Foodservice

Milk vending machines help support Japan dairy farmers after earthquake

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August 17, 2026

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A social media campaign encouraging consumers to support earthquake-damaged dairy farms in Japan's Kumamoto Prefecture has helped drive a surge in sales of locally produced milk, according to a Seoul Economic Daily report. Demand for Oaso milk, produced by dairy cooperative Rakunou Mothers, has increased at two vending machines at JR Akihabara Station in Tokyo, with the shelf-stable product reportedly selling out more quickly than usual.

Interest accelerated after an X user posted a photo of a vending machine two days after a magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck the region, encouraging people to support Kumamoto by purchasing its milk. The post received more than 2.34 million views as of Aug. 14, and daily shipments of the product have since risen to several times their normal level, according to the Kumamoto Prefecture Dairy Federation. The vending machines have previously supported disaster recovery efforts by donating a portion of sales following major earthquakes.

The increased demand comes as Kumamoto's dairy industry works to restore production. Rakunou Mothers resumed shipments of milk and yogurt Aug. 12 at nearly pre-earthquake levels after damage disrupted operations at two plants. Other regional food producers are also gradually restarting operations, although some farms face longer recoveries because of damaged barns and other infrastructure. A dairy federation official said continued milk consumption can provide meaningful support to farmers affected by the disaster.