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.
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.
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.
A Japanese whaling firm unveiled vending machines offering whale sashimi, whale steak and whale bacon in Yokohama on Tuesday in hopes of reviving sales of a food long in decline and shunned by many supermarkets.
“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,” Tokoro, the firm owner said at the launch.
“Therefore, we are opening stores with the thought that we can provide a place where those people can eat.”
Though the government maintains that eating whale is a cherished part of Japan’s culture, consumption peaked in the early 1960s and has steadily declined as other protein sources became available and affordable.
Whale meat advocates point to its high protein content and low carbon footprint compared with other meats.
In Japan, there are also vending machine selling bear meat.
Credit@CNN
Interesting fact about Whale:
Whales are known for their remarkable communication abilities, particularly through the use of complex vocalizations often referred to as “whale songs.” These songs are most famously produced by male humpback whales and can last for hours. They play a significant role in communication, potentially related to mating rituals or establishing dominance, though their exact purpose remains somewhat of a mystery.
Another fascinating aspect of whales is their intelligence and social behavior. Whales, especially species like the sperm whale and orca, exhibit behaviors that suggest high levels of intelligence and social complexity. For instance, orcas (also known as killer whales) are known for their cooperative hunting techniques and unique vocal dialects among different pods. This indicates a form of culture within orca societies, where knowledge and behaviors are passed down through generations.
Additionally, whales serve a crucial role in marine ecosystems and global carbon cycles. As large animals, whales facilitate the transport of nutrients from deeper waters to the surface through their vertical movement (a phenomenon called the “whale pump”), which promotes the growth of phytoplankton. Phytoplankton not only forms the base of the marine food web but also absorbs millions of tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere annually, underscoring the ecological importance of whales in mitigating climate change.
A remote Japanese town, Semboku city, is selling bear meat from a vending machine.
Bear attacks are an increasing problem in parts of rural Japan due to a shortage of food in the forests that brings the animals into inhabited areas to forage.
“The bears can be dangerous when they come into town, so hunters will set up traps or shoot them,” said Daishi Sato, who placed the vending machine outside his ‘soba’ noodle shop near the railway station in Semboku, 400 km (250 miles) north of Tokyo in Akita prefeacture.
Asian black bears are listed as vulnerable, but not critically so, and it is legal to eat bear in Japan.
“Bear meat isn’t very common so we want tourists who come to visit the town to buy it,” Sato said.
Japan is home to two species of bear: the Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus) and the brown bear (Ursus arctos). The Asiatic black bear, also known as the moon bear due to the distinctive white or cream crescent-shaped mark on its chest, is more common and can be found in Honshu and Shikoku islands. However, they are less frequently seen in Kyushu. These bears generally inhabit mountainous forests.
The brown bear, locally referred to as the Ezo brown bear, is only found on the northern island of Hokkaido. This species is larger than the Asiatic black bear and is closely related to the North American brown bear.
Bears in Japan play a significant role in the local culture and folklore, often depicted in traditional stories and art. However, human-bear conflicts sometimes arise due to habitat encroachment and food scarcity, leading to measures by local authorities to manage these situations while also working towards conservation efforts to protect these magnificent creatures. Efforts include public education on bear behavior and habitat preservation to mitigate negative interactions between humans and bears.
Hong Kong famous Youtuber, Kimi is playing with Mystery boxes Vending machine.
Mystery boxes in Vending Machine:
Mystery boxes in vending machines represent an intriguing blend of surprise and instant gratification, offering customers a product or prize selected at random. One interesting fact about mystery boxes in vending machines is their ability to create a unique customer experience by leveraging the thrill of unpredictability. This concept taps into the human fascination with surprises and the excitement of not knowing exactly what you’re going to get, which can be especially appealing to collectors, gamers, and novelty seekers.
A notable example of this approach is seen in Japan, where ‘gachapon’ machines, akin to vending machines, dispense capsules containing random toys, figures, or collectibles. These machines are popular for offering everything from anime character figurines to practical joke items, often themed around current trends or classic favorites. The limited edition and exclusive items sometimes found in these machines encourage repeat engagement and can foster a community aspect among enthusiasts who trade or collect the items.
Incorporating mystery boxes into vending machines enhances user interaction and provides a fun, engaging experience that goes beyond the typical transactional nature of such machines. It’s a strategy that has been successfully applied in various settings to increase foot traffic and generate buzz around products or promotions.
You can now find vending machine in Video Game! (Stray)
Interacting with the vending machine by pressing Triangle will spit out an Energy Drink for you to collect. It can be traded for different collectibles, including Sheet Music, and one of the collectible Memories.
About the Video Game “Stray”
The video game “Stray” features a unique protagonist: a cat. Players control this feline adventurer as it navigates through a neon-lit, cyberpunk-inspired city filled with robots and mysterious creatures.
The game brilliantly utilizes the natural behaviors and abilities of a cat to solve puzzles and traverse the environment, offering players a fresh perspective unlike traditional human or fantasy characters.
Another fascinating aspect is the level of detail in the animation of the cat, making movements and behaviors highly realistic and endearing, which contributes significantly to the immersive experience.
Moreover, “Stray” not only focuses on exploration and puzzle-solving but also tells a touching story about loneliness, friendship, and the quest for belonging, wrapped in an atmospheric and beautifully crafted world.
A Vending machine, which promotes the snacks as “highly nutritious meals of the future,” was set up in the city of Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture.
