
Japan outdoor museum of vending machines aims to draw global fans
The site in Kurihara, Miyagi prefecture, displays 38 of the automatic dispensers in a variety of colours across a 6,600-square-metre site. Many of the vending machines are no longer functional and have been repurposed as visual exhibits.
Among them, 28 feature unique designs by creators including local artists, influencers and companies, with motifs sporting homegrown delicacies and even a large cat that appears to emerge from a product window.
"We hope to find new possibilities for vending machines, which Japan takes pride in, and encourage people inside and outside the country to visit and enjoy the place," said Tomohito Kato, the 45-year-old managing director of a local vending machine operator that founded the museum.
According to the Japan Vending System Manufacturers Association, over 2.6 million of the dispensers were in use nationwide at the end of 2024.
"Vending machines have become a part of Japanese culture precisely because it is a safe country and there's a low risk of theft," Kato said.
The museum plans to display as many as 200 vending machines in the future and seek recognition from Guinness World Records. It is also seeking new unique designs for vending machine wrappers from local people who want to give the region a boost.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles

Bangkok Post
2 days ago
- Bangkok Post
Nok Air rehabilitation proceeding as planned
Nok Air expects to exit the rehabilitation process as planned by mid-2028, with less than 400 million baht of debt remaining, and will join the government in offering free domestic air tickets to foreign tourists from September. Chief executive Wutthiphum Jurangkool said on Wednesday the airline is focusing on strengthening its core business and improving revenue and margins so it can exit the rehabilitation plan. He said the carrier's outstanding debt remains around 400 million baht, down from 5.4 billion baht previously. Nok Air recorded revenue of 7 billion baht, with 60 million baht net profit, in 2024 from 4 million passengers. It was the second consecutive year of profit after nine years of losses. During this year's first half, it had earned 4 billion baht revenue, and aimed to match revenue and passenger numbers of last year. Factors driving this include the return of aircraft to the fleet after maintenance, and the ability to increase its aircraft utilisation rate at night and its fares on international flights. During the summer period, Nok Air had only maintained domestic flights to 15 cities. In the coming winter period, it would resume several international routes, including to Hyderabad and Mumbai in India, Nanning and Zhengzhou in China and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, Mr Wutthiphum said. It also planned to launch new services to Delhi in India, Bali in Indonesia and Manila in the Philippines. Pakorn Rattanarod, head of commercial strategy at Nok Air, said the airline currently has 14 Boeing 737-800 aircraft in its fleet, with 10 aircraft actively serving passengers. It planned to receive two more aircraft under a six-month wet lease contract this year to help on the new international routes. Mr Pakorn said the airline plans to have 20–30 aircraft in its fleet within five years and should be able to receive the Boeing 737 Max 8 it already ordered after a five-year waiting period. The airline is set to join the Tourism Authority of Thailand's promotion allowing foreign tourists to use their international tickets to redeem domestic tickets with Nok Air and fly to any destination in Thailand for free. This resembles a scheme operated by the Japanese government. He expected the scheme to be proposed to the cabinet soon, and it is scheduled to be rolled out in September, covering three months through November, with each Thai carrier receiving 60,000 seats. To elevate the passenger experience, Nok Air has also launched a new in-flight entertainment service offering Korean drama series via Viu, and onboard shopping for local products, as well as the Nok Deal platform for frequent flyers. Within 3-4 years, Nok Air aims to have international passenger sharing for 40% of total seat capacity. It also plans to enter the freighter business with one aircraft targeting the e-commerce segment, beginning at the end of this year or early next year.

