It is quite clear that the US has fallen behind in the technology of vending machines. It’s a bit harder to find one especially if you live in a small town like I do. Not that many care, I just think it’s interesting and this is a post about them. When people go to Japan, they are amazed by how many vending machines there are. They are very popular and some of them are highly advanced in their technology.
The first vending machines in Japan were wooden and dispensed stamps and postcards. Since then, the mechanics involved have been dramatically advanced. Now, many of them have electronic screens. A vending machine company can collect information from a machine like at what time of day what drinks sell the most. In the morning, coffee and juice sells the most and at night soft drinks are usually purchased. Even more advanced machines with look at someone walking up to it, analyse their face structure to determine age, and recommend a certain drink for their age type. That might seem kind of creepy (and it is) but many don’t care or actually like it. They can learn what others their age are drinking and join the trend or try something new that many like. Kind of makes me feel sad for American vending machines that are broken down or grey. It might seem silly but it’s nothing to sneeze at. In 2008, vending income was around $6 trillion. I’m not sure if that’s in yen or dollars but if it’s in yen that’s still about $10,626,996.72 today. (yeah I put that into a converter, whatchu gonna do ‘bout it?)
In America, it’s pretty rare to find a vending machine that sells things besides drinks and food. Personally, it feels like I’ve accidentally discovered a dinosaur. I stare at it with surprise then get on with my life. In Japan, it’s not so hard to find cigarettes in a vending machine. According to eHow, “..underwear, socks, instant and cooked noodles, and eggs. Even Rhinoceros Beetles have been dispensed from Japanese vending machines.”
When the first vending machines came out in Japan, other machines like it were created as more and more became interested in them. Machines that would play a clip of a movie if you put a quarter in them came about and others. Of course the movies were in black and white but they were still quite popular especially among kids. There aren’t any around now, sorry.
Really it’s amazing the kinds of things you can find in Japan, so, until next time, see ya! :)
Sources:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4B_qJFMXp-w- Vending Machines History and How they work
Read more: Information About Japanese Vending Machines | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/facts_5530362_information-japanese-vending-machines.html#ixzz2MsqgB5ac- Stats on Vending Machines
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