🍋 On a street corner in Tsuruhashi, Osaka, stands a vending machine selling only ponzu. "If you don't like it, I'll give you your money back," reads the bold sign. The man behind it spent 21 years as a banker before opening a fugu restaurant at age 50. Now he sells Japan's award-winning citrus-soy sauce 24/7 through repurposed machines. This is the story of Osaka merchant spirit in a single vending machine.
The Birth of Tsuruhashi's Ponzu Vending Machine
Osaka's Tsuruhashi district is renowned for its vibrant yakiniku restaurants and Korea Town. Step off at JR Tsuruhashi Station, and you're immediately greeted by the savory aroma of grilling meat and rows of shops selling Korean ingredients and kimchi. Tucked away in this bustling neighborhood stands an unusual vending machine.
Inside, you won't find canned coffee or bottled water. Instead, it's stocked entirely with ponzu—a citrus-based Japanese condiment. Emblazoned across the machine in bold letters is the phrase: "If it's no good, I'll give you your money back!"
The operation is run by Ko Heiretsu, chairman of Upper Corporation. Today, seven of these unique machines dot the Tsuruhashi area, becoming a distinctive local landmark.
From Banker to Fugu Chef: A Turbulent Journey
Ko-san was born and raised in Tsuruhashi. After 21 years working as a banker, he made a life-changing decision at age 50: he would finally pursue his dream of opening a fugu (pufferfish) restaurant called "Toraya."
The path was far from smooth. His initial venture failed, leaving him in dire straits. But Ko-san refused to give up. He took part-time jobs to make ends meet while studying for his culinary license, eventually returning to the kitchen.
Toraya operated as a beloved tecchiri (fugu hotpot) specialty restaurant for ten years before closing its doors. Yet from that kitchen emerged one recipe that would become the seed of Ko-san's next adventure.
The Craftsmanship Behind "Gold Ponzu"
The homemade ponzu served at the restaurant was built on a foundation of premium Yuasa soy sauce from Wakayama Prefecture—considered one of Japan's finest. Ko-san layered in carefully selected ingredients: bonito flakes from Makurazaki in Kagoshima, kombu from Rishiri in Hokkaido, and shiitake mushrooms from Oita. The finishing touch came from sudachi and yuzu citrus grown in Tokushima, creating a perfectly balanced harmony of flavors.
This meticulously crafted sauce earned recognition from the Japan Ponzu Council Hall of Fame, and Ko-san became known as the "Ponzu Master."
The product lineup includes several options: the standard Tsuruhashi Ponzu sells for ¥450 (200ml) or ¥750 (365ml). The Tsuruhashi Kimchi Ponzu, blended with gochujang, pays homage to the neighborhood's Korean heritage. The premium "Gold Ponzu" commands ¥1,500 for 365ml, featuring gold flakes and serving as a lucky charm—students facing exams have been known to purchase it for good fortune.
"Mottainai" Thinking Sparks a Vending Machine Business
Why sell ponzu through vending machines? The idea originated from Ko-san's sense of "mottainai"—the Japanese concept of not letting things go to waste.
When he noticed old vending machine units being discarded by sake shops going out of business, Ko-san thought: "These still work perfectly. Why throw them away?" The concept of repurposing them to sell ponzu was born.
The benefits proved compelling: 24-hour availability for customers, reduced labor costs, and undeniable novelty. This unconventional approach to selling condiments attracted significant media attention, featuring on numerous television programs including MBS's "Sando no Meshi yori Are ga Suki!" and Yomiuri TV's "Osaka Honwaka TV."
The True Meaning Behind "Money Back If You Don't Like It"
The phrase plastered on the machine—"If it's no good, I'll give you your money back"—isn't mere marketing copy. It reflects Ko-san's absolute confidence in his product and his pride as an Osaka merchant.
In practice, refund requests have been virtually nonexistent. The only recorded case involved a container that arrived damaged. That track record speaks to the quality behind the guarantee.
"Gold Ponzu is a 'happiness-bringing ponzu.' I want it to bring joy to family dinner tables," Ko-san explains. Having taken the long road through setbacks and second chances, every drop of his creation carries the warmth of someone who genuinely wants to delight his customers.
Japanese Vending Machine Culture and Local Specialties
Japan stands as one of the world's great vending machine nations. As of late 2024, approximately 3.91 million vending machines operate across the country. When adjusted for population and land area, Japan likely boasts the highest vending machine density on Earth.
Traditionally, these machines dispensed beverages and cigarettes. However, convenience store coffee has cut into canned coffee sales, while health regulations have reduced smoking rates and eliminated many tobacco machines.
Rising to fill this gap are unique vending machines selling local specialties. Shizuoka's "Chabacco" sells tea in cigarette-style packaging. Fresh-squeezed orange juice machines have appeared in urban areas. One metal recycling company's president even sells artisanal ponzu from machines outside his factory—purely because he loves the stuff.
Tsuruhashi's ponzu vending machine represents this new wave in Japanese vending culture.
Japan's Vending Machines Capture Global Attention
For international visitors to Japan, the ubiquitous vending machines are a source of wonder. They operate safely around the clock, dispense both hot and cold drinks from the same unit, and accept cashless payments—representing cutting-edge retail technology.
