This is Randi Hacker with another Postcard from Asia from the KU Center for East Asian Studies.

From the nightingale floor that sang to warn the shogun of intruders to the bowlingual dog bark translation device, the Japanese have always liked clever -- and talking -- gadgets. So this latest should come as no surprise. You’re in the central Tokyo Station and you’re thirsty so you go to the, you know, vending machine to buy a drink. Only this is not your average vending machine. Uh uh. This vending machine has opinions on what beverage you want. Sensors built into large touch panels read your demographic and make recommendations based on market research. For a man, the machine will suggest a caffeine drink unless he’s over 50 then it’s green tea. A woman of 20, will be invited to buy a sweetened drink. Recommendations change depending on time of day and season. Sales have tripled. Welcome to the age of the canned drink imperative.

From the KU Center for East Asian Studies, this is Randi Hacker. Wish you were here.