InsideJapan News Network

Visitors to Japan have long been used to the many colourful vending machines that adorn city streets, but now they will be able to use them to access the internet on their smartphone or tablet.

That is because high-tech vending machines are set to hit Japanese streets this month that will not only distribute thirst-quenching drinks but also offer free WiFi to anyone within a 50m radius, the Telegraph reported.

Asahi Soft Drinks is deploying 1,000 of the machines across five regions of Japan and plans to launch as many as 10,000 over the next five years.

Users will not need a password or username and will be able to take advantage of half an hour of free internet at a time.

This is not the first time that a novel use of convenience technology has been announced in Japan.

Last month, the games company SEGA unveiled its 'Toylet' computer game that allows men in bar bathrooms to play a game while using a urinal fitted with the device.