But perhaps the greatest appeal is the sense of discovery: "What unexpected thing might be sold here?" Canned oden, ramen, gyoza, and now ponzu. Hunting for quirky vending machines has become a tourist activity in its own right, adding to Japan's inbound tourism appeal.
Conclusion: From Osaka to the World
The Tsuruhashi ponzu vending machine is far more than a condiment dispenser.
It contains the life story of a man who went from banker to chef, faced failure, yet never abandoned his dream. It embodies environmental consciousness through reusing discarded equipment. It demonstrates customer-first thinking with its money-back guarantee. It represents community-rooted business values. All condensed into a single machine.
Every region of Japan has beloved local condiments and specialties—miso, soy sauce, dashi, various sauces. Perhaps your hometown has something that would make for an interesting vending machine product too.
What kinds of things are sold in vending machines in your country? If there were a 24-hour vending machine for local specialties, what would you want it to sell? We'd love to hear your thoughts!
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Reactions in Japan
Was walking around Tsuruhashi and found a ponzu vending machine, surprised me! 😂 It said 'Money back if you don't like it' - so Osaka-like it made me laugh. Actually bought it and it was really delicious, totally convinced.
Speaking as a chef, if it's based on Yuasa soy sauce with Rishiri kombu and Makurazaki bonito, 1500 yen is actually cheap. You need ingredients at this level to make serious ponzu.
Went to Tsuruhashi Korea Town! The yakiniku and kimchi were amazing, but my personal MVP was this ponzu vending machine. The retro look is so aesthetic 📸
Honestly thought 750 yen was expensive for ponzu, but compared to cheap supermarket ones it's completely different. The depth of the dashi is on another level. Definitely buying again.
I'm a local. This vending machine has been here for over 10 years. I knew about it before it was on TV, so I have mixed feelings about it suddenly becoming famous lol
21 years as banker → opened fugu restaurant at 50 → failed → bounced back → vending machine business. This guy's life could be a drama. Never giving up is important.
It says 'money back if you don't like it' but how do you actually get a refund? From a vending machine? I don't understand the system there.
Tried the Kimchi Ponzu! Paired it with pork shabu-shabu and it was incredible 🔥 Perfect balance of gochujang spice and citrus freshness
Love that they're reusing machines that would otherwise be thrown away. It's sustainable and the 'mottainai' spirit is so Japanese.
Took my tourist friend there and they got so excited. 'Japanese vending machines are really crazy! They even sell ponzu!?' Seems like it made a good souvenir.
So useful during nabe season! Worth the trip to Tsuruhashi to buy it. My family loves it and we keep going back for more.
I get the novelty, but honestly regular ponzu from the local supermarket is good enough for me. Is it really worth going all the way to Tsuruhashi?
Bought 'Gold Ponzu' for my son taking entrance exams! With gold flakes it seems lucky ✨ Also a prayer for passing. You know, good luck charm stuff.
A must-visit spot for vending machine hunters! I travel around Japan finding unique machines, and this one's a must-see. The owner's personality was amazing too.
The taste from a ponzu craftsman who trained at a fugu restaurant is legit. Not too acidic, with prominent dashi umami. Works great for both sashimi and hot pot.
Japanese vending machine culture is incredible! In the US we only get snacks and drinks, but in Japan you can buy ponzu. The 'money back guarantee' shows real confidence in the product. Definitely visiting on my next Japan trip!
We're getting more bread vending machines in France recently, but I've never seen one for condiments. The story of a former banker chasing his dream at 50 and succeeding is inspiring. This is true entrepreneurship.
Tsuruhashi is famous as Korea Town so I feel a connection. The Kimchi Ponzu product is interesting! I love how Korean and Japanese food cultures are blending together.
In the UK vending machines only sell chocolate bars at best. Japan's safety probably makes these unique businesses possible. I'm jealous.
A salsa vending machine in Mexico would be interesting! The concept of buying local condiments 24/7 could work worldwide.
As a German, I appreciate the eco-friendly idea of reusing machines that would otherwise be discarded. Great combination of sustainability and local business.
Australia's been getting more unique vending machines lately, but we're no match for Japan. A ponzu vending machine? That's just too creative (lol)
Singapore has car vending machines, but not many for food. Japan's combination of food dedication and vending machine culture is unique in the world.
As an Italian, I understand the passion for locally crafted condiments. A balsamic vinegar vending machine in Modena could be interesting!
I've seen maple syrup vending machines in Canada, but Japan's vending machine diversity is amazing. Want to do a vending machine tour on my next Japan trip!
Vending machines aren't common in Brazil, partly due to safety concerns. I'm envious of Japan where machines are everywhere on the streets.
In Sweden we value efficiency, so 24-hour vending machines make sense. But selling ponzu is uniquely Japanese thinking.
As an American, a 'money back guarantee' vending machine seems like a lawsuit waiting to happen (lol). It's a business model that only works in Japan.
Russia is getting more unique vending machines, but nothing like Japan's variety. The idea of selling local specialties is inspiring.
A chutney or pickle vending machine in India could be a hit! Hope Japanese ideas inspire local specialty vending machine businesses in India too.