Why is Japan losing its thirst for vending machines? | FT #shorts

Tens of thousands of vending machines are vanishing from Japan. Once a symbol of the nation's love of innovation, they are now being shunned in a climate of rising inflation and deepening labor shortages. For years, consumers were willing to pay higher prices for the convenience these machines offer.At its peak, Japan built a vast network of drink spending machines. That stock has since fallen sharply, and operators are beginning to cut back further. Three years of rising inflation in the country has driven ...