TripZillaMany countries around the world have entire cities and little towns where preserving the architecture or look of the area is actually required by law. That not only applies to maintenance but also how new establishments and facilities are designed. For instance, putting up a modern-looking building in Intramuros, Manila is banned because this old town is considered to be one of the biggest landmarks of the Spanish-era in the Philippines.
Japan takes it even further because local authorities strive to uphold a landscape design even in the smallest things. On Twitter, a Japanese local that goes by the handle ekimemo_kinako posted a perfect example of this through her photo of a vending machine that blended in with its forest surroundings.
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Japanese vending machines that blend in
On the post, the Japanese local wrote, “Landscape-friendly vending machine.” This machine is located at Iwami Ginzan, Ohda City in Shimane prefecture; it makes use of a large wooden frame to hold the various beverages.
Image credit: ekimemo_kinako Twitter page
The tweet has gained more than 30,000 retweets and more than 170,000 likes as of writing, In the same thread, another Japanese local by the Twitter handle of momoskyswift replied with a similar photo of another vending machine in Tochigi prefecture. The vending machine is located near the Oya Stone museum, which was an old mining site. This explains the worn down and rusted look of the machine.
Image credit: momoskyswift Twitter page
Japan’s installation process
In an interview with a Japanese website called ITmediaNlab, the Iwami Silver Mine Division said that these atmosphere-preserving initiatives started in 1996, when Japanese prefectures were aiming to be registered as World Heritage Sites.
Ohda City, for example, has a townscape preservation ordinance that underscores the need to keep the townscape from the Edo period. Furthermore, locals who want to conduct home repairs, expansions, renovations, and new constructions in the Iwami Silver Mine Division Preservation Area need the permission of local authorities.
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The fact that this ordinance applies even to the most mundane facilities like vending machines is a testament to how the Japanese value their heritage and culture in the midst of adapting to modern times. Ever seen cool vending machines in Japan that blend with the environment? Share your photos under the comment section of our Facebook page.
