Bizarre Japanese Vending Machines

When it comes to putting stuff in giant metal boxes and charging people money, Japan is the undisputed king. There is reportedly one vending machine for every 26 Japanese citizens. Do the math. That's a hell of a lot of machines.

But it's not the sheer number of vending machines in Japan that is amazing -- it's the variety of things you can purchase from them! Below are some examples (believe me when I tell you, I saved the craziest ones for last!)

Ice cream vending machines

We start off with a great idea for a vending machine. Who doesn't like ice cream?

Umbrella vending machines

Kind of odd, but I guess it makes sense

Battery vending machines

Sometimes the batteries in the display are visibly corroded, but usually the ones you buy are fine

Fresh flowers vending machines

After a heavy night of drinking, this machine is a godsend to the salary man (term used to describe a typical Japanese office worker)

Newspaper vending machines

There are tons of these at train stations all over Japan

Porn magazine vending machines

Even though the Japanese government does not allow genitalia to be depicted in print media (tax dollars go to pay for the removal of the offensive material), porn is still very popular. I guess you take what you can get!

 Fried food vending machines

Hot dogs, dumplings, french fries... it's all available. Not saying it tastes good, just saying it's available.

Fortune vending machines

Usually found near shrines and places of worship

Beer and liquor vending machines

Yes, beer and liquor can be had at the touch of a button -- and there's no one to card you! You would think these machines would cause some sort of mass delinquency of minors, but apparently that's not the case

More beer and liquor vending machines

Canned beer and bottled whiskey! Even two-liter jugs of the stuff! Can you believe it?!

Fishing supply vending machines

Fishing line, hooks, lures, and even live bait can be purchased on the spot

Egg vending machines

Pretty weird

Dry ice vending machines

If you have a long ride home from the grocery store, you can pack your food in a bag of dry ice

Toilet paper vending machines

For about $1 U.S., you can buy a small package of TP for your bunghole

Energy drink and condom vending machines

Get energy and vitamins fast! Stop the Aids!

Live lobster vending machines

Some kids try to win stuffed animals... others catch dinner for the night

Rhinoceros Beetle vending machines

Believe it or not, there are many children in Japan who keep real, live beetles as pets! The most popular kind is the Rhinoceros Beetle. Guilt-ridden fathers can now buy one for their kids after they stumble out of the hostess bar at 3AM

"Slightly Used Girl's Panties" vending machines

No, this is not some sort of mythical legend -- what you heard is true! You can actually buy "slightly soiled" panties from a vending machine for between $10 and $30 U.S. Some machines actually display photos of each of the original owners (yeah, right) near the item numbers. The machine pictured here used to vend cigarettes

"Squishy Boob" vending machines

Now you can cop a feel without getting slapped across the face. This is plain silly! I want one! I mean two!

So what's your favorite? Can't wait to hear your comments...

Special thanks to Photomann.com!