{
  "id": 4910811,
  "title": "Grasshoppers, flowers, ramen to umbrellas: Why Japan has vending machines for everything",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/01/grasshoppers-flowers-ramen-to-umbrellas-why-japan-has-vending",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-01T17:22:09.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Times of India",
    "slug": "times-of-india",
    "url": "https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/technology/tech-news/edible-grasshoppers-fresh-flowers-hot-ramen-bowls-and-umbrellas-japan-has-vending-machines-for-everything-and-heres-the-science-behind-it/articleshow/133688531.cms"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": null,
  "summary": "Japan has an impressive count of more than 2.6 million vending machines, providing a vast array of products for all kinds of consumers. Each machine is powered by advanced embedded computer systems that enhance the efficiency of product dispensing. Sophisticated sensors validate payments through coins or banknotes, while various mechanical methods ensure that products are delivered carefully.…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}