NFT vending machines are quietly reshaping how digital collectibles are sold in Japan—no crypto wallet or blockchain knowledge required.
Japan’s Web3 marketing firm 24karat, in partnership with Dapper Labs and Flow, has deployed AIICO smart vending machines across major urban hubs—from Hokkaido to Okinawa—allowing users to purchase NBA Top Shot NFT packs using mobile payments like credit cards and Apple Pay, for around $6.70 (¥1,000).
Here’s how it works: users select a pack, scan the QR code on the touchscreen, and instantly mint an NFT on Flow via an automatically generated wallet. No cryptocurrency, no gas fees, no technical setup.
This initiative expands further through Bto3’s AIICO network, set to roll out over 1,000 vending machines nationwide. Each machine offers NFTs (e.g. Bloboo character art) purchasable with credit cards, mobile wallets, or QR codes, dispensing a QR code tied to a unique mint URL—making NFT sales as simple as grabbing a snack.
🧭 Why It’s a Game-Changer
Ultra-accessible: No crypto, no wallet—anyone can buy NFTs with fiat via familiar retail interfaces.
Mainstream placement: Located in train stations, malls, cafes—and part of daily routines.
Bridging physical and digital: Vending machines become everyday on-ramps to Web3.
In short: Japan’s vending machine NFT model is pioneering a new era of accessibility—bridging on-chain collectibles with everyday life by offering credit card payments and instant ownership.