I finally encountered my first weird vending machine here in Japan, and I must say...this is weird!
The top and bottom row are cans of NOODLES! HOT FRESH (no probably not) NOODLES! Awesome. It actually comes out hot. You know how I know? One of our friends was brave enough to try one, haha sucker.
So he picked the second type from the left to try.
I don't know if it was just a bad choice, or that noodles in a can is just not a good idea all around, but that shit was nasty-ass. One bite and in the trash it goes! The noodles were translucent, and even though it was hot, the taste, texture and just about everything else about it was off.
300 Yen for that crap?! I could get a mediocre bowl of meat and rice for 50 yen more at a restaurant.
Now here's something else that's interesting. This machine was mostly selling drinks, but at the top it was selling cans of fries! Nobody wanted to buy this after the noodles incident. Apparently the fries aren't even warm, they're cold. Blech, no thanks. Pass
Vending machines are awesome! Even though these products were a bust, I'm excited to find more!
Fun little fact #1:
Have you ever wondered why there are so many vending machines in Japan? Why are they so popular?
The Japanese love their Ocha and Pocari Sweat? They have an irresistible urge to buy things when walking? They like the pretty lights?
Maybe, but I had something else in mind.
Apparently the vending machine companies are always looking for places to sell their products, so they send out scouts to check out an area and deem it worthy to place a vending machine there. Vending machines are placed on peoples property, so whoever owns the property, they get a cut from the sales of the products.
Following me?
The vending machine company will come in, place the machine there, fill it up at regular times, do regular maintenance and such. Easy way to earn cash eh?
Our dorm actually has its own vending machine. 140 yen Ocha anyone?
THAT'S SOOO COOOL minus the not tasting so good part! OOoOO fries that come out of a vending machine.. wow sounds like my kinda vending machine! I could so make the BEST vending machine ever that dispenses fries with mayo, deep fried mars bars, chocolate covered haribo gummies, AND joey Alfredo! I'm a fuckin genius
ReplyDeleteCaroline I would so want your vending machine in my yard! Refill everyday please. And special order on the joeys rotisserie chicken. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteSo Japanese people like to walk and eat? They must be pretty skinny then... burning off the calories while they eat.
Why didn't we think of that?!?!!
No cpee! That's where you're wrong. Japanese people frown on eating and walking. It's not polite or something..(but i did do it a couple times). I think it's more of a convenience thing...and probably because of the fact that we were in Akihabara, where all these fan-boys congregate. They probably don't have time to sit down and eat, so a hot can of noodles before they hit the next comic book store is their only nourishment. haha
ReplyDeleteooohhhhhhh.. what are fan boys??..... btw if you see any real japanese yakuza please take pictures for me!!! Was just reading about them today and though of you. :)
ReplyDelete