12 Bizarre Vending Machines

Vending machines are everywhere, delivering just about anything you can think of, from eggs to lobster. In Japan they are as commonplace as temples, bicycles, and karaoke booths; there are over 5.6 million vending machines, 1 for every 20 people. Meet some of the strangest we've found around the world.

1. Used Schoolgirl Panties Vending Machine

Japan declared illegal in 1993 to sell used schoolgirl panties in vending machines, yet many locals and travelers still see them around. This particular machine is a converted cigarette machine that now takes 10,000 yen notes (about US$80 bills). The current contents run from 1000 to 3000 yen. (Photo)

2. Live Lobster Vending Machine

You can find this one in Osaka. Modeled after a claw machine, for a mere 100 yen you can catch your very own fresh, live lobster. (Source | Photo)

3. Live Bait Vending Machine

No more messing around with the chum bucket! Introducing the Live Bait Vending machine providing you with live bait 24x, perfect for those spontaneous fishing enthusiast who just can't down that urge to hook a big one at three in the morning. (Source)

4. Egg Vending Machines

Ready for breakfast? This vending machine features farm fresh eggs!

5. Pizza Vending Machine

For just £3.30 you can dig your teeth into an instant steaming 9" pizza pie! The vending machine is the brainchild of Wonderpizza, an Italian company which developed it over the course of 10 years. So how fast is it? It takes 2 minutes to roll out a pie, now that's fastfood! (Source)

6. Umbrella Vending Machine

Seen in Tokyo. The umbrellas are 400 to 1000 yen each. You're paying for convenience since the cheap umbrellas can be found for much less elsewhere. (Photo)

7. Soccer Ball Vending Machine

Can't find something to kick around? If you've got a 20 on you, Nike's got a solution for you. The Joga3 soccer ball vending machine installed in New York City dispenses a ball for an affordable $20. (Source | Photo)

8. Porn Vending Machine

Talk about instant gratification. The above vending machine in Kyushu, Japan, perfectly defines Japan's most popular mode of dispensing items. With everything from condoms to eggs available through vending machines, playboy doesn't really seem too farfetched. (Photo)

9. French fries, prawns and nuggets Vending Machine

If you think it's stale ol' bits of food, you're wrong! The FoodCube frenchfries/prawns/nuggets are fried only when an order is placed. After 90 seconds of deep frying, they're strained, and dispensed with salt, sauce and a napkin. Getting chunky was never this convenient. (Source | Photo)

10. Battery Vending Machine

Seen in Kitashinagawa, Tokyo. (Photo)

11. Tie Vending Machine

Black tie affair without a tie? This comes to show the solution to every problem can be found in a Japanese vending machine. (Source)

12. Fortune Vending Machine

Wonder what the future has in store for you? You're in Japan, ask the vending machine! (Photo)

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