Vending Machine Culture and Green Tea Trend in Japan

Japan loves its vending machines (known as jidōhanbaiki 自動販売機, or jihanki for short 自販機) and its green tea, so it's no wonder the combination of both is a hot trend across the country. The Japan Vending Machine Manufacturers Association notes that there is roughly one vending machine for every 23 people; this means there are more vending machines per capita in Japan than in any other country. Surprisingly, even Buddhist temples have vending machines that sell amulets.

Green tea, in its multitude of forms, is the most commonly sipped beverage in the country. Hot or cold, green tea fuels Japanese society in several ways, and one of the most popular means is through countless vending machines that stand like ready-to-serve sentinels throughout the country. Vending machines that sell green tea, whether hot or cold, are located not only on nearly every street corner, but down alleyways, and in train stations too.

See Full Blog Post / Transcript / Show Note