The Rise of the Machines: Japan

“Time spent laughing is time spent with the Gods.” – Japanese proverb

Vending machines have taken over the country.

Really.  Truly. 

Our first stop in Japan was in Fukuoka.  In front of every apartment building, inside every parking lot, on every street corner, there were planted at least two if not more vending machines. Some sold hot beverages, some sold cold beverages, some sold rice balls, some sold cigarettes, some even sold toys or electronics.  There was one selling something that defied definition (but Hello Kitty was definitely involved).

Well, I thought, this must be a Fukuoka thing.  But the same thing held in our next stop, Shimizu.  So maybe this is a southern Japan thing?

Wrong.  We next visited Tokyo.  They were everywhere there too.  I had been to Tokyo ten years ago.  I do not recall seeing a single vending machine then. They were planted and have grown since then.

We moved on to Aomori. Yep, vending machines all over the place.  And, finally, Otaru.  More vending machines.

And lest you think these are in place of convenience stores, think again.  One could barely move three blocks in any of these cities without encountering a 7-11 or Lawson convenience mart.

And, oh yes, all of these cities in Japan were alternately lovely, vital, busy, and/or charming.  And the people gracious and welcoming. The tea and sashimi yummy.  The cherry blossoms were either already spent in the south and central parts of the country, or only just starting to bud in the north.  But fortunately we’d seen them at their peak in Korea.

And, sadly, on our last day in Japan—in the northernmost part of the country--we heard about the massive earthquake in the southern part.  My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. 

Nighttime sail from Tokyo

Next up:  Russia.  Maybe.