Vending in Japan

In my three weeks here I have realised that the vending industry in Japan is superior to the one in the US. Vending machines are everywhere; on practically every street corner, and for about $1.20 you can choose from a wide verity of soda, coffee, tea, juice, foods, beer, cigarettes, and many more absurd items.

In the machines here in the residential building there is a selection of at least 30 drinks you can choose from. Popular choices include: Calpis soda, Poccari Sweat, Green tea, and Coke. There are also many other verities of chilled coffee, milk tea, fruit juice, liquid jello, milk / fruit combinations, and sodas.

Vending machines here make any environment seem a little more safe. You'll be walking down a dark alley and think: "It's O.K. theres a vending machine down the alley", and its true, the vending machines look like beacons in the night. Their flouressent lights cast a bright glow around them. Instead of street lights, I think Japan has decided on using vending machines instead.

Last night I was with some friends in Nagahama (north of Hikone), we were walking through the streets  looking for a resturant that we heard was good. Along the way we saw a vending machine and thought nothing of it. However once we took a second look, we saw that this vending machine carried beer, wine coolers and other various alcoholic drinks.

It wasn't in a high-traffic area, and there was noone around. Realistically anyone with $2.00 could buy beer here. No identification required, just money. It was striking to us Americans because so much emphasis is placed on being able to drink. We were thoughly surprised.