Eiji Ohashi was born and raised in Hokkaido, the northernmost part of Japan. In winter, this region is blanketed with snow, a sight that ignited his sense of creativity. One evening, during an intense snowstorm, he found his way home solely guided by the lights of Japan's infamous Jihanki vending machines.
Known as Jihanki in Japan, these vending machines play a significant role in local communities and can be discovered even in the most remote locations. To Ohashi, these vending machines represent more than mere convenience; they symbolize human interaction with modern life.
Ohashi dedicated 9 years to traveling around Japan in search of solitary vending machines. His photographs evoke curiosity and a sense of solitude, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of post-industrial societies where nature, such as snow and mountains, has reclaimed its territory.