Reborn as a Vending Machine: A Heartwarming Isekai Adventure

Reborn as a Vending Machine, I Now Wander the Dungeon

Picture this: you wake up one day expecting the usual routine, but instead, you find yourself reincarnated into a whole new world. Sounds exciting, right? Well, hold on to your seat, because here comes the twist. You're not reborn as a human, an animal, or even a fantastical creature. No, my friend, you're reincarnated as... wait for it... a vending machine! Yes, you heard that right. A vending machine!

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I know it may sound utterly absurd at first glance, and you might think it's the result of a wild and nonsensical imagination. But hey, sometimes the most unexpected ideas can turn into something extraordinary, and that’s part of life’s beauty. That's exactly what this anime explores.

It takes this seemingly ludicrous concept and runs with it, examining the possibilities and potential hidden beneath the surface along the way, all while keeping you entertained. So, while it may seem like a bizarre and unconventional premise, don't be too quick to dismiss it. Sometimes, the most unconventional ideas can lead to the most captivating and thought-provoking stories.

Who knows, maybe being a vending machine in a whole new world has its own unique charm and profound messages to offer. Intrigued yet? Give it a watch and see for yourself!

"Reborn as a Vending Machine, I Now Wander the Dungeon," also known as "Jidou Hanbaiki ni Umarekawatta Ore wa Meikyuu wo Samayou," is an anime TV series that Slow Curve, Studio Gokumi, and AXsiZ animated.

Masayuki Takahashi serves as the assistant director to Noriaki Akitaya, who is in charge of the series. Tatsuya Takahashi oversees the series scripts, and Takahiro Sakai adapts Yūki Hagure's designs for animation. Yuta Uraki and Keita Takahashi are the creators of the series' music.

It aired from the 5th of July to the 20th of September 2023 on Tokyo MX and other networks. Crunchyroll has obtained the licensing rights for the series outside of Asia. "Reborn as a Vending Machine, I Now Wander the Dungeon" consists of 12 episodes.

Based on a light novel, Studio Gokumi and AXsiZ produced the show. It falls under the genres of comedy and fantasy, with themes of isekai (another world) and reincarnation. Each episode has a duration of approximately 23 minutes, and the series carries a PG-13 rating, making it suitable for viewers aged 13 years and older.

On August 27th, 2021, ASCII Media Works released the Kunieda-illustrated manga adaptation, which had been serializing in the shnen manga magazine Dengeki Daioh. Additionally, Yen Press has obtained the licensing rights for the manga and is providing digital simultaneous publication of the series.

The series, originally written by Hirukuma, was initially published as a web novel on the user-generated novel publishing website Shōsetsuka ni Narō. The online publication occurred from the 3rd of March to the 18th of December, 2016. Kadokawa Shoten acquired the series and released it as a light novel, with the first volume hitting the shelves on August 1st, 2016.

Yen Press later announced their licensing of the series for an English release during Anime Expo 2017. When the anime adaptation was released, Kadokawa published a new edition of the light novel, featuring new illustrations by Yūki Hagure!

In this whimsical tale, a man who is deeply passionate about vending machines experiences a most unexpected twist of fate. Upon waking up, he realizes that not only has he passed away, but he has also been reincarnated as one of his beloved vending machines!

Transported to a fantasy world, he soon discovers that he needs money to continue functioning. However, his stagnant existence takes a turn when a young girl named Lammis stumbles upon him. Lammis uses her "Blessing of Might" to effortlessly lift him and bring him to the village of Clearflow Lake because she is interested in the variety of drinks and food he is offering. In a heartwarming gesture, she officially names him Boxxo, solidifying their newfound bond.

Now, even though Boxxo lacks the ability to communicate with the villagers, he quickly becomes an indispensable member of the community. Through his vending machine offerings, he provides nourishment to the townspeople, gradually becoming an integral part of their daily lives. As Boxxo acquires new abilities and expands his product range, he solidifies his position as a beloved figure in the village.

However, no one cherishes Boxxo's presence more than Lammis, his first and most loyal customer. As their bond strengthens, Boxxo endeavors to assist Lammis in honing her skills as a young hunter, offering guidance and support along her journey. Together, they embark on a heartwarming quest for growth and friendship.

