Why Japan is better, volume 1

"Chairman Kaga" (mike-mckinnon)
08/23/2013 at 11:11 • Filed to: None

Coffee vending machines. Canned coffee. Hot or cold. And it's good.

Seriously America, wake up to the idea (wordplay!) that we might enjoy paying $1 or so for a small can of concentrated bliss.

When I was there 10 years ago, I tried to bring home several cans, just to prove the existence. For some reason either customs or security removed them from my bag.

Anyway, for the record, canned coffee vending machines. I want em.

http://japanese.lingualift.com/blog/can-coffe…

DISCUSSION (15)

William Byrd > Chairman Kaga
08/23/2013 at 11:13

I'm more of a fan of their beer vending. haha

It's a "Porch-uh" > Chairman Kaga
08/23/2013 at 11:14

Hot cans? Or are the cans just for the cold ones?

Pessimippopotamus > It's a "Porch-uh"
08/23/2013 at 11:16

Hot cans, apparently.

Chairman Kaga > Pessimippopotamus
08/23/2013 at 11:24

The machines in Hanamaki, which is in the northeast, gave you cold in the summer months and hot in the winter. I heard there were some fancier machines that would dispense hot and cold, with the push of a button. The cans came with little cardboard sleeves so you didn't burn your hands, but they were in fact not hot, just warmish.

The coffee was surprisingly good, by the way.

Hermann > Chairman Kaga
08/23/2013 at 11:25

Canned coffee

Live Crabs

Used Panties

Japan and its vending machines.

It's a "Porch-uh" > Chairman Kaga
08/23/2013 at 11:27

Sweeeeet. My buddy is Japanese and goes back a couple times each year. I'll see if he can smuggle me back some, though it sounds like he might have to use a body cavity.

philaDLJ > Chairman Kaga
08/23/2013 at 11:29

Kinja'd!!!

Agreed.

I also just like the way the machines look, and the glow they emit at night, and the fact they're all out in the open for anyone to use, and how there wasn't the slightest sign of vandalism or abuse to any of them (in Tokyo, at least). Plus, some machines, like the ones in Akiba sell soup. SOUP!

NaturallyAspirated > Chairman Kaga
08/23/2013 at 11:45

I had heard of these, but I had assumed that it was either lousy coffee or else a "coffee drink" like you'd get from Starbucks, ie, mostly sugar and milk. Interesting to hear that they are actually not bad.

twinturbobmw > Chairman Kaga
08/23/2013 at 11:56

I like how these are everywhere.

Chairman Kaga > NaturallyAspirated
08/23/2013 at 11:58

Granted, this was before I became a coffee snob, but what I recall was real, honest to God coffee. There are numerous brands, so some might be "coffee drinks" akin tot he Starbuck's lattes you get at the gas station.

The Opponaut formerly known as MattP123 > Chairman Kaga
08/23/2013 at 12:18

We have hot coffee vending machines. We have cold canned coffee in the refrigerated section of most pharmacies and grocery stores. I've never felt it a burden to walk into a store to buy a can of iced coffee.

The Opponaut formerly known as MattP123 > Hermann
08/23/2013 at 12:19

Wait... are you kidding me? Fucking live crabs?

Hermann > The Opponaut formerly known as MattP123
08/23/2013 at 12:24

Yup.

Couldn't find about Japanese machines, but here's a Chinese one:

Edit: Redacting the Japan thing, apparently the live crabs are only sold in China.

The Opponaut formerly known as MattP123 > Hermann
08/23/2013 at 12:58

Well, I actually believed the crabs thing. I made an emphasis on it to joke that used panties seemed believable. But I guess used panties might come with crabs too.

Hermann > The Opponaut formerly known as MattP123
08/23/2013 at 13:11

Ha!
*rimshot*

Also ew.