2022 Rewind: From noodles to insects, Japan's love affair with vending machines continues

You guessed it right: Japan's vending machines are continuing to churn out all kinds of weird and wonderful items, as the following articles published in The Mainichi in 2022 show. Check out some of the offerings of Japan's famed vending machine culture -- from noodles to insects, hot pot meals and even diapers.

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<<Vending machine selling handmade crepes in west Japan creates layers of online buzz>>

SAKURAI, Nara -- A vending machine that sells handmade crepes in west Japan's Nara Prefecture has created a social media buzz, prompted by popular YouTubers introducing it in their videos. Full story.

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<<Frozen noodle vending machines boost business for Japan's Ringer Hut restaurant chain>>

TOKYO -- Ringer Hut, a restaurant chain specializing in Nagasaki champon noodle dishes, is pushing ahead with the installation of vending machines selling frozen versions of its products for people to savor at home. Full story.

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<<Sapporo 'vending machine land' store begins selling insect snacks, other unusual items>>

SAPPORO -- Japan's northernmost prefecture Hokkaido has seen the opening of its first store specializing in selling unusual items including insect snacks from vending machines in its capital Sapporo in late January. Full story.

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<<Ramen vending machine offering dishes selected by YouTuber SUSURU debuts in Japan city>>

YAMAGATA -- A ramen shop operator in Shinjo, Yamagata Prefecture, has installed a frozen ramen vending machine carefully selected by a popular YouTuber. Full story.

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<<Vending machine in Japan city whisks customers on virtual ride in train driver's cabin>>

TOKOROZAWA, Saitama -- In Japan, vending machines are definitely a common sight. But one new vending machine in this city just northwest of Tokyo also gives its customers a far more exclusive sight: the view from a train driver's cabin as the train zips along the rails. Full story.

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<<Vending machine selling 'nutritious' insect snacks creates buzz in west Japan>>

MATSUYAMA -- A vending machine that lets people try "nutritious" insect snacks was unveiled along a national road in this west Japan city on April 27. Full story.

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<<Emergence of frozen food vending machines across Japan brings hope for shrinking market>>

FUKUOKA -- Vending machines selling a variety of frozen meals, including ramen noodles, seafood bowls, broiled eel and cakes, have recently been on the rise across Japan, amid a shrinking market for the country's signature automated vendors. Full story.

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<<Diaper vending machines at Fukuoka Pref. parks dispel parents' worries>>

FUKUOKA -- Vending machines selling diapers have been installed at two parks in the Fukuoka Prefecture city of Koga, which see many family visitors with small children. Full story.

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<<Frozen deep-sea fish vending machines debut at Japanese inn>>

KITAIBARAKI, Ibaraki -- Vending machines selling goosefish dishes -- a specialty of this east Japan coastal city -- have debuted at an inn famous for its meals using the deep-sea fish. Full story.

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