The Vending Machine Killer - Japan 1985
In 1985, an unknown serial killer in Japan poisoned beverages, primarily Oronamin C and Real Gold, and left them in or around vending machines. At least 13 people died and 35 became seriously ill across western and central Japan. The primary poison used was paraquat dichloride, a highly toxic herbicide. The case remains unsolved, and while the statute of limitations for poisoning cases expired in 2000, Japan abolished the statute of limitations for murder in 2010, meaning the killer could still be prosecuted if identified.
Timeline
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January 2026 — 1 developments
New details emerged about the 1985 paraquat poisonings, including the specific modus operandi of lea…
New details emerged about the 1985 paraquat poisonings, including the specific modus operandi of leaving an 'extra' poisoned drink at vending machine retrieval openings and the spread of incidents to the Kanto region, alongside police warnings. A specific incident on November 19, 1985, in Chiba Prefecture, was also detailed.
August 2025 — 1 developments
New reports indicate that 14 people died in the 1985 vending machine poisonings, a higher count than previously reported.
New reports indicate that 14 people died in the 1985 vending machine poisonings, a higher count than previously reported. The incidents are also being linked to an earlier "poisoned cola murder case," and the possibility of suicide is being considered.
July 2025 — 1 developments
A YouTube video titled "The Vending Machine Murders – Japan's Paraquat Poisonings" is scheduled for release on July 5, 2025, as part of the "Supernatural Japan" series.
A YouTube video titled "The Vending Machine Murders – Japan's Paraquat Poisonings" is scheduled for release on July 5, 2025, as part of the "Supernatural Japan" series.
January 2024 — 3 developments
In autumn 1985, a woman attempted to poison her manager with cyanic acid in his coffee, hoping police would link it to other murders.
In autumn 1985, a woman attempted to poison her manager with cyanic acid in his coffee, hoping police would link it to other murders. She was arrested after the failed attempt and found to have been in possession of cyanide.
The final victim of the paraquat murders was a 25-year-old man who passed away after 47 days of orga…
The final victim of the paraquat murders was a 25-year-old man who passed away after 47 days of organ failure, following his consumption of tainted milk from a vending machine in 1985.
A 2024 video discusses that pesticide poisonings still constitute nearly 40% of all poisoning incide…
A 2024 video discusses that pesticide poisonings still constitute nearly 40% of all poisoning incidents in Japan since 2000, with the most recent unsolved case involving a poisoned can in a beer vending machine occurring in 2019.
September 2021 — 3 developments
New details reveal that paraquat was easily obtainable at the time of the 1985 poisonings, and the investigation was hampered by a lack of surveillance cameras and evidence.
New details reveal that paraquat was easily obtainable at the time of the 1985 poisonings, and the investigation was hampered by a lack of surveillance cameras and evidence. The nature of paraquat, with no antidote and delayed effects, also made connecting deaths to the poisonings difficult. A 2019 incident in Akita involving paraquat-laced beer in a vending machine was also reported.
A historical analysis suggests the 1985 incidents occurred during a transition period for beverage containers, following the 1977 cyanide cola case.
A historical analysis suggests the 1985 incidents occurred during a transition period for beverage containers, following the 1977 cyanide cola case. The lack of security cameras and physical evidence were key factors preventing the identification of a perpetrator.
The 1985 paraquat poisoning cases are linked to the earlier 1977 cyanide cola murder case.
The 1985 paraquat poisoning cases are linked to the earlier 1977 cyanide cola murder case.
February 2021 — 1 developments
In December 1985, copycat crimes emerged, with tainted milk containers found in Mie Prefecture and lime sulfur added to drinks in Tokyo.
In December 1985, copycat crimes emerged, with tainted milk containers found in Mie Prefecture and lime sulfur added to drinks in Tokyo. The statute of limitations on the vending machine murders has expired.
November 1985 — 1 developments
In response to the escalating incidents, warning labels and leaflets were posted around Tokyo and on many of Japan's 5.
In response to the escalating incidents, warning labels and leaflets were posted around Tokyo and on many of Japan's 5.2 million vending machines, cautioning the public against consuming abandoned drinks.
September 1985 — 2 developments
A 52-year-old man returning from a fishing trip purchased a bottle of Oronamin C from a vending machine in Izumisano and found another bottle left behind.
A 52-year-old man returning from a fishing trip purchased a bottle of Oronamin C from a vending machine in Izumisano and found another bottle left behind. He consumed both at home and died three days later, becoming one of five additional victims that month.
Over the course of September, a further five people fell victim to poisoned beverages, indicating a pattern of deliberate poisoning.
Over the course of September, a further five people fell victim to poisoned beverages, indicating a pattern of deliberate poisoning.
April 1985 — 1 developments
The first victim, a 45-year-old truck driver in Fukuyama, Hiroshima, drank a bottle of Oronamin C left on a vending machine.
The first victim, a 45-year-old truck driver in Fukuyama, Hiroshima, drank a bottle of Oronamin C left on a vending machine. He fell ill and died on May 30, 1985. Forensic examination later found traces of paraquat in his vomit.