Why Japan’s vending machines are under threat

But earlier this month, the Bank of Japan threw a spanner in the works for machine owners. It began issuing 1.6 trillion yen ($15.4 billion) worth of 3D hologram banknotes in 1000, 5000 and 10,000 yen denominations, the first renewal in 20 years.

As many as 80 per cent of the country’s vending…