I haven’t seen alcohol vending machines here in Tokyo in many years, however you are correct that alcohol is cheap and easily available. You can buy a 330ml can

I haven’t seen alcohol vending machines here in Tokyo in many years, however you are correct that alcohol is cheap and easily available. You can buy a 330ml can of 9% alcohol drink called Strong Zero at the supermarket for close to ¥100. Many restaurants offer ‘all you can drink’ specials for as little as ¥1200 for two hours. I’m actually surprised that alcohol related deaths are so low.