Bangkok Post
2 days ago
- Bangkok Post
Cloud 11 to Anchor Bangkok's Creative Future
Thailand's creative economy is entering a transformative era, driven by rising demand for professional content and advanced production capabilities. Valued at over 120 billion baht and growing by 20–30% annually, the sector is converting Thailand's soft power into economic strength, creating jobs and propelling Thai creators onto the global stage. In 2023, Thailand's creative economy generated 1.44 trillion baht, representing 8.01% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). At the heart of this transformation is Cloud 11, MQDC's flagship project, which has raised its with a total project value of 43 billion baht, aimed at realizing its vision of becoming Southeast Asia's leading Creative and Innovation District. Empowering creators at every stage from upstream to downstream Cloud 11 is building Thailand's most complete creative ecosystem, supporting everyone from solo YouTubers to multinational brands to ideate, collaborate, and produce world-class content seamlessly. Upstream – Create: Cloud 11 features the Academy and education zone, dedicated to nurturing top talent. Partnering with institutions like 1500 Sound Academy, co-founded by Grammy-winning artist James Fauntleroy, it will launch Thailand's first artist development school of its kind. Midstream – Collaborate: Cloud 11 will serve as a Content Production Hub, integrating A+ office towers at Creator Village with state-of-the-art Creator Studios and Advanced Production Studios to support photography, videography, sound design, podcasting, and virtual content creation as well as various rehearsal spaces. Its co-working and production facilities are designed for agile, plug-and-play creative work, supported by high-speed digital infrastructure. Downstream – Commercialise: Cloud 11 creates commercial opportunities with Cloud 11 Hall, a 3,000-capacity concert and performance venue, and Theatre for emerging and established artists. The retail zone, Passion Playground, will enable creators to monetise their work through concept stores, while Cloud 11 Park, Bangkok's largest rooftop park at 17,000 sq m, will host exhibitions, festivals, and community gatherings year-round. 'Today, creative storytelling is no longer optional. It's a core to any business strategy, not just for entertainment companies' said Paul Sirisant, Chief Executive Officer of Cloud 11. 'Cloud 11 embodies 'Creator Commerce', a fusion of creative space and commercial platform that transforms imagination into reality in today's transmedia world.' Infrastructure transforming South Sukhumvit Spanning 27 rai along Sukhumvit Road near BTS Udomsuk and Punnawithi stations, Cloud 11 is a collaborative design by Thai architecture firm A49 and global design studio Snøhetta, who serves as the design consultant. The project is being built by Thai Obayashi, applying advanced Japanese structural systems to ensure resilience against earthquakes and other urban challenges. 'South Sukhumvit has transformed over the past decade. Thai creatives are gaining global recognition, yet the industry remains fragmented. Cloud 11 will bring talented people together in one place to drive collaboration,' said Onza Janyaprasert, Chief Executive Officer, Project Development of Cloud 11. 'Our creator-centric approach ensures we provide environments that inspire, infrastructure that enhances productivity, and spaces that foster connection and co-creation.' Chakrit Pichyangkul, Executive Director of the Creative Economy Agency (CEA), added, 'The creative economy is no longer niche. It's an engine of national growth, creating influence, identity, and billions in impact. Content creators are Thailand's cultural diplomats, and Cloud 11 is their global stage.' Eight strategic zones shaping the ecosystem Cloud 11 comprises eight integrated zones: Creator Village – Four Grade A+ office towers with 70,000 sq m for creative companies, including major tenants SM Entertainment and CJ ENM. Floor plates align with the 'horizontal campus' concept to maximise collaboration. Creator Studio – 5,000 sq m of fully equipped studios for photography, video production, dance, music, and podcasts, designed by US-based RIOS, creators of the Spotify Content Campus and Sony Music HQ. The facility also include Thailand's first ultra-modern production studio with Gen-2B LED screens, supporting virtual production, motion capture, volumetric capture, and more. Retail Zone – 40,000 sq m featuring curated global brands and theCOMMONS Cloud 11, a 5,420 sq m 'backyard' community space. Performance Hall – Concert and performance venues designed for both large-scale and intimate events. Academy Zone – Home to skill development institutes like 1500 Sound Academy and New York Film Academy. YOTEL Bangkok Sukhumvit – A 250-room smart hotel targeting creators and young travellers, opening February 2026. Sangsan Bangkok – A 252-room Tribute Portfolio hotel by Marriott International, opening 2027. Cloud 11 Park – A 17,000 sq m rooftop park, the largest in Bangkok, to host exhibitions, creative festivals, and community events. 