Foodservice

Rising costs squeeze vending service on Japan’s remote islands

RobbinLee - stock.adobe.com

October 21, 2026

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Vending machines are disappearing from Japan's remote communities as population declines and higher operating costs undermine profitability, according to a Seoul Economic Daily report.

Debajima, an island in Tokushima Prefecture with about 35 mostly elderly residents, lost its last two machines in May 2025. The island has no stores, and aging residents faced increasing difficulty transporting beverages to replenish the machines.

Rising ingredient, transportation and maintenance expenses are prompting beverage companies to remove underperforming machines and restructure operations. Pokka Sapporo Food & Beverage transferred its vending business to Life Drink Co. on Oct. 1. Smaller companies that maintain and repair machines also face financial pressure.

The losses leave isolated communities without convenient drink purchases and a potential supply source when storms interrupt mainland transportation. Public assistance can be difficult to obtain because vending machines are privately operated businesses, according to the news report. Residents on Debajima and elsewhere are exploring alternatives, including unattended refrigerators and small shops.