TOKYO -- Foreign tourists to Japan are often amazed by the number of vending machines lining the streets. But once the country reopens its doors to tourism, visitors might be in for an even bigger surprise when they see the vast range of food that is now being dispensed from machines.
As coronavirus fears continue to grip Japan, new vending machines offering frozen ramen noodles and other food products are popping up around the country. These unique machines, which let consumers buy food and other daily items without exposing themselves to infection at stores, also help food service companies make up for lost sales at their normal outlets.
