Obama Puts Tokyo's Vending Machines Out-Of-Service

Above, vending machines like this one in Tokyo were sealed for Obama's visit. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It has been reported in the Japanese (and some western) press that lockers at some of Tokyo's train and subway stations had been temporarily closed for President Barack Obama's visit to Japan.

Rocket News 24 reported yesterday that along with lockers, vending machines were also closed for business during Obama's visit. Prior to Obama's arrival, the vending machines were sealed with tape.

They reported:

This evening, U.S. President Barack Obama arrives in Japan. While here, he’ll be meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, with the two scheduled to discuss strengthening diplomatic ties between the U.S. and Japan, and also the possibility of Japan participating in the Trans-Pacific Partnership, or TPP. 

Since we spend at least half of our time thinking with our stomachs, we can’t help but realize that Japan’s agreeing to the proposed trade agreement would likely mean lower import taxes on American beef. But while the possibility of a future with more meat has us excited, it comes with a gastronomic price, as the security measures surrounding the president’s visit mean that a number of beverage and ice cream vending machines in Tokyo have been temporarily shut down ahead of his arrival.

Notices had been posted that the machines would not be usable until after April 25. Even recycling boxes found near the vending machines were sealed, making it difficult for people to find place to discard their trash.

To read the article, and see many photographs of the sealed vending machines, go here.