A woman gets a drink from a vending machine at a major intersection in Tokyo's Ginza 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