Jidou Hanbaiki ni Umarekawatta Ore wa Meikyuu wo Samayou

Reborn as a Vending Machine, I Now Wander the Dungeon

Characters

Lammis

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Hakkon

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Shiro

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Suco

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Michel

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Hulemy

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Munami

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Shui

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Karios

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Acowi

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Kerioyl

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Okami-san

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Gocguy

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Filmina

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Gorth

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Gugoyle

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Mikenne

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Yadoya no Okami

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Kuma Kaichou

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Suori

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May

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Short

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Aka

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Onsei Guide

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Shirley

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Reborn as a Vending Machine, I Now Wander the Dungeon: A Quirky Isekai Adventure (Season 1 Review)

In the ever-expanding world of isekai anime, where protagonists are reincarnated as everything from heroes to slimes, Reborn as a Vending Machine, I Now Wander the Dungeon takes the genre to a delightfully absurd extreme. Adapted from Hirukuma’s light novel series, the first season of this unique fantasy-comedy aired from July to September 2023, delivering 12 episodes of whimsical charm, vending machine trivia, and surprisingly heartfelt moments. Produced by Studio Gokumi and AXsiZ, the anime introduces viewers to Boxxo, a vending machine otaku who meets a fittingly ironic end and is reborn as—yes—a sentient vending machine in a monster-filled fantasy world. Here’s a dive into what makes Season 1 of this bizarre yet endearing series stand out.

A Premise That Defies Expectations

The story begins with our unnamed protagonist, a self-proclaimed vending machine enthusiast, who dies in a tragic accident while trying to save a vending machine from falling off a truck. Upon awakening, he finds himself reincarnated as a magical vending machine named Boxxo (voiced by Jun Fukuyama) in a fantasy world teeming with dungeons, monsters, and adventurers. Unable to move or speak beyond pre-recorded vending machine phrases like “Get one free with a winner” or “Too bad,” Boxxo’s new existence seems limiting at first glance. However, his ability to dispense items he purchased in his past life, convert sales into points for upgrades, and adapt his form (from a soda dispenser to a jukebox or even a defibrillator) turns his predicament into a surprisingly versatile adventure.

Boxxo’s journey takes off when he meets Lammis (voiced by Kaede Hondo), a kind-hearted and super-strong hunter who discovers him in a monster-infested forest. Naming him Boxxo and strapping him to her back, Lammis becomes his primary mode of transportation and his closest ally. Together, they navigate the labyrinthine dungeons and settlements of this new world, with Boxxo providing food, drinks, and creative solutions to problems, while Lammis offers physical strength and emotional warmth. Their dynamic forms the heart of the series, blending humor with a genuine bond that elevates the show beyond its gimmicky premise.

A Fresh Spin on Isekai Tropes

What sets Reborn as a Vending Machine apart in the crowded isekai genre is its commitment to its absurd concept without resorting to overused clichés. Unlike many isekai protagonists who gain overpowered abilities or godlike status, Boxxo’s powers are tied to his vending machine mechanics. He must strategically manage his inventory, earn coins to sustain himself, and upgrade his features—like adding a force field or transforming into a gas pump—to survive dangers. This limitation creates a refreshing underdog narrative, as Boxxo relies on ingenuity and teamwork rather than brute strength.

The series also pokes fun at role-playing game (RPG) and Dungeons & Dragons tropes, with Boxxo’s vending machine abilities serving as a parody of traditional adventurer skills. For example, in one episode, he defeats enemies by creatively combining items like Diet Coke and Mentos, showcasing the show’s playful approach to combat. Critics like Robert Frazer from UK Anime Network have praised this originality, noting that the series is “a blast of fresh air to flush out the stale isekai genre.”

The worldbuilding, while not revolutionary, is engaging enough to support the comedic tone. The fantasy setting, with its frogmen, bandits, and dungeon hierarchies, provides a colorful backdrop for Boxxo and Lammis’s adventures. The show introduces a small but memorable cast, including Hulemy, a magic researcher who recognizes Boxxo’s sentience, and members of the Hunters Association, who rely on Boxxo’s goods during missions. These characters add depth to the community around Clearflow Lake, where Boxxo becomes a beloved fixture.

Strengths: Humor, Heart, and Vending Machine Lore

Season 1 shines in its ability to balance humor with heartfelt moments. The comedy stems from Boxxo’s absurd situation and his limited communication, which leads to funny misunderstandings and clever workarounds. Jun Fukuyama’s voice acting brings surprising expressiveness to Boxxo’s robotic phrases, while Kaede Hondo’s energetic performance as Lammis adds warmth and relatability. Their chemistry is a highlight, with critics like Theron Martin from Anime News Network praising their relationship for avoiding “hackneyed gimmicks” and delivering genuine camaraderie.

The series also weaves in unexpected educational tidbits about vending machines, reflecting Hirukuma’s passion for the subject. From the mechanics of coin-operated machines to the variety of items sold in Japanese vending machines (think hot soup or books), Boxxo’s abilities double as a quirky history lesson. Fans on platforms like Reddit have noted this “novelty” as a draw, appreciating the passion behