Kamakura Foods Launches Japan's First Tech-Driven Bento Vending Machine
Kamakura Foods, a startup led by a former Sony chip engineer with a Japanese education, is set to disrupt the bento market in Japan. The company's maiden vending machine, operating under the brand Wada Bento, is scheduled to launch this Friday in Osaka's Kitahama district.
Founder and CEO Jason Chen sees a vast opportunity in providing a logistics solution to serve hot bentos in Japan. The annual sales of 'steamed rice, etc.' in Japan reached JPY 4.77 trillion (USD 31.6 billion) in 2022, marking a 7.4% growth from the previous year.
Kamakura Foods' vending machine can serve a bento in just 17 seconds and has been designed with wheelchair accessibility in mind. The company operates under a subscription model, charging fees based on sales amount. It has already gained traction in Hong Kong, selling over 600,000 hot bentos since 2019 through 40 machines in various locations such as office buildings, university campuses, and construction sites.
The machine will be placed in an outlet of Obento Monogatari, a small local chain, to sell its ready-made box lunches. Although information about Japanese partners is scarce, the collaboration signals a step towards wider acceptance in the Japanese market.
Kamakura Foods' entry into the Japanese bento market is an exciting development, offering a tech-based platform for automatic bento service. With a proven track record in Hong Kong and a promising market outlook in Japan, the company's vending machines could redefine the way bentos are distributed and enjoyed.
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