{
  "id": 6529648,
  "title": "New Shinkansen platform vending machine sells local-flavor treats from 127-year-old snack maker",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/10/new-shinkansen-platform-vending-machine-sells-local-flavor-treats",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-10T03:00:43.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "SoraNews24",
    "slug": "soranews24",
    "url": "https://soranews24.com/2026/09/10/new-shinkansen-platform-vending-machine-sells-local-flavor-treats-from-127-year-old-snack-maker/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A shiny new vending machine has arrived at Shin Osaka Station on the Shinkansen, Japan's renowned bullet train system. This machine is offering a popular local snack called Osaka Ikaten, made by Bunkaku Sohonpo, a seafood senbei (rice cracker) producer established in 1899. The vending machine, which went into service last month, offers a 12-pack of Osaka Ikaten for 950 yen (approximately US$6), with cashless payment only accepted. Osaka Ikaten is a unique snack made with squid and shiso (Japanese basil), providing an exquisite flavor without any harsh acridity. Bunkaku Sohonpo, based in Nagoya, tailored this particular snack to Osaka's food culture after fans requested a specialized version of their existing Yukari shrimp crackers. The vending machine is conveniently located on the platform shared by Lines 25 and 26, near where Car 9 of the Shinkansen trains stops. This new machine allows travelers to quickly grab a package of Osaka Ikaten, whether it's their first stop in Osaka or their last before departing from the city.",
  "summary": "A new way to get your hands on a popular souvenir at Shin Osaka. There’s a good chance you’re in a hurry if you’re about to hop on the Shinkansen. After all, the bullet train network is generally the fastest option for long-distance travel in Japan, often even quicker than flying since it doesn’t require […]",
  "key_points": [
    "New vending machine at Shin Osaka Station offers Osaka Ikaten",
    "Bunkaku Sohonpo, 1899-established seafood senbei maker",
    "12-pack of Osaka Ikaten costs 950 yen, cashless payment"
  ],
  "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."
}