Japan’s Vending Machines Provide Free Food and Drink During Earthquakes

Japan has taken measures to prepare for natural disasters by installing vending machines that provide free food and drinks during major earthquakes or typhoons. Two vending machines have been placed in Ako, a coastal city vulnerable to powerful earthquakes. These machines contain soft drinks, emergency food items, and nutritional supplements, and are located near designated evacuation shelters.

The machines unlock their contents for free when there is a heavy rain warning or an evacuation order after a significant earthquake. Earth Corp, the manufacturer, plans to install these machines throughout the country. Additionally, a vending machine with a radio that issues emergency broadcasts was set up in Tokyo’s park, activated by earthquakes of magnitude 5 or higher. Experts have warned of a high probability of a “megaquake” occurring along Japan’s Pacific coast in the next few decades.