This poor Vending Machine is badly damaged.
Fortunately there is so much love around and hopefully the residents there can enjoy Coke again soon!
Author: Editoral Team
Mysterious Vending Machine
Blending in with the surrounding townscape, the door to the uninitiated eye looks precisely like a vending machine. The fact that a genuine real vending machine is installed only 2 meters away, and lit up at night, only adds to the general confusion.
Inevitably, some passers-by, duped into believing the vending machine is real, attempt to insert coins to buy a drink.
On closer inspection, the door reveals the word “Push,” but otherwise there is no store name, sign or even a menu displayed to give any hint of what’s on the other side.
This is actually a pub, but even people in the neighborhood remained unsure where the eatery was located.
For a while, Takata, the owner feared the location of his premises might prove too confusing to attract a steady flow of customers. But now he is confident his business will prosper, especially after it featured on social media and television shows.
Other Vending Machine Applications
MrBeast’s Gumball Machine
MrBeast, creator of YouTube’s Mr. Beast, displayed the world’s largest gumball machine at Vidcon in Los Angeles. A prize was awarded when fans placed a giant coin made specifically for the machine in a slot.
@DylanAyresreal About Mr. Beast:
Mr. Beast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, is renowned for his extravagant charitable acts and stunts on his YouTube channel, which has garnered him a massive following.
One of his most notable charitable efforts includes the “Team Trees” initiative in 2019, where he collaborated with fellow YouTuber Mark Rober to raise over $20 million to plant 20 million trees around the world, in partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation. This effort was notably successful due to the participation of numerous online personalities and the broader internet community.
Mr. Beast’s generosity doesn’t stop there; he often gives away large sums of money to individuals, organizations, and even strangers through various challenges and giveaways featured in his videos. His content not only entertains but also inspires acts of kindness, making him a standout figure in the world of social media for leveraging his platform for good. Furthermore, he has continued to expand his influence beyond YouTube, venturing into philanthropy and other business enterprises, all while maintaining a strong commitment to making a positive impact on the world.
Other Vending Machine Applications
Mattress Vending Machine
Coined the ‘Dream Machine’ and located in London’s King’s Cross station, the vending machine dispenses boxed mattresses to winning visitors at the press of a button.
It was created to help Brits get a new mattress, after study revealed 32% of adults are sleeping on one ‘well past its best’, even though 75% of them believe you can’t put a price on a good night’s sleep, while 80% consider a decent mattress to be a sound investment.
The study also found 18% have a mattress older than the recommended shelf-life of 7 to 10 years.
So we launched the ‘Dream Machine’ to remind time-strapped commuters of the importance of a good mattress for a good night’s sleep and how easy it can be – whilst giving them the chance to pick-up a comfy new mattress for free in an instant.
When asked why they haven’t replaced their mattresses, the study revealed a quarter of them simply haven’t had chance to get a new one.
Other Vending Machine Applications
Cake in a Jar Vending Machine
The Jar Bar, Canada’s pioneering cake jar vending machine from Just Cakes Bakeshop in Surrey, BC, make its way to Burnaby in September 2022. It popped up as a new spot at The Amazing Brentwood mall (4567 Lougheed Hwy, Burnaby), right near the level 2 food court area called “Tables.” This was part of their expansion beyond the permanent Langley location, bringing those portable, layered cake-in-a-jar treats to more Metro Vancouver shoppers.
Quick Scoop on What It Offers
- The Treats: “Just Jars”—freshly baked cakes layered with fillings, frostings, and goodies, portioned into 8 oz mason jars for easy grabbing. Flavors rotate but staples include Birthday Cake, Red Velvet, Oreo (Cookies & Cream), Lemon Raspberry, Double Chocolate, and Cinnamon Bun. Priced around $8–$10 CAD each, paid by card only.
- The Vibe: It’s like a 24/7 dessert slot machine—select, pay, and out drops your jar. No lines, no fuss, perfect for late-night cravings or impulse buys. The bakery’s zero-waste ethos shines here, turning “scraps” into Instagram-worthy sweets.
