On our last leg in Japan we stopped at Marine World in Fukuoka. Just before entering the aquarium, we passed this little resting area. Please count – there are seven vending machines – with most of them carrying pretty much the same type of beverages.
These pervasive vending machines are easy to spot – whether backed by a traditional brown home, a hill top with blue skies, or just a bunch of trees.
Seven machines at one stop
The Japanese also tend to buy beverages as a small going away gift. These ubiquitous vending machines provide an instant opportunity to give a present to a departing visitor. While talking to people on the street, you might find yourself suddenly holding a beverage in your hand. On our last day in Japan when I made my rounds to see the former neighbors once more, each of them handed us three beverages. We got back to our friend’s van with 15 cans of gifts.
A regular evening at the table
(The hand on the left is mine – once again checking to see what kind of beverage I am about to open.)
Well, the following question comes to mind: Does Japan have so many vending machines because of a demand for this much consumption, or do they consume so much because of the supply waiting around almost every corner?
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