Lokmani Rijal, Japan: Japan’s iconic “vending machines,” which have become a unique part of the country’s cultural identity, are now the centerpiece of a newly opened museum that is expected to become a popular destination for visitors.

Opened in March this year, the Vending Machine Museum is located in Kurihara City of Miyagi Prefecture, in northeastern Japan. Spanning an area of approximately 6,600 square meters, the museum is entirely dedicated to showcasing the history, creativity, and cultural significance of vending machines.

The museum currently displays 38 vending machines of various shapes, colors, and artistic designs. Most of these machines are no longer operational, but they have been given new life as pieces of art and exhibition items.

Among them, 28 machines feature unique and eye-catching designs created by local artists, social media influencers, and various companies. These include everything from depictions of local cuisine to an enormous cat seemingly emerging from the glass window of a vending machine—offering visitors an extraordinary and whimsical experience.

Tomohito Kato, 45, the managing director of the local vending machine operating company that established the museum, said, “Through vending machines, which are a source of pride for Japan, we want to explore new possibilities. We hope people from across the country and the world will come and enjoy this unusual place.”

According to the Japan Vending System Manufacturers Association, more than 2.6 million vending machines were in operation across the country by the end of 2023. “Japan’s reputation as a safe country with minimal risk of theft has allowed vending machines to become an integral part of Japanese culture,” the museum notes.

Looking ahead, the museum aims to expand its collection to 200 vending machines and secure a place in the Guinness World Records.