- Why Burnaby?: The Amazing Brentwood’s trendy, high-foot-traffic setup made it a sweet fit for onboarding more fans to this contactless concept, especially post-pandemic.
Other Vending Machine Applications
Creative Vending Movement
There are now more and more vending machines popping up around the world selling local art products and other interesting items.
Bellingham, Washington, US. (Pocket Box Vending Machine)
The vending machines are stocked with goodies that the company owner sources from local businesses and artists, as well as from her own thrift shop treasure hunts. The majority of items are priced between $5 to $20.
Each location has a unique selection — Black Sheep’s machine, for example, includes local artist Bridget Dahlman-Oeth’s collectible, themed art boxes made from repurposed Altoid tins that go for $10.
“My favorite thing is going back to a venue and just watching people engage [with the vending machine], and it’s exciting obviously when they purchase something, but just the pointing and giggles and excitement is just so great.”
Graczyk (Pocket Box Vending Machine Owner)
Pocket Box vending machine. (Nina Walsh/Cascadia Daily News) Vancouver, Canada. (Pocket Box Vending Machine)
The city’s first art vending machine began operating at the Garden Court of Bentall Centre and is a collaboration between Vancouver Vending Co, Downtown Van, and Bentall Centre. According to curator Crystal Lau, it’s already a big hit with artists and art lovers.
(Vancouver Vending Co.) Other Vending Machine Applications
Vending Machine that absorbs Carbon Dioxide
Asahi Group Holdings, Ltd. (through its subsidiary Asahi Soft Drinks) has developed innovative vending machines that actively absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from the surrounding air as part of their sustainability initiatives. These machines, first trialed in Japan in 2023, represent a step toward carbon-negative technology in everyday infrastructure, one step closer to the mission of achieving a decarbonised society. Below is a breakdown of key details.
How It Works
- CO2 Absorption Mechanism: The machines draw in ambient air through internal vents and use specialized absorbent materials (made from industrial byproducts) to selectively capture CO2, mimicking the natural process of trees. The absorbed CO2 is stored within the machine’s cartridges.
- Repurposing the CO2: Instead of releasing it, the captured CO2 is collected and reused as a raw material for eco-friendly products, such as:
- Carbon-negative concrete (e.g., cable troughs for Keio Corporation and roadways on Asahi’s campus).
- Asphalt, non-fired tiles, and plastic compounds.
- Environmental projects like coral reef preservation beds on Irabu Island or blue-carbon ecosystem regeneration.
- Environmental Impact: Each machine achieves a net CO2 reduction of -158% compared to its total emissions (based on life-cycle assessment standards), far exceeding just offsetting its own footprint.
Key Specifications
Feature Details Annual CO2 Absorption 56–60 kg per machine (equivalent to ~20 mature Japanese cedar trees). This offsets up to 20% of the machine’s own CO2 emissions from electricity use. Power Source Standard electricity (costs match conventional vending machines); some prototypes integrate solar power with sodium-ion batteries for enhanced sustainability. Size & Functionality Similar to standard drink vending machines—dispenses Asahi beverages while absorbing CO2 passively during operation. Installation Cost Comparable to regular vending machines; no premium for the CO2 feature. Deployment Scale ~500 units installed by end of 2024, with a target of 50,000 units across Japan. Examples include Tokyo Skytree Town and Umeda Station in Osaka. Background and Updates
- Launch and Trials: Announced in May 2023, these were the first CO2-absorbing vending machines in Japan. Initial trials focused on integrating the tech without disrupting vending operations.
- Recent Developments (as of 2025): The machines are featured at Expo 2025 in Osaka, with expansions into partnerships like Nishimatsu Construction for carbon-negative building materials. A 2025 prototype highlights sodium-ion battery integration for off-grid use, further reducing emissions.
- Broader Goals: Asahi aims to contribute to Japan’s carbon neutrality by 2050, using vending networks (Japan has ~2.3 million machines) as a scalable platform for CO2 capture.
