I've finally figured out why there are over 2.6 million beverage vending machines in Japan -- companionship.
Think about it. Have you ever noticed how Japanese people stand next to vending machines in train stations for no apparent reason? Haven't you observed the curious Japanese habit of buying a drink, then standing next to the machine to drink it?
Surely you've watched Japanese people sidle up to a vending machine and stare into the white light mesmerized, like a deer looking into headlights. Something is going on here!