"...with about one machine for every twenty-three people..." there's a lot to look at in the world of Japanese vending and here's some interesting ones I've found, including (of course) robots, eggs, batteries, umbrella's, games, classical busts, plants and beetles!
Source:
http://www.fubiz.net/2010/12/18/muji-noel-machine/
http://technabob.com/blog/2008/05/17/coca-cola-robots-invade-japan/
http://houseofkittyblog.com/2008/07/11/hello-kitty-popcorn-vending-machine/
http://pingmag.jp/2008/06/16/vending-machine-extravaganza/
http://funkydowntown.com/vending-machines-in-japan-everything-you-need-are-here/
http://www.disinfo.com/2010/11/vending-machine-uses-facial-recognition-techno...
http://blog.brillianttrips.com/2010/10/the-unique-vending-machines-of-japan/
http://kurai18.wordpress.com/2008/04/18/vending-machines-in-japan/
http://www.myeggnoodles.com/capsule-hotel-sapporo-japan.html
http://news.3yen.com/2009-07-30/the-japanese-url-says-it-all-skin/
http://buddingplanet.com/jap-green-house
http://www.flickr.com/groups/japanese_vending_machines/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vending_machine