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- Japan is a society that's still in love with cash — and vending machines.
- Its decision to start issuing new banknotes has sparked a problem.
- Almost 80% of Japan's vending machines won't be ready to accept the new notes.
In many ways Japan is a country that's firmly embraced technology, yet it still remains attached to good old-fashioned cash.
Shops scattered along the Zelkova-lined avenue of Tokyo's Omotesando and the boutique shopping district of Ginza are no strangers to locals and tourists waving their credit cards. Still, cash remains king in several other locations.