The Japanese prefecture famous for baked potatoes is Hokkaido. Located at the northernmost part of Japan, Hokkaido is renowned for its agricultural produce, including potatoes. The region’s rich soil and climate conditions are particularly suitable for growing potatoes, making it a prime location for potato cultivation.
In Hokkaido, you can find delicious baked potatoes in various places such as local markets, street vendors, and specialty shops. The city of Obihiro in Tokachi is especially known for its “Tokachi Bake Potato,” which features high-quality potatoes simply seasoned with salt and baked to perfection, emphasizing the natural flavor of the ingredients. This dish has become a beloved specialty, enjoyed by both locals and tourists visiting the area.
Vending Machine can sell a range of sea food product such as Sushi , Squid and Whale Meat. Below is one in France that is selling Oyster!
The self service shell seller was started by Brigitte and Tony Berthelot, who had been oyster farmers on the French island since 1987 and saw a market for late-night oysters.
The oysters in the vending machine come in packages of two- to five-dozen at a cost of 6.90 euro ($8.06) per dozen, the same price as the Berthelot’s adjoining shop. Payment is as simple as inserting your credit card and opening the stainless steel locker.
But oysters alone don’t cut it—the Berthelot’s do their best to ensure that anyone can get a full meal from the vending machine if they feel so inclined. In addition to oysters, the lockers offer commodities like paté and sea asparagus. Leave it to the French to go the extra culinary mile, even in the vending machines.
General Concept
An oyster vending machine is a unique type of vending machine designed to sell fresh oysters or other seafood items. These machines are equipped with special refrigeration technology to maintain the freshness and safety of the oysters. They might be found in locations close to production areas, such as markets, supermarkets, or regions where seafood like oysters are popular.
Customers can select their desired oyster products through buttons or a touchscreen, and then pay using cash, credit card, or mobile payment options. To ensure food safety, operators need to regularly inspect and maintain these machines to keep the internal environment in line with standards for seafood storage temperature and hygiene conditions.
It’s noteworthy that different regions may have specific laws and regulations regarding the sale of seafood, especially perishable items like oysters. Therefore, it’s important for operators to comply with local regulations. Additionally, given the particularity of oyster products, especially if intended for raw consumption, consumers should pay attention to the source and safety certification information to ensure they are safe for consumption.
This concept showcases an innovative approach to selling seafood directly to consumers, offering convenience while requiring careful management to uphold quality and safety standards.
About Oysters:
Oysters are not only a delicacy but also play a crucial role in the ecosystem. One fascinating fact is that a single oyster can filter up to 50 gallons (about 190 liters) of water per day. They improve water quality by filtering out particulates, nutrients, and algae from the water, which helps prevent algal blooms and promotes clearer water and healthier marine environments. This filtering ability makes oysters a keystone species in their ecosystems, significantly contributing to the health of estuaries and coastal waters.
Pikachu Illustrator Card: This is one of the rarest Pokémon cards ever made. It was awarded as a prize in a Japanese CoroCoro Comic contest in 1998, with only a handful believed to be in existence. Its rarity makes it highly sought after by collectors.
Base Set 1st Edition Holo Charizard: The original holographic Charizard card from the first Pokémon set released in the West (Base Set) has become iconic. The “Shadowless” version, in particular, due to its limited print run and unique characteristics, commands a very high price.
Southern Islands Tropical Mega Battle Trophy Cards: These trophy cards were given to participants of special events. Their scarcity makes them extremely valuable and desirable among collectors.
World Championships Cards: Starting in 2015, unique cards have been created for the Pokémon World Championships. These cards are not available for purchase and can only be obtained through participation in these exclusive events, making them highly collectible.
Black Star Promo Kangaskhan #1: One of the earliest promotional cards released outside Japan, especially rare in mint condition, this card often fetches high prices due to its age and scarcity.
Shining Pikachu and Shining Magikarp (from the Neo Revelation Set): Part of the Southern Islands series, these cards feature unique artwork and coloring, making them stand out and increasing their value among enthusiasts.
Base Set 1st Edition Holo Mewtwo: As another iconic card from the original Base Set, the holographic Mewtwo has maintained its popularity and value over the years.
The dorayaki is a popular Japanese confection that consists of two round, pancake-like patties filled with sweet red bean paste (anko). While it’s a beloved treat in Japan, its exact origins are subject to a bit of lore.
One popular tale attributes the creation of dorayaki to the late 19th century. According to this story, a confectioner named Daimyō noticed a “dora” (a type of bell) shaped pancake in Tokyo, which inspired him to create what we now know as dorayaki. The name “dorayaki” itself comes from this inspiration: “dora” meaning “bell,” and “yaki” meaning “grilled” or “cooked.”
Another account suggests that dorayaki first appeared around the 1930s in Tokyo. Regardless of its precise origins, dorayaki has become an integral part of traditional Japanese sweets (wagashi), evolving over time to include variations beyond the classic red bean filling, such as matcha and chestnut.
The concept behind “PAW Patrol” emerged from Keith Chapman’s interest in creating content that would capture the imagination of young viewers with its blend of lovable characters and engaging storylines focused on problem-solving, teamwork, and community service. The original idea came from watching how children were fascinated by both dogs and vehicles, leading to the creation of a show where each character is paired with a vehicle suited to their specific abilities.
Sushi has a long and rich history that dates back to the 4th century BC in Southeast Asia, but it became distinctly Japanese over time. Initially, sushi was a method of preserving fish: the fish was salted and wrapped in fermented rice as a means of preservation. This early form of sushi, known as “narezushi,” was developed primarily for sustenance and could be stored for months without spoiling. However, people would only eat the fish and discard the rice.
The practice of eating both rice and fish together eventually evolved into “haya-zushi” during the Muromachi period (1336–1573), which allowed for a shorter fermentation process and introduced vinegar to enhance flavor and preserve the fish. This marked a shift towards sushi becoming more of a culinary dish rather than just a method of preservation.
In the Edo period (1603–1868), fresh fish began to be consumed with rice thanks to the development of “hayazushi,” which significantly shortened the preparation time. Around this time, “Edomae zushi” or “nigiri sushi”—slices of fresh fish served over pressed rice seasoned with vinegar—was invented in Tokyo (then called Edo). It became popular as fast food sold from street stalls due to its quick preparation and delicious taste.
During the 19th century, sushi continued to evolve and spread throughout Japan, adapting to local tastes and ingredients. In the 20th century, sushi restaurants began to open up around the world, introducing this unique style of cuisine to international audiences. The 1970s saw the advent of kaitenzushi (conveyor belt sushi) restaurants in Japan, making sushi even more accessible and helping to popularize it further.
Today, sushi is enjoyed globally in many forms, including traditional nigiri and maki rolls, as well as fusion styles that incorporate non-traditional ingredients and cooking techniques. Despite these changes, the core concept of combining vinegared rice with fresh, high-quality ingredients remains central to sushi’s identity.
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.’
This is although 75% 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 25% simply haven’t had chance to get a new one.
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.
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.