(Ashahi Group Holdings) Other Vending Machine Applications
Vending Machine as Lifeline
Japan Integrates Vending Machines into Disaster Preparedness Strategy
Japan has extended its natural disaster preparations to vending machines, which will offer free food and drink in the event of a major earthquake or typhoon.
A. Strategic Placement Near Evacuation Shelters
Two machines have been installed in the western coastal city of Ako, located in a region that is vulnerable to powerful earthquake.
The machines, which contain about 300 bottles and cans of soft drinks and 150 emergency food items, including nutritional supplements, have been installed near buildings that have been designated as evacuation shelters.
They are designed to “unlock” and make their contents available free of charge at heavy rain warning, or an evacuation order after a quake of an upper five or higher on the Japanese seismic intensity scale of seven.
Their contents must be paid for the rest of the time, the newspaper added.
B. Vending Machine with Built-In Emergency Radio Debuts in Tokyo
In another first, a vending machine with a radio that will automatically issue emergency broadcasts was set up in a park in Tokyo. The radio will be activated by earthquakes registering 5 or higher on intensity scale, and transmit evacuation and other vital information from a local community radio station.
C. Hygiene & Safety
Some Vending Machines are specifically designated as “hygiene supply disaster prevention stockpiling” machines, unlocking to provide sanitary goods when needed
Power Resilience
A key feature of disaster-response vending machines is their ability to operate when the power grid fails.
- Battery Backup: Many units are equipped with internal batteries or emergency power sources, allowing them to continue functioning even during blackouts www.facebook.com.
- Durability: These machines are often built to withstand seismic activity, ensuring they remain upright and functional after tremors
While Japan is the leader in this technology, the concept is gaining traction globally as a tool for community resilience. Below is an article on Vending Machine during 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake.
#image_title Other Vending Machine Applications
Whale Meat Vending Machines
Launched in early 2023 by Kyodo Senpaku Co., a major Japanese whaling company, these unmanned “Kujira Store” outlets aim to boost declining demand for whale meat—a traditional food that’s fallen out of favor amid global conservation concerns and shifting diets. The machines are decorated with cartoon whales and blend into Japan’s ubiquitous vending culture, which includes everything from hot meals to umbrellas. As of late 2025, they remain operational, with social media posts showing continued public interest and visits.
Launch and Expansion Plans
- Debut: The first machine opened on January 24, 2023, in Yokohama’s Motomachi shopping district. Two more followed shortly in Tokyo’s capital region.
- Growth: A fourth was planned for Osaka in February 2023. The company targeted 100 machines nationwide within five years (by 2028), focusing on urban areas to make whale products more accessible without relying on supermarkets, which often avoid stocking them due to pressure from anti-whaling activists.
- Rationale: Though the government maintains that eating whale is a cherished part of Japan’s culture, whale meat consumption peaked at 233,000 tonnes in 1962 but dropped to just 1,000 tonnes by 2021, overshadowed by cheaper proteins like chicken and beef. Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, sourcing meat from domestically caught whales.
“There are so many major supermarkets that are afraid of being harassed by anti-whaling groups so they won’t use whale. So there are many people who want to eat whale but can’t,”
Therefore, we are opening stores with the thought that we can provide a place where those people can eat.
Tokoro, the firm owner said at the launch.Products Available
These machines dispense frozen and processed items, priced affordably to encourage trial. All products are from Japanese-caught whales, emphasizing sustainability within the company’s operations. Whale meat advocates point to its high protein content and low carbon footprint compared with other meats.
Product Description Price Range (JPY) Notes Whale Sashimi Frozen thin slices for raw consumption 1,000–2,000 (~$7–14 USD) Popular entry-level item Whale Steak Frozen cuts for grilling or frying 2,000–3,000 (~$14–21 USD) Lean, red meat similar to beef Whale Bacon Frozen smoked strips 1,500–2,500 (~$10–17 USD) Processed for easy cooking Whale Skin Frozen chewy texture, often boiled 1,000–1,500 (~$7–10 USD) Traditional delicacy Canned Whale Stew Ready-to-eat preserved meat 800–1,200 (~$5–8 USD) Shelf-stable option Current Status (2025)
- Locations: Primarily in Yokohama (e.g., the flagship Kujira Store with three machines) and Tokyo. Osaka’s outlet is confirmed operational. No widespread expansion reports beyond the initial rollout, but machines are still active—recent visitor photos from April and September 2025 show them in use.
