A man cycles past a vending machine setup at an intersection in Tokyo's Bunkyo district on April 14, 2026. From post offices and parks to stations and even the summit of Mount Fuji, Japan's vending machines are ubiquitous. But with the rapid pace of inflation cooling demand for their drinks, operators are being forced to rethink the business. (Photo by Andrew CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP via Getty Images) / TO GO WITH AFP STORY: Japan-lifestylee-conomy, by Kyoko HASEGAWA

A woman cycles past two vending machines setup next to a clock shop in Tokyo's Bunkyo district on April 14, 2026. From post offices and parks to stations and even the summit of Mount Fuji, Japan's vending machines are ubiquitous. But with the rapid pace of inflation cooling demand for their drinks, operators are being forced to rethink the business. (Photo by Andrew CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP via Getty Images) / TO GO WITH AFP STORY: Japan-lifestylee-conomy, by Kyoko HASEGAWA

Policemen patrol past a row of vending machines in Tokyo's Shinjuku on April 13, 2026. From post offices and parks to stations and even the summit of Mount Fuji, Japan's vending machines are ubiquitous. But with the rapid pace of inflation cooling demand for their drinks, operators are being forced to rethink the business. (Photo by Andrew CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP via Getty Images) / TO GO WITH AFP STORY: Japan-lifestylee-conomy, by Kyoko HASEGAWA

A vending machine is setup in a small parking lot on a side street in Tokyo's Shinjuku on April 13, 2026. From post offices and parks to stations and even the summit of Mount Fuji, Japan's vending machines are ubiquitous. But with the rapid pace of inflation cooling demand for their drinks, operators are being forced to rethink the business. (Photo by Andrew CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP via Getty Images) / TO GO WITH AFP STORY: Japan-lifestylee-conomy, by Kyoko HASEGAWA

Two women record a social media video near two vending machines in Tokyo's Shinjuku on April 13, 2026. From post offices and parks to stations and even the summit of Mount Fuji, Japan's vending machines are ubiquitous. But with the rapid pace of inflation cooling demand for their drinks, operators are being forced to rethink the business. (Photo by Andrew CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP via Getty Images) / TO GO WITH AFP STORY: Japan-lifestylee-conomy, by Kyoko HASEGAWA

A woman walks past a vending machine on a side street in Tokyo's Ginza district on April 7, 2026. From post offices and parks to stations and even the summit of Mount Fuji, Japan's vending machines are ubiquitous. But with the rapid pace of inflation cooling demand for their drinks, operators are being forced to rethink the business. (Photo by Andrew CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP via Getty Images) / TO GO WITH AFP STORY: Japan-lifestylee-conomy, by Kyoko HASEGAWA

A man walks past a vending machine setup in front of someones apartment in Tokyo's Bunkyo district on April 14, 2026. From post offices and parks to stations and even the summit of Mount Fuji, Japan's vending machines are ubiquitous. But with the rapid pace of inflation cooling demand for their drinks, operators are being forced to rethink the business. (Photo by Andrew CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP via Getty Images) / TO GO WITH AFP STORY: Japan-lifestylee-conomy, by Kyoko HASEGAWA

A man takes a break and smokes a cigarette next to vending machines in a alleyway in Tokyo's Shinjuku on April 13, 2026. From post offices and parks to stations and even the summit of Mount Fuji, Japan's vending machines are ubiquitous. But with the rapid pace of inflation cooling demand for their drinks, operators are being forced to rethink the business. (Photo by Andrew CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP via Getty Images) / TO GO WITH AFP STORY: Japan-lifestylee-conomy, by Kyoko HASEGAWA