

Vending machines usually bring to mind canned soft drinks and cigarettes, but in Japan recently they've started to change, offering such things as hot oden - a dish including slices of boiled daikon, balls of processed minced fish and hard-boiled eggs - and sushi.

The uses of vending machines in Japan have increased. There are now machines designed to reduce garbage, offer drinks free of charge after an earthquake or talk to customers.

A vending machine in Akihabara, Tokyo's electronic appliances quarter, is one of these special machines. Insert two 100-yen coins and a large can containing hot oden will emerge (a can of oden including beef sinew costs an extra 50 yen).

I usually get oden from the local convenience store. Oh, and that extra 50 yen for beef sinew? SOOOO not worth it....