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Vending Machines: From Pokémon Collaborations to Disaster Preparedness
Location: Gumyoji, Minami Ward, Yokohama, Japan
Timestamp: 17:45・2024/04/09
Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter
ISO 400 for 1/250 sec. at ƒ/2
Classic Negative film simulation
Japan boasts an impressive array of vending machines, numbering around 2.6 million as of December 2023. In the span of the last four decades, I've witnessed significant shifts in this vending landscape. Notably, there has been a decline in machines vending alcohol and cigarettes, paralleled by a rise in machines offering both hot and cold beverages from a single unit. Among these innovations, my personal favorite is the advent of machines equipped with QR code scanning capabilities, allowing seamless payment through an app on my smartphone.
In my photo, two distinct elements immediately captured my eye: the presence of a Pokémon character adorning the vending machine, and upon closer inspection, the machine's disaster response capabilities.
Firstly, the Pokémon character quickly attracts passersby, drawing attention to a collaboration between Ito En, a prominent Japanese beverage company, and the Pokémon Go game.
Secondly, a conspicuous label on the machine reveals its designation as a “disaster response vending machine.” This designation indicates that in the event of a severe earthquake or other natural calamities surpassing a predetermined threshold, the machine can dispense drinks free of charge, even in the absence of electrical power. Additionally, I've come across information that some machines are even equipped with electronic bulletin boards to transmit disaster alerts and essential evacuation instructions.
While I sincerely hope to never have to utilize the services of a disaster response vending machine, it's reassuring to know that some large corporations are stepping up to make their services and products accessible to society during times of crisis. It underscores a sense of corporate responsibility and solidarity in supporting communities when they need it most.
Glossary:
- 災害救援・saigai kyūen: disaster relief
- 自動販売機・jidō hanbaiki: vending machine
- 災害救援自販機・saigai kyūen jihanki: a vending machine that can be operated manually to disperse products inside the vending machine in the event of a power outage due to a disaster.
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