Nine types of insect snacks, including fried crickets, mole crickets, bamboo worms, diving beetles, locusts and silkworm pupae, are sold for 1,000 yen (about US$8) each. The aim is to contribute to the realization of the United Nations’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This is a project carried out by Sanpuku Holdings and the insects was processed by Hamaru Food.
A January 2021 study in Critical Reviews in Food Science Nutrition said edible insects may have “high superior health benefits” due to high levels of vitamin B12, iron, zinc, fiber, essential amino acids, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and antioxidants. Cricket is a great source of protein from their muscle-bound hind legs used for jumping.
Key advantage of eating Insect Snacks:
Nutritional Value: Insects like crickets, mealworms, and ants are rich in high-quality protein, containing all nine essential amino acids. They also provide healthy fats, vitamins (such as B12), minerals (like iron and zinc), and fiber, contributing to a balanced diet.
Sustainability: Insect farming is much more sustainable compared to traditional livestock farming. Insects require significantly less water, feed, and space, and they produce fewer greenhouse gases. This makes insect-based foods a more environmentally friendly option for protein consumption.
Resource Efficiency: Insects convert feed into protein much more efficiently than traditional livestock. For example, crickets need 12 times less feed than cattle to produce the same amount of protein.
Low Risk of Disease Transmission: The risk of diseases transmitted from insects to humans is relatively low compared to that from conventional livestock such as cows, pigs, and chickens, which can carry diseases like swine flu or avian flu.
Versatility: Insect snacks come in various forms, including whole insects, insect powders, and mixed into energy bars or chips, making them easy to incorporate into daily diets. Their versatility also extends to different cuisines and cooking methods.
Support for Local Economies: In many parts of the world, particularly in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, harvesting insects provides a source of income for local communities. As the global demand for insect-based products grows, this could offer new economic opportunities worldwide.
A biometric vending machine to distribute grains directly to rations recipients has won an award from the WFP Innovation Accelerator as one of the top innovations for helping prevent hunger, India Education Diary reports.
Beneficiaries can use their ration card to claim eligibility using a built-in touchscreen, according to News18.com, and authenticate their identity with biometrics. The GrainATM can reportedly issue 70kg of grains in as little as five minutes with negligible error in measurement.
It has potential use for food-based safety nets, food grain distribution during emergencies, and increasing market access for smallholder farmers.
Ankit Sood, WFP India Head Supply Chain and PDS Unit
The WFP Innovation Accelerator:
It is an initiative by the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) aimed at identifying, nurturing, and scaling up innovative solutions to disrupt hunger and accelerate progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2, which aims to end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture.
The push for campus vending machines to dispense the pregnancy-preventing medication has grown since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.
While emergency contraception — which can be used after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy — is available without a prescription, it’s often locked up or must be specifically requested at a pharmacy counter.
Some pharmacies don’t have the medication in stock, and finding a pharmacy that does can require driving miles away — another barrier for students without cars.
While students have led most efforts, they’re now finding additional support from public officials.
About Plan B:
Plan B contains a high dose of levonorgestrel, a synthetic hormone similar to progesterone. This ingredient works primarily by preventing or delaying ovulation, thereby reducing the chances of fertilization. It’s important to note that Plan B is effective only before pregnancy is established and does not terminate an existing pregnancy.
One lesser-known fact is that the effectiveness of Plan B in preventing pregnancy diminishes with time after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. It is most effective when taken within 72 hours (3 days), but it can be taken up to 120 hours (5 days) afterward, though with decreased efficacy beyond the initial 72-hour window.
The County of San Diego is readying a new tool to help fight the growing number of opioid overdoses in the region.
Naloxone, also known by the brand name Narcan, is a medication used to reverse overdoses by restoring normal breathing. The drug can prevent overdose deaths if used quickly and followed by medical treatment.
Naloxone is a proven life saver in overdose situations and San Diego County Behavioral Health Services and its partners are working hard to expand access,” said Nicole Esposito, the County’s chief population health officer. “The enhanced distribution of naloxone into the hands of community members is vital in saving lives that might otherwise be lost to overdose.
The Battle Creek Homless Shelter has a new vending machine, but it doesn’t offer chips, candy or drinks. Instead it provides people 24/7 access to the anti-overdose medication Narcan with ‘no questions asked.”
Free boxes of of the medication that reverses opioid overdoses are dispensed from the machine, marking the latest effort to make it more accessible to the public as the number of overdoses continues to climb locally and across the nation.
We are very excited to have the Narcan vending machine implemented and to have this medication available to everyone at any time. We have been trying to keep up with demand through personal and online trainings, but we felt that the distribution was suffering because the kits were limited to being handed out person-to-person.
Dawn Smith, executive director of the nonprofit Substance Abuse Council
“Now we feel we have a better solution to get Narcan in the hands of the people who can immediately assist someone in need and remove the barrier of accessibility,” she added.
Each box contains two doses of the medication with instructions for how to administer it, as well as gloves, a rescue mask and resource information for treatment.
“There (are) other locations where you can get Narcan kits, but to have it where you can just go and get it with no questions asked, no forms to fill out, no information needed (is great),” Smith said. “You can just get it for whatever reason you need it, whether it’s for a loved one or a friend, whatever it may be … To remove all those barriers so you can access this medication, we’re really proud of that.”
Narcan Vending Machine (credit: Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office)
