Vending Machines
Japan is a nation of vending machines - 5.2 million of them! You find them everywhere, selling all sorts of products. And many vending machines do much more than simply sell things. There are ultra-energy-efficient vending machines, vending machines with lifesaving equipment, vending machines that give you the option to donate your change to charity, and vending machines that can evaluate a customer's age and gender in order to recommend specific drinks. Japan pioneered vending machines that could dispense hot drinks in cans. The inspiration behind their development might surprise you. Retro, low-tech vending machines still exist, and they have ardent fans. One man has made 150 short documentaries about these old machines that receive hundreds of thousands of views online. On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, our theme is vending machines. We'll examine the unique history of how they developed in Japan, as well as their latest cutting-edge features.
Trailer
Recently Updated Shows
True Detective
Touch darkness and darkness touches you back. True Detective centers on troubled cops and the investigations that drive them to the edge. Each season features a new cast and a new case.
True Detective is an American anthology crime drama television series created and written by Nic Pizzolatto.
Shōgun
Shōgun is set in Japan in the year 1600 at the dawn of a century-defining civil war. Lord Yoshii Toranaga is fighting for his life as his enemies on the Council of Regents unite against him, when a mysterious European ship is found marooned in a nearby fishing village.
The Morning Show
Nominated for three Golden Globes®, this unapologetically candid drama looks at the modern workplace through the lens of the people who help America wake up. Pull back the curtain on early morning TV.
The Grand Tour
Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May are back with The Grand Tour. A show about adventure, excitement and friendship... as long as you accept that the people you call friends are also the ones you find extremely annoying. Sometimes it's even a show about cars. Follow them on their global adventure.
Survivor
Eighteen to twenty castaways will compete against each other on Survivor. All castaways will compete to outwit, outplay, outlast and ultimately be crowned Sole Survivor.