Since Japan has over 5.4 million vending machines, I wanted to know what couldn’t be bought from one. Apparently, not much. Most anything you can think of is available for purchase like, 10 kg bags of rice, fresh eggs, hot fried foods, live beetles, toilet paper, porn and yes, even "used Japanese schoolgirl panties". Back in 1993 vending machines filled with used underwear "guaranteed" to have been worn by a real Japanese schoolgirl started popping up in large numbers. The police couldn’t do anything about it until they found a loop-hole in the Japanese antiques law. Used underwear as antiques?
Bizarre as it sounds, the law states used underwear is a "third-party" vendible and therefore requires the vending machine owner to obtain a license to sell the items. Since a license is not obtainable for these types of items, the police quickly shut down these machines and they have gained urban legend status. There are many people however; who claim that not all the machines have been shut down and underground used-pantie vending machines do still exist in Japan if you are "in the know" about where to go.
Used Underwear Vending Machines
In Japan, Everything Goes
Trend Themes
1. Bizarre Vending Machines - Explore unconventional vending machine ideas beyond typical products to cater to niche markets.
2. Antique Market Opportunities - Investigate the potential of unexplored antique markets for unique business opportunities.
3. Underground Marketplaces - Consider the possibility of niche underground markets for highly coveted but hard-to-find products.
Industry Implications
1. Vending Machine Industry - Innovate vending machines to offer seldom seen, novelty products for adventurous buyers.
2. Antiques Industry - Identify untapped segments of the antiques market for potential profit and growth.
3. Bizarre Products Industry - Explore the demand for unconventional products and consider catering to niche markets with hard-to-find items.