'Cloud 11 is more than a platform. It's a cultural moment. It expands the boundaries of possibility, offering a fresh experience unlike anything else, even in the U.S.,' said James Fauntleroy, Grammy-winning artist and co-founder of 1500 Sound Academy. A creative district for the future 'Cloud 11 is not just an office complex; it's a factory of creativity,' Paul added. 'We offer tenants production studios, post-production facilities, theatres, and skill development programmes to help creators thrive.' Currently, Cloud 11 is partnering with over 30 global and local organisations, including SM True, CJ ENM, 88rising, New York Film Academy, and 1500 Sound Academy, to empower Thailand's creative industry and amplify its global presence. 'The world today craves culture and tradition, not just sustenance. Technology, talent, and creativity—abundant in Thailand and Southeast Asia—are the key ingredients,' stated Michael Young, President & CEO of New York Film Academy. Meanwhile, Thai actress Ploi Horwang commented, 'Creators thrive where there are cutting-edge facilities and communities that share the same passion. That's what pushes us to make something bold and fun. I hope they dare more, embrace life fully, and welcome the future.' Cloud 11's construction also incorporates green technologies to reduce carbon emissions, including a Central Utility Plant air-conditioning system to cool the entire complex efficiently. Structural engineering is complete, with retail spaces now being handed over to tenants for interior fit-out ahead of its soft opening at the end of 2025 and full opening in 2026. As its grand opening nears, Cloud 11 signals to the world that Thai creativity is ready for the global stage—solidifying Bangkok as ASEAN's true Creative and Innovation Capital.

Bangkok Post
2 days ago
- Bangkok Post
Trump announces 'massive' Japan trade deal including 15% tariff
WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump said Tuesday that the United States had agreed to a "massive" trade deal with Japan that would include a 15 percent tariff on its exports. The two countries have been locked in negotiations for months since Trump launched his global trade offensive, with levies targeting steel and automobiles -- both important Japanese exports -- seen as particular sticking points. Trump had previously threatened Japan, a major US trading partner, with a tariff of 25 percent beginning August 1 if a deal was not reached. "We just completed a massive Deal with Japan, perhaps the largest Deal ever made," Trump announced on his Truth Social platform. He said that under the deal, "Japan will invest, at my direction, $550 Billion Dollars into the United States, which will receive 90% of the Profits." He did not provide further details on the unusual investment plan, but claimed the deal "will create Hundreds of Thousands of Jobs." Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said that he needed to examine the deal before commenting. "As for what to make of the outcome of the negotiations, I am not able to discuss it until after we carefully examine the details of the negotiations and the agreement," Ishiba told reporters in Tokyo after Trump's announcement in Washington. - Rice imports? - Japan has agreed to "open their Country to Trade including Cars and Trucks, Rice and certain other Agricultural Products, and other things," Trump said. Rice imports are a sensitive issue in Japan, and Ishiba's government had previously ruled out any concessions on the topic. Japan's Nikkei index bounced over one percent on news of the deal, with Japanese auto stocks rising six percent. The deal comes after Ishiba faced a bruising weekend election that left his coalition without a majority in the upper house. Trump has been under pressure to wrap up trade pacts after promising a flurry of deals ahead of his August 1 tariff deadline. Earlier on Tuesday, he announced a deal had been reached with the Philippines which would see the country face 19 percent tariffs on its exports. The White House also laid out details of a deal with Indonesia, which would see it ease critical mineral export restrictions and also face a 19 percent tariff. Similar agreements have been struck with the United Kingdom and Vietnam, while negotiations are ongoing with the top three largest US trading partners, China, Canada and Mexico. After an escalatory tit-for-tat with Beijing, the two major economies agreed to a temporary lowering of tariffs, with another round of negotiations expected next week in Stockholm. Since returning to the White House in January, Trump has imposed a sweeping 10 percent tariff on allies and competitors alike, alongside steeper levels on steel, aluminum and autos.