TOKYO — With one vending machine per an estimated 23 people, Japan has one of the world's highest vending machine densities per capita. One can buy almost anything from a kiosk or vending machine, from ice cream, rice and noodles, to watches, cell phones and even underwear. Now DVDs are joining that list. Astala Vista, based in Tokyo, recently placed 10 automated DVD rental machines provided by ELO Media in Tokyo subway stations. The kiosks, branded in Tokyo under the Astala Vista name, will dispense the latest Japanese and Hollywood flicks for Â¥350 (U.S. $3). After a long search for the right automated DVD rental kiosk to bring to Japan, Astala Vista has contracted with ELO Media to provide its kiosks, network and software.
"We considered developing our own product since most vending machines and networks are produced locally, but we realized it would take too long and require much capital," said Mr. Saito, president of Astala. "It made more sense to contract an existing provider such as ELO Media that had years of experience and a good product." Astala Vista plans to pilot the 10 machines in Tokyo subway stations for the next several months before installing another 50 by year-end. In the next two to three years, Saito believes it will quickly capture the Japanese market with several thousand machines.
"The average Japanese enduser is familiar with using kiosks for their services and is much further ahead of the American consumer in that respect. We believe this will catch on quite rapidly."
