A vending machine is setup next to a lottery ticket counter 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 cycles past two vending machines on an empty street in Tokyo's Bunkyo district 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

Three women get drinks from 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 man works in his store with a vending machine setup in front of it 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 walks 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

Families walk past a vending machine setup next to a car park 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

Two women check their phones as they stand next to a vending machine 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 seen in an empty hotel lobby 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