It's no exaggeration to say that vending machines, commonly associated with beverages, tickets, and admission passes, have become an integral part of our daily lives. In Japan, the number of vending machines as of 2018 included 2.12 million units for canned and bottled beverages, 126,900 for milk and other drinks in cartons, 154,000 for cup-based coffee and cocoa, and 22,900 for alcohol, totaling 2,423,800 beverage vending machines according to the Japan Vending Machine Manufacturers Association. When factoring in vending machines for food, cigarettes, tickets, daily necessities, and various services, the total comes to 4,235,100 units across in 2018. Japan has one of the highest vending machine densities in the world.
The Ancient Origins of Vending Machines
Despite the impression that vending machines are a modern invention relying on machinery and power, their history dates back to ancient Egypt. The Greek engineer, physicist, and mathematician Hero of Alexandria (circa 62–150 AD) described a "holy water vending machine" in his book Pneumatica. This device used the principle of leverage: when a 5-drachma coin was inserted, its weight tilted a tray, which temporarily opened a valve to dispense a fixed amount of holy water.
Hero also documented an automatic door mechanism for temples. By lighting a fire at the entrance, heated air would expand inside a pipe, pushing water out of a tank and activating the mechanism to open the door.
Luxury Devices for Elites
Both the holy water dispenser and automatic doors were installed in religious facilities and likely inaccessible to ordinary people. At that time in ancient Greece, mercenaries earned just one drachma per day, making the 5-drachma cost exorbitantly high. This suggests these devices were limited to use by the wealthy or those in power.
The Influence of the Library of Alexandria
Hero likely studied at the Library of Alexandria, the world's largest repository of knowledge at the time, founded by Ptolemy I in the 3rd century BC. The library was part of the Mouseion, an academic institution that housed not only books but also botanical and zoological gardens.
Many prominent scholars gathered there, including Euclid (the "father of geometry"), Eratosthenes (an astronomer and mathematician), and Aristarchus (a philologist).
Evolution of Vending Machines
After Hero's time, it appears that vending machines faded from history for centuries until the 17th century. Around 1615, an English innkeeper invented a machine for dispensing snuff (a powdered tobacco product). This brass box had a small hole for coins, which would open the lid to release the snuff. However, the lid did not automatically close, so users could potentially take more than their share, giving the machine its nickname, "the Honest Box."
Industrial Revolution and Modern Vending Machines
During the late 1800s, industrial advancements in Britain spurred the development of vending machines. In 1857, Simeon Denham patented the first vending machine for selling stamps. The technology soon spread to Europe and the United States, leading to the creation of machines for products like tobacco, stamps, and chewing gum.
In 1925, William Rowe developed a vending machine capable of selling multiple items at different prices, laying the groundwork for modern vending machines.
Japan's First Vending Machines
In Japan, research on vending machines began during the Meiji period. The first vending machine, invented in 1888 by Takashichi Tawaraya, dispensed cigarettes. Although exhibited at the Third National Industrial Exhibition, it was not practical for regular use.
The oldest surviving Japanese vending machine is a stamp and postcard dispenser from 1904, which also functioned as a mailbox. It could detect counterfeit coins and display a "sold out" sign when out of stock.
Post-War Boom and the Vending Machine Revolution
After World War II, Japan saw a vending machine boom in the 1960s and 70s. In 1962, 880 Coca-Cola vending machines were installed nationwide. Factors contributing to the rise included Japan's economic growth, the high level of public safety allowing for outdoor machine installations, the introduction of automated ticket machines by Japan National Railways, and the redesign of the 100-yen coin in 1967.
Hot drink vending machines appeared in the 1970s, further embedding these devices in Japanese daily life.
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A Fascinating Attraction for Foreign Visitors
When guiding foreign visitors around Japan, the topic of vending machines often arises. The sheer number, variety, and widespread outdoor placement surprise many people. Vending machines aren't limited to urban areas — they can be found even in remote rural regions, functioning reliably with few malfunctions and excellent maintenance.
In many countries, vending machines often accept only specific coins, such as 25-cent pieces. By contrast, Japan's machines accept a variety of coins, banknotes, and even IC cards, providing accurate change. It's hard for visitors to believe such advanced functionality exists. Another marvel is how both hot and cold drinks can be dispensed from the same machine.
The products sold through vending machines are also diverse and sometimes unconventional. Beyond drinks and snacks, items such as hats, umbrellas, flowers, and even gold coins or DIY wedding ring kits can be purchased. With technological advancements like AI-integrated machines and energy-saving features, vending machines remain a captivating topic.
Technological Advances
Today, vending machines continue to evolve. Payments have shifted from coins and bills to electronic forms like prepaid cards, credit cards, and smartphone apps. Vending machines now offer more than goods; services like photo booths and personalized stamp-making machines have become commonplace.
In Japan, you can get what you need anytime and anywhere by simply inserting a coin. As one of the world's leading "vending machine nations," Japan's remarkable technological advancements and safe societal environment deserve global recognition.
The "origin stories of vending machines" are a meaningful chapter in Japan's cultural evolution, showcasing its creativity and ingenuity.
