Japanese architecture is marked by vending machines. You can find them on almost every street corner and they have become an integral part of Japanese culture. Especially at night they become a visible reference of energy consumption and likewise emanate an absurd surreal and sad beauty.
Japan has the highest amount of vending machines in the world, about 5.6 million. That’s about 1 for every 23 people. Vending Machines sold more than $42 billion worth of goods in 2015. The Fukushima nuclear crises has changed the debate over energy policy, raised public awareness about energy use and sparked strong antinuclear sentiment.
Japanese vending machines consume about as much energy as one nuclear power plant produces. The Series calls attention to energy consumption and consumerism – do we need all the machines we create and do we want to live in a world that is becoming more and more “convenient”?