Hasta La Gadget!

A recent trip to the laid-back neighborhood of Sangenchaya, a wee bit west of Shibuya, I stumbled upon this bizarre and slightly mysterious vending machine.

Tucked very inconspicuously behind a mobile phone shop entrance, the King’s Treasure Box promised to give up top-end electronic devices, luxury wallets and more to any Aladdin who rubbed its lamp to the tune of just 1,000 yen (about $12). “Make your dreams come true,” it proudly declared!

The actual product names and brands were not clearly marked, however. Instead there was just a vague poster covering the window with images of generic iPod-like gadgets, cameras and tempting fashion items. Clearly the excitement on not knowing what you will get is meant to be part of the lure. On closer inspection a notice stated that your purchase may possibly differ from the products depicted on the front of the vendor.

So, is this just a rip-off? You feed in 1,000 yen and get a tatty bit of plastic not even worth 100? Who knows. I did like, though, how it was opposite Seiyu, a famously low-cost retailer. Doesn’t exactly inspire confidence in the “dreams” the vendor promises, or am I just being cynical?

Checking online, there seem to be some others, including one in that den of strangeness, Akihabara. I didn’t have the bravery actually to make a purchase but it seems that you get a plain white box, inside of which is your unknown brand item. It reminds us of the fukubukuro lucky bags that are popular in the New Year sales in Japan, only with a little less class.