Technological Marvels: Japanese Automation and Innovation

Lavatory Seat Buttons

Talk of automation, innovation, technological advancement and originality and this is what you will get... IF you are in Japan, Exclusive, ONLY in Japan. I am not saying anything more, trusting the buttons and the graphics to do the rest of the talking for me.

The lavatory seat side handle in Japan

Vending Machines

When you are in Japan, you are never too far from a ‘vending machine’. In every street, every corner of the lane, hotels and temple premises, subway station platforms, you will invariably come across such auto dispensing devices called the vending machines.

No matter what street you wander down in Japan,

watch out for "The Vending Machine"

A vending machine selling packages food like noodles, etc
in Hotel Villa Fontaine Roppongi

Basically it is an automatic retailing machine. You need to choose the items from the display which you wish to buy, insert the currency, push a few buttons and out pops your purchase in a small compartment. Simple, time saving and cost effective!

A push button machine selling beverages

A touchscreen beverage selling Vending machine at a subway railway station

I mostly came across vending machines selling beverages and drinks like iced tea, mineral water, fruit juices and cold drinks. But there are many variations to it - for instance food items and umbrellas - although you will need some luck to hit upon them.

Fast Fact:

The first vending machine in Japan was made of wood and sold postage stamps and post cards. About 80 years ago, there were vending machines that sold sweets made by the "Glico Company". In 1967, the 100-yen coin was distributed for the first time, and vending machine sales skyrocketed overnight selling a variety of items everywhere.