Image Of The Week #45

They've* just installed a vending machine outside my block of apartments. It's a bit cruel though, because if you drop any money, it's gone. Stupid grate.

(taken in Gotanda - 2nd June, 2007)

This might seem a little on the dull side, but actually vending machines here are fascinating. I think everyone that has visited will agree that the drink machines are a thing of convenience, found everywhere: in temples, on top of Mt Fuji, everywhere. In fact, I once read that there are 2.7 million drinks machines in Tokyo alone. With a population of 30 million, that means one machine for every 11 people!

This website shows all the purposes and uses of machines in Japan, including:

eggs, umbrellas, popcorn, rice, phone charging, toilet paper, beer, reverse**, porn, batteries and beetles.

Yes, that's right - beetles. Kids love them here.

Sticking with the porn link for a minute, here is a picture of the infamous*** used school-girl knickers machine!

Prices range from £5 to £15. How this is decided I have no idea.

*Who is they? I don't know, but they definitely did it.
**Put cans in, get money out!
***Everyone knows it exists, but this is the first time I've seen a picture. I still don't know where it is. And not sure I want to.