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The Thrill of the Vending Machine: Interview with an Enthusiast

  • Gutenburger was formerly sold by a subsidiary of Marushin Foods.

    Gutenburger was formerly sold by a subsidiary of Marushin Foods.

  • Born in 1974, Nomura Makoto lives in Saitama Prefecture and works as a systems engineer.

    Born in 1974, Nomura Makoto lives in Saitama Prefecture and works as a systems engineer.

  • A vending machine curry from Kashima, Ibaraki Prefecture, in 2003.

    A vending machine curry from Kashima, Ibaraki Prefecture, in 2003.

  • Insert a coin and the refrigerated noodles and other ingredients inside the machine are transported to the cooking area, where they are heated with boiling water, and then rapidly spun around to remove the liquid. Dashi stock is poured on top to complete the process, which takes around 30 seconds. (© Hanawa Norihiro)

    Insert a coin and the refrigerated noodles and other ingredients inside the machine are transported to the cooking area, where they are heated with boiling water, and then rapidly spun around to remove the liquid. Dashi stock is poured on top to complete the process, which takes around 30 seconds. (© Hanawa Norihiro)

  • The Big Burger vending machine

    The Big Burger vending machine

  • The used tire market in Sagamihara, Kanagawa Prefecture, is also a place where vending machine fans swap tips and opinions on their finds.

    The used tire market in Sagamihara, Kanagawa Prefecture, is also a place where vending machine fans swap tips and opinions on their finds.

  • Hokkaidō specialties on sale in Kawaguchi, Saitama Prefecture.

    Hokkaidō specialties on sale in Kawaguchi, Saitama Prefecture.

  • An AI Sakura-san machine at Ueno Station (left) and the main menu screen and entertainment options (right). Language settings include Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean. (Touch panels courtesy of JR East Water Business)

    An AI Sakura-san machine at Ueno Station (left) and the main menu screen and entertainment options (right). Language settings include Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean. (Touch panels courtesy of JR East Water Business)

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