Okinawa: A Long Life and A Wonderland Of Vending Machines!

Vending machines are all over Japan; at parks, train platforms, in between houses. However, these machines only contain standard snacks and drinks.The vending machines in Okinawa sell the most unique drinks that both domestic and international visitors have never heard of. In Okinawa, make it your mission to purchase these rare drinks from vending machines!

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Japan- a vending machine paradise

 Vending machines are that common throughout Japan, it is almost hard not to bump into one when you’re walking!
 Ever since Japan started selling cigarettes in vending machines back in 1888, vending machines have spread nationally.  According to the Japan Vending Machine Association, the number of vending machines in Japan is about 4.27 million (as of Dec 2017).  Other than convenience, one of the reasons for its popularity is due to Japan’s low crime rate.  Vending machines are rarely vandalized and goods inside are almost never stolen.  If anyone tries to vandalize or steal, there is a transmitter on the vending machine that sends a signal to the police, deterring the thief.  Another reason influencing vending machine population is increasing technology.  Many vending machines are starting to offer cashless services, where one can buy goods using rechargeable smartcards.    
 Vending machines have adapted to match the needs of the Japanese people.  In recent years, with a decrease in the smoking population, cigarette vending machines have decreased drastically.  At the same time, vending machines operated by places of work have increased.  They are usually placed in an office floor and sell light meals, such as sandwiches, rice balls, snacks and drinks.  It is popular because busy workers can easily purchase something to munch on when they are hungry or can buy a cold beverage when they are thirsty.        There are many interesting vending machines throughout the country.  There are ones with fresh local vegetables, magazines, stamps, stationary, stuffed animals and these are just a few to say the least! These are vending machines you would definitely enjoy checking out whilst exploring Japan.  You can sometimes find the most interesting vending machine when you least expect it, so keep your eyes peeled!  
 Needless to say, the most common thing sold in vending machines are drinks.  Every vending machine usually offers a wide selection of drinks such as water, tea, juice and coffee.  In winter, around half of the bottled drinks sold are hot with the rest of the drinks being cold.  But in vending machines of Okinawa, you will find many unique drinks that non natives of Okinawa have never heard of.

Okinawan Food and Drinks

 Okinawa, the southernmost islands of Japan are known for their warm weather, beautiful beaches and crystal blue waters.  It is one of the most popular resorts in Japan and is well known for its people’s longevity with more than 400 centenarians. Factors that are considered to contribute to their long life are Okinawa’s warm climate, the easy going and loving personalities of the people, the spirit of “yuimaru” and supporting each other when anyone needs help. Additionally, Okinawan traditional cuisine may play a major role in vitality.  Okinawans eat a lot of local vegetables and these vegetables are thought to contain large amounts of antioxidants.  One famous example is the goya, a bitter vegetable that resembles a cucumber.  Although goya is an acquired taste, the goya champuru, is a popular dish with eggs and tofu.  Many find this dish easy to consume because the tofu and egg offsets the goya. Another example of a famous vegetable they eat is the purple sweet potato;low in calories and a large source of energy, the sweet potato is present in almost every Okinawan meal. Due to the vast variety of vegetables, Okinawan cuisine is an explosion of colour and taste with their meals containing small amounts of meat and high amounts of soy protein! This diet helps to maintain low blood pressure, low cholesterol and a healthy weight.  They also strongly believe that food is medicine and many stick to the belief that one should only eat until they are 80% full.  
 Some of the unique drinks from Okinawa are made from tropical fruits only found within the surrounding islands.  Below are some examples of the unique drinks that are available in vending machines. -Root beer

Although a popular drink in the U.S and Okinawa, it is almost unheard of in the rest of Japan. If you need your regular dosage of root beer, you will be relieved to know you can almost find it anywhere in Okinawa.

-Sanpin-cha (Okinawa Jasmine tea)
This is a popular tea among locals. It’s easy to drink and goes well with fried Okinawan food.

-Grape/Melon cider
Sweet sodas, that can come in grape or melon flavours, are extremely popular drinks to help cool you down. These are great to drink in hot and humid weather.

-Aloe vera juice
This drink is thought to prevent dehydration, keeps your liver healthy and helps relieve constipation. It is definitely something you will not come across in Tokyo’s vending machines! Aloe drink might be a good choice after a long sunny day at the beach.

-Shekwasha (Okinawan lime juice)
Shekwasha is an Okinawan citrus fruit. This fruit is known to contain a lot of Vitamin C and citric acid. This drink might give you a boost when you’re feeling jet-lagged or tired.

Enjoy the different tastes and enjoy the different vending machines

 You can purchase a drinks at any vending machines at any time of the day.  Drinks that are mentioned above are just few examples from the large variety of unique drinks available in Okinawa’s vending machines.  Kill two birds with one stone by experiencing unique Okinawan drinks from the high-tech Japanese vending machines.  When in Okinawa, make it your mission to purchase at least one drink a day from a vending machine!