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Here are 7 vending machines we introduced in 2021 that may be worth a try.

<< Childhood memories power revival of Japan gyoza dumpling business in vending machine form>>

TAKASAKI, Gunma -- In 2019, despite the towering popularity of its gyoza dumplings with their pronounced garlic punch, Gyoza Micchan House in this city's Namie area was forced to close. In June this year, it made its triumphant return, in the form of a gyoza-packed vending machine. Full story.

<< Vending machine selling fried insect snacks debuts in central Japan's Gifu Pref.>>

GIFU -- A vending machine offering edible fried and dried insects has been installed at a shop here -- the first of its kind to hit Gifu Prefecture among roughly 20 similar vending machines across Japan. Full story.

<< Vending machine serving up 'chicken sashimi' delicacy installed in Japan's Kagoshima Pref.>>

KAGOSHIMA -- Each region of Japan has its own locally rooted food culture. One such signature food in Kagoshima Prefecture is "tori-sashi," literally "chicken sashimi." People can buy it at supermarkets and poultry shops, but apparently it can now be purchased from a vending machine, so this Mainichi Shimbun reporter decided to have a look. Full story.

<< Japan's 'first' raw-oyster vending machine keeps locals served at all hours>>

TATSUNO, Hyogo -- Locals in this west Japan city can satisfy their appetite for oysters anytime thanks to a roadside vending machine here said to be the country's first ever for raw oysters. Full story.

<< Baked sweet potato vending machine in southwest Japan to link agriculture and welfare>>

MIYAKONOJO, Miyazaki -- A vending machine stocked with baked sweet potatoes was placed in this southwestern Japan city on April 8 in a project linking agriculture and welfare. Full story.

<< Vending machine selling origami toys stays open in small Japan town to delight of children>>

UCHIKO, Ehime -- A unique vending machine boasting an array of origami animals and other folded designs stands in front of a shop selling daily sundries in western Japan. Full story.

<< Vending machine in southwest Japan sells drinks for as little as 10 yen to prevent waste>>

KUNITOMI, Miyazaki -- A vending machine in this southwest Japan town is selling random drinks that had remained unsold or whose containers are dented for as cheap as 10 yen (about $0.09) to prevent waste. Full story.

And this is an eighth piece to help you understand what's at the bottom of vending machine stories in Japan -- a little more than some dropped coins.

<< Coronavirus pandemic a breakthrough moment for Japan's kaleidoscope of vending machines>>

KITAKYUSHU, Fukuoka -- With restaurants across Japan cutting hours due to the coronavirus pandemic, some businesses are turning to vending machines to sell bento meals and a dizzying array of other items round the clock. Full story.

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