By now, we're all familiar with the genre that has become a repetitive joke in the Anime-Manga industry. Many works attempt to introduce something new, like Okashi no Tensei (Sweet Reincarnation), but often fall short in terms of plot and end up encountering the same issues that plague similar stories.

However, novelist Hirukuma's Jidou Hanbaiki ni Umarekawatta Ore wa Meikyuu wo Samayou breaks the mold and stands out as a true work of art. It does so using very simple means: delivering exactly what it promises! It offers a typical Isekai story, but in the engaging and entertaining style of an infomercial that most viewers can honestly enjoy.

Even if you haven't had the chance to visit Japan, like many passionate anime fans around the world, you're likely aware of the country's deep fascination with vending machines. It's a genuine phenomenon that can only be fully appreciated by experiencing it firsthand. In Japan, it's not uncommon to come across vending machines at every corner and in every remote location, extending beyond the typical offerings of food and drinks.

There are even vending machines situated near iconic landmarks like Mount Fuji. It's no wonder that this anime came into existence and that there’s a decent fanbase for it. One might expect that, aside from the vending machine and the caretaker, the remaining characters in the anime would fall into predictable tropes and lack depth. However, surprisingly, this is not the case. In an unexpected twist, the characters in this series possess more personality than in many other Isekai stories, which is both intriguing and perplexing.

One of the things I loved most in this series is the relationship between Boxxo and Lammis, which is weird and works at the same time. While watching, I honestly contemplated the possibility of Boxxo obtaining a human form; while that isn’t completely off the table, it’s better if he doesn’t because the show will lose the charm of what makes it work so brilliantly.

Boxxo is extremely versatile at nearly everything, as he is capable of transforming into different types of vending machines, giving us a taste of the insane variety of vending machines that exist across the globe. This means he serves a very important purpose for all the people using him, not just Lammis. Meanwhile, Lammis’ special ability, dubbed the “Blessing of Might," allows her to carry Boxxo around like a backpack with ease.

Their "I scratch your back, you scratch mine" dynamic makes this even easier because the female hunter can better control her strength in this mutual exchange. Now going towards the weird territory, Boxxo does have a crush on Lammis, but she is honestly just a genuine being who deeply cares for her friends and loved ones. Even after monsters killed her parents, leaving her an orphan and a social outcast, she developed this personality.

Because of all these reasons, the duo truly has each other's backs, like how Lammis prefers to hold Boxxo close to her and wouldn’t hesitate for a second to go find him if he goes missing. We see their tale unfolding from Boxxo’s perspective, which makes the series super amusing thanks to his running commentary. His attempts to justify some of the most absurd purchases he made as a human were beyond hilarious to me and mildly relatable too. We ingest the new world’s information through Boxxo as well, and he honestly is a great MC in terms of character.

The animation quality pleasantly surprises with its decent execution. It surpasses the typical production values found in most Isekai anime, offering a smooth and fluid visual experience instead of the usual subpar animation. The internal soundtrack maintains a mellow tone and doesn't draw much attention, but the external soundtrack stands out. Both the opening and ending themes are excellent additions to the anime.

The ending theme, in particular, evokes nostalgia for the quirky Japanese commercials that used to air late at night in the early 2000s. The opening theme song, titled "Fanfare" by BRADIO, and the ending theme song, titled "Itsumo no Soup" ("The Usual Soup") by Peel the Apple, contribute to the overall enjoyment of the series. While it won’t be breaking records or winning awards, there’s honestly nothing to complain about in this department.

The tendency of most Isekai stories to overlook the smaller details and portray the protagonist as overwhelmingly powerful without taking the consequences into account turns off many viewers. However, what sets this anime apart is the absurdity of a vending machine contemplating these matters.

Surprisingly, this ridiculous concept is handled tastefully and with thoughtful consideration, resulting in an enjoyable experience. It is in the attention to these smaller aspects that the series seems to flourish, ultimately resonating with viewers who appreciate such details.

Certainly! When it comes to whether or not I'd suggest giving this anime a go, my answer thus far is a resounding "yes!" However, it comes with a small caveat: as long as you're open to embracing the absurd and straightforward premise it offers,. It's essential to keep in mind that, despite my praise, this series isn't without its imperfections.

Nevertheless, I must admit that the overall experience has been highly enjoyable thus far. So, if you're up for an adventure that embraces the unexpected and provides a good dose of entertainment, this anime might just be the perfect fit for you. Recommended.