Free-of-Charge Disaster Relief Vending Machine
We all know that vending machines are an integral part in a Japanese’s life. Now theres a vending machine that actually stops charging for goods if there is a natural disaster.
This disaster relief vending machine is setup in Maebashi city, in Gunma prefecture, and its setup outside the police box.
Its a joint project between the police and the company whose products are stored in it, and the machine can be remotely operated to stop charging people for its contents if a natural disaster such as an earthquake occurs.
Similar machines have been setup across some parts of Japan and proved their worth during the earthquake in Niigata Prefecture last year.
The problem: Maebashi’s police-run vending machine is located very close to the Gunma prefectural capital’s liveliest entertainment district, meaning it may face more danger from drunks than natural disasters.
Source: Mainichi JP
This is such an interesting concept. Maybe they can install similar systems on their cigarette vending machines so people can have a free puff to calm their nerves during disasters.
I’m pretty sure this wouldn’t work in Singapore, some greedy folks like me would just take all the drinks in an instant.
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In most places I’ve visited, the first person noticing that the machine had popped over to ‘free mode’ would empty the SOB.
Still, interesting concept, worth thinking on.
I don’t really have much faith in humanity. My first thought is that the instant the no-charge thing is activated, somebody will loot it’s entire inventory.
Ah, I see I’m not the only one. I just read the article’s last paragraph.
I live in Maebashi. Actually, I haven’t seen this machine at the Koban… maybe this is a myth… but I surely didn’t see one.
Many people here, in this area are quite trustworthy. I left my old bicycle once unchained near a supermarket in central Maebashi… for three days. It didn’t get stolen. People here aren’t like in other countries. You can drop a wallet full of money, guaranteed it will be given back to you with nothing missing. I lost my wallet once on a holiday in Australia. I found the wallet empty in trash.
Japan is a good place… in a natural disaster.. people help out… greed/ theft never becomes an issue. and trust me… I have been through alot!