The spread of vending machines in Japan came from a major American company in 1962.bevarage makerIt was triggered that the company made a foray into Japan in earnest. Since then, with the advancement of technology, how we deal with vending machines has been evolving more and more. Therefore, since 1998, we operate a web site "Yamada shop" introducing unique vending machines in various places in Japan, and while talking to Makoto Nomura, a vending machine researcher who is familiar with vending machines, how we and vending machines have been Let's take a look at how the relationship has changed from now on!

Searching for interesting vending machines is like a treasure hunt and Nomura-san who enjoys looking for vending machines everyday. First of all, of the approximately 500 types of vending machines I have seen so far, I was told about the ones that have an impact.

"The curry rice vending machine I went to see from Saitama to Gifu was shocking. When I took it out of the vending machine, it was in a state where curry was properly served on the rice (laughs). It was also surprising that there were vending machines for gold coins in stores selling precious metals. "

Japan is a vending machine paradise where you can find various types of vending machines such as food and precious metals as well as vending machines for familiar drinks. Mr. Nomura sees it as a symbol of high technology.

Nomura said, "We are attracted to retro-style vending machines such as hamburgers and buckwheat noodles, not just selling food but also cooking processes."

"I think there is a microwave oven next to the vending machine, and I think that if you go there you will get the same result, but it is better to let the vending machine cook it. "It was already 3, 40 years ago. The high level of its technology is an attractive feature."

If you look at vending machines as a crystallization of the technological capabilities of the time, rather than simply "retro", you can see the history of vending machines that have evolved with the times. Now, let's talk to Mr. Nomura about the evolution of vending machines in a compact way!

"After the advent of drink vending machines in the 60's, cup drinks vending machines were very active in the 70's Osaka Expo. In addition, containers changed from bottles to cans, resulting in an increase in the number and type of bottles, and leaping Vending machines have increased to

Since then, further progress has been made, such as the appearance of plastic bottles in addition to cans, and since 2005e-moneyCan be used on vending machines,ekinakaWhen you want to buy a quick drink, more convenient.

Also, I was born in 2010 because I wanted to communicate with people using vending machines.Next Generation machineis. Here, it has a function to suggest a recommended drink according to the sex age of the user by touching the display.

I ran through the transition of vending machines at once, but you can see that the vending machines are packed with the latest technology of each era.

On the other hand, how has the relationship between Nomura-san and vending machines started? It was triggered by the encounter of the above image with the vending machine. There are a lot of people who looked at this at first glance and thought, "Nostalgic!"

“When I was a high school student, I found a vending machine for“ Guten Burger ”and was surprised that hamburgers could be bought at vending machines, and I started to think that vending machines were interesting.”

Based on the experience at that time, I started the website of vending machines in 1998, but the turning point was around 2002, when search engines penetrated. There is a sharp increase in access with the keyword “Gutenberger vending machine”.

"Oh, it seems that people of the same age as me came to get in on what it was like," Gotenberger ", which I saw so long ago. Communication created through vending machines is interesting, and it has spurred the search for vending machines. "

In addition, while observing the vending machines in each area, Mr. Nomura notices that people gather at places where there are vending machines and that conversations are being created.

"If you have a circle of people centered on vending machines, or if you see a vending machine with lights on the dark road while you are driving a car at night, you feel somewhat relieved. There are such vending machines. I also find the scenery attractive. "

Mr. Nomura, who is curious about the vending machine equipped with new technology, may be an engineer of his own occupation. With the spread of convenience stores, it is thought that the position of vending machines will be severe, and the evolution of such technology seems to make them feel more and more interesting.

"Vending machines that I think would be nice if we had a touch-panel-type vending machine or a battery-type that can be installed in places where power is hard to come by, will appear with the times. I am looking forward to it too. "

Vending machine packed with technology of the times. I will keep an eye on how to evolve. If you also imagine such a future if you have such a vending machine, life with a vending machine may be even more enjoyable!

※ "acureDrinks that can be purchased at Vending Machines vary depending on the station and time.
※ All the vending machines in the first to fourth photographs in this article (photographs with “Shooting: Nomura Makoto” and the third photograph on the left)acureIt is not a vending machine. In addition, there are some that have already been up and running. Please do not contact us regarding these vending machines.

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