Hello there! Not really finding an objective answer, but gathering some perspective regarding my question.

Ever since coming to Japan, I have noticed that there are a lot of vending machines in Japan. It is everywhere! From every corner of the stations, sidewalks, buildings, and neighborhood, you can always find a vending machine. Because of that, that got me curious. For those who live in Japan, I would like to ask,

  1. Do you often use vending machine in Japan?

  2. Where do you usually use the vending machines?

  3. What item/s do you usually purchase on vending machines?

  4. Relating to number 3, Which do you prefer purchasing these items, vending machines or stores like konbini and supermarkets? Why?

  5. Why do you think there’s so many vending machines in Japan? Does it connect to Japanese culture/lifestyle? Or is it something else?

You can also elaborate or share your experience relating the question! Like using vending machine frequently during a specific season, the prices of products from the vending machine, niche vending machines that you use often, etc.

Thank you!

  • tiredofsametab@fedia.io
    27·
    13 hours ago
    1. almost never. Even when I lived and worked in Tokyo, conbini or supermarket was cheaper. It was basically a last resort
    2. I think you accidentally a word? I would typically use the vending machine nearest my office or at the train station. Maybe in front of my apartment when really hung over back in the day.
    3. coke zero or an energy drink
    4. kobini/super. Price.
    5. quick, easy, not necessary to deal with a human, variety, etc.

    I am a guy from the US living in Japan for a decade.

    • rakkun@lemmy.worldOP
      8·
      12 hours ago

      Thanks for answering! As for question no. 2, yeah I forgot some words there when writing that question. I actually meant “Where do you usually use vending machine?” I will edit that question to make it much more clear. Again, thanks for answering! Appreciate it!

  • parpol@programming.dev
    13·
    12 hours ago

    1. I use them not that often, but more often than convenience stores.

    2. Usually I the one closest to my house that has the drink I want.

    3. Coke, coffee or icecream.

    4. Supermarket. They’re way cheaper there and the supermarket is a 5 minute walk away.

    5. They’re the most convenient out of all options. No human interactions, and there is usually one on the way where you’re going. If you’re at work, they usually have vending machines inside the building so you don’t even need to put on your jacket.

    Vending machines sell drinks at almost double the price of the ones at super markets and around 150% of the ones at convenience stores, so it all comes down to how quicker it is to buy one from the vending machines vs stores. But when it comes to canned drinks, convenience stores tend not to have the canned ones and only sell PET bottles, and as everyone knows, PET bottles are bad for the environment, and the drinks don’t taste as good as the canned versions.

    • rakkun@lemmy.worldOP
      1·
      3 hours ago

      Oh, do you all purchase those often?

      I knew that there are vending machines for cigarettes and panties, but I heard from my Japanese acquaintance that there are not really common now compared during the 80-90s (not sure about the time period but this is the rough estimate). I only saw like two vending machine for cigarettes here in my area and saw none about vending machines for panties (maybe in a much more populated area I guess?? idk lol)

      If you don’t mind, could you elaborate about these type of vending machines? I’m genuinely curious about this (and the reason why you answered these items, instead of the usual items like drinks and such.)

      Thank you very much!

  • ocean@lemmy.selfhostcat.comEnglish
    7·
    12 hours ago

    I prefer going in the konbini unless there isn’t one near then I’ll use the vending machine. I don’t understand questions two. I only use it to purchase drinks.

    • rakkun@lemmy.worldOP
      2·
      12 hours ago

      Oh! Sorry about the question two, I actually meant “Where do you usually use vending machine?” in question two. Will edit that question in the main post.

      Also, thanks for answering! I also get that answer with my other friends that they rather going to konbini if there’s nearby on where they will be going in Japan. Again, thanks for the answer!