Nappies and super ‘ice-cold’ drinks: Japan’s vending machine operators try new products to attract consumers
The spread of corner shops throughout Japan is posing a threat to sales by vending machines
Japanese vending machine operators have recently been seeking new ways to expand their sales under the pressure of competition from corner shops that offer an increasing variety of products.
Japan has a staggeringly high density of vending machines on its streets – about 4.9 million of them across the country, equivalent to more than one per person in countries such as Ireland or New Zealand.
About half of these units sell drinks, and annual sales stood at nearly 5 trillion yen (US$45 billion) at the end of 2016, according to the Japan Vending Machine Manufacturers Association.
But the spread of corner shops throughout the country is posing a threat to sales by vending machines, prompting operators to find unique or unconventional ways to expand their functions.
One such example is a vending machine installed in a nursery at a shopping centre in Yokohama that sells drinks and nappies. Drink manufacturer Kirin Holdings and household product maker Kao developed the machine along with a charity that supports parents.