Selfie-taking machine hits streets of Japan

Japan-based beverage company Kirin and mobile app developer Line partner to release a beverage vending machine that also snaps pictures.

Two ubiquitous facets of Japanese culture are being fused together as Kirin Co. Ltd, one of the country's leading brewery and beverage manufacturer, and Line Corp., a mobile app developer, collaborate to launch a selfie-taking vending machine.

Japan's predilection for self-photography is evident in its many purikura photo booths while vending machines proliferate in almost every corner of the country's streets.

Taking advantage of these, Kirin and Line began rolling out beverage vending machines that incorporate a large LCD and a camera, and take customers' photos against a backdrop of their choice. Each customer is given three attempts to get the perfect shot. The picture will then be sent to their smartphones via Line's messaging app, which is widely used in Japan. The photos are free with every purchase of a drink.

Apart from taking pictures, the machine can be used for promotions and advertisements, and in providing public information such as commuting schedules, weather reports and emergency alerts.

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