Tokyo Turns Vending Culture Into a Culture of Giving

Giving Machines put a new twist on Japan’s iconic vending tradition — delivering hope and kindness instead of goods. The bright red machines in downtown Tokyo feature high-tech touchscreens and engaging animations. Visitors can select from 30 items, including food, clothing, shelter, textbooks, disaster kits, sports equipment and more. Instead of dispensing products, 100% of donations go to five partner charities, which distribute the selected items to people in need. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints covers all operational costs.

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A Global Effort

Since their introduction in 2017, Giving Machines have become a hallmark of the Church’s Light the World initiative. Nearly 3 million people have donated almost $50 million to support people in need.

This year, Tokyo joins 125 other cities in 21 countries across six continents in hosting Giving Machines.

Launch Event

The Giving Machines are in the Otemori Forest Plaza at Otemachi Tower in the center of Tokyo’s office district. They opened on Monday, November 24, 2025, coinciding with Japan’s Labor Thanksgiving Day — a national holiday dedicated to gratitude, making the message of service especially meaningful.

At the official launch event on November 27, leaders from government, religious, corporate and community organizations joined representatives from the five partner charities and the Church’s Asia North Area Presidency and their wives to celebrate this milestone.

Ryosho Shoji, deputy secretary general of the World Fellowship of Buddhists and chair of its Humanitarian Aid Committee, expressed gratitude for his long-standing relationship with the Church of Jesus Christ. In sharing his personal and organizational experiences in humanitarian work, he emphasized the importance of unity: “Although we come from different religions and positions, by joining our efforts, we can create great strength and help those who are struggling.” 

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Mitsuya Kodama, secretary general of CARE International Japan, highlighted local and global challenges, saying, “These are not someone else’s problems, but social issues that we must address.” 

Believing that the Giving Machines will foster a culture of giving in Japan, he said, “When you see these red machines, I hope you will pause for a moment and turn your wish for someone’s happiness into action. This small light will surely become someone’s hope.”

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Elder J. Kimo Esplin, president of the Asia North Area of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, emphasized that Giving Machines transcend boundaries of different religions, organizations and cultures.

“The true spirit of Christmas lies in giving, and Giving Machines bring the spirit of Christmas to life,” he said. “Let us brighten the world together, starting today.”

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Charity Collaborators

The five organizations collaborating with the Tokyo Giving Machines are:

• Second Harvest Japan – Food assistance and meal delivery
• Good Neighbors – Aid for single-parent households and disaster recovery
• Japan Association for Refugees – Legal and livelihood support for refugees
• UNHCR - The UN Refugee Agency – Emergency response and refugee protection
• CARE International Japan – Support to defeat global poverty and world hunger

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Building on Japan’s Vending Machine Culture

Japan has one of the highest vending machine densities in the world — over four million nationwide, or about one for every 25 people. These machines offer everything from drinks and snacks to fresh fruit and gourmet meals and have become symbols of convenience and trust in Japanese society. Giving Machines take this familiar concept and give it a new purpose: instead of delivering goods, they deliver hope. By transforming an everyday habit into an act of compassion, Giving Machines invite people to turn routine convenience into meaningful service — bringing light and joy to both givers and to those in need.

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Open Through Christmas

The Tokyo Giving Machines will be available through Christmas day, December 25, 2025.  For details, including location, times, item lists and charity profiles, visit GivingMachinesJapan.jp.