- Public Reaction: Mixed. Japanese users share novelty videos and visits, with one virtual simulator even featuring whale meat options. Internationally, it’s sparked debate; Korean netizens in 2024 called it “barbaric” while highlighting their own whale meat shops (though Korea bans whaling). Conservation groups like Whale & Dolphin Conservation criticize it as “automated cruelty,” estimating 3,000 tonnes of whale products sold annually via these outlets.
- Sales Impact: Early reports suggest modest uptake, appealing to tourists and older generations nostalgic for the food. A 2024 Reddit thread noted surprise at seeing one in Tokyo, and 2025 X posts describe it as a “must-see” oddity.
Other Vending Machine Applications
Bear Meat Vending Machine
Japan has its first vending machine dedicated to selling bear meat, in Semboku City, Akita Prefecture, northern Japan. Installed in March 2023, this unmanned “Kuma Niku Jido Hanbai-ki” (Bear Meat Vending Machine) addresses rising bear intrusions into human areas by turning culled animals into a local delicacy. Operated by the nearby Soba Goro restaurant, it’s positioned near JR Tazawako Station at the Tazawako Ichi local product shop, catering to tourists and residents via Japan’s famous 24/7 vending culture. As of November 2025, it remains operational with no reports of closure, though sales have stabilized at a niche level.
Launch and Purpose
- Debut: March 29, 2023, as a novel way to distribute meat from Asian black bears (Ursus thibetanus, a vulnerable species per IUCN) hunted under Japan’s regulated quotas to manage overpopulation and prevent attacks—bear incidents in Akita rose 20% in 2022.
- Sourcing: Meat comes from bears captured by local Matagi (traditional hunters) in the surrounding mountains, processed at Soba Goro. This promotes sustainable use of “problem” wildlife while reviving interest in bear cuisine, once a staple in rural diets but now rare due to declining consumption.
- Innovation Angle: Blends Japan’s 2.3 million+ vending machines (world’s highest per capita) with eco-tourism; the machine features whimsical bear illustrations and bilingual signs.
Products Available
The machine dispenses frozen, vacuum-sealed packs ready for home cooking (e.g., stewing or grilling—bear meat is lean, gamey, and nutrient-rich, akin to venison). Stock rotates based on hunts, but core offerings include:
Product Description Price (JPY) Pack Size Notes Fatty Bear Meat Marbled cuts from the belly/shoulder, ideal for stews or yakiniku (grilled BBQ) 2,200 (~$14 USD) 250g Rich flavor, higher fat content for tenderness Lean Bear Meat Muscle cuts from the leg/back, suited for sashimi (after thawing) or stir-fries 2,200 (~$14 USD) 250g Lower calorie, more chewy texture; popular for health-conscious buyers Mixed Bear Cuts Assorted lean/fatty blend for variety 2,200 (~$14 USD) 250g Entry-level option for first-timers Current Status (2025)
- Sales: Steady at 10–15 packs weekly, boosted by Akita Shinkansen passengers and social media buzz—early 2023 videos went viral, drawing ~100 visitors/month initially. No major 2024–2025 expansions, but it’s a fixture in local guides.
- Public Reaction: Positive among Japanese locals and tourists for its novelty and cultural tie-in (Matagi heritage); international media hails it as “surprisingly successful.” Critics from conservation groups note the irony of vending vulnerable species, but hunts are capped at ~100 bears/year in Akita for population control.
- Accessibility: Open 24/7; cash/card payments. Nearby, Soba Goro offers fresh bear dishes if the machine’s out of stock.
Bear meat isn’t very common so we want tourists who come to visit the town to buy it
SatoOther Vending Machine Applications