Hello there! Not really finding an objective answer, but gathering some perspective regarding my question.

Ever since coming to Japan, I have noticed that there are a lot of vending machines in Japan. It is everywhere! From every corner of the stations, sidewalks, buildings, and neighborhood, you can always find a vending machine. Because of that, that got me curious. For those who live in Japan, I would like to ask,

  1. Do you often use vending machine in Japan?

  2. Where do you usually use the vending machines?

  3. What item/s do you usually purchase on vending machines?

  4. Relating to number 3, Which do you prefer purchasing these items, vending machines or stores like konbini and supermarkets? Why?

  5. Why do you think there’s so many vending machines in Japan? Does it connect to Japanese culture/lifestyle? Or is it something else?

You can also elaborate or share your experience relating the question! Like using vending machine frequently during a specific season, the prices of products from the vending machine, niche vending machines that you use often, etc.

Thank you!

  • @[email protected]
    14•13 hours ago

    1. I use them not that often, but more often than convenience stores.

    2. Usually I the one closest to my house that has the drink I want.

    3. Coke, coffee or icecream.

    4. Supermarket. They’re way cheaper there and the supermarket is a 5 minute walk away.

    5. They’re the most convenient out of all options. No human interactions, and there is usually one on the way where you’re going. If you’re at work, they usually have vending machines inside the building so you don’t even need to put on your jacket.

    Vending machines sell drinks at almost double the price of the ones at super markets and around 150% of the ones at convenience stores, so it all comes down to how quicker it is to buy one from the vending machines vs stores. But when it comes to canned drinks, convenience stores tend not to have the canned ones and only sell PET bottles, and as everyone knows, PET bottles are bad for the environment, and the drinks don’t taste as good as the canned versions.

    • @rakkunOP
      2•2 hours ago

      Honestly, I relate to your answers a lot! I mostly go to the supermarket to buy the usual items from vending machines and it’s much bigger portion too. In the vending machine nearby the area I’m currently at, I usually 500ml Pepsi can at about 130 yen while in the nearby supermarket, got a 1.5L Pepsi bottle at around 180 yen. Sure, It’s not really the On-The-Go portion but it suits my needs because I usually drank sodas at home with my dinner anyways lol

      Thanks for answering my questions! I like that you give me some explanation by the end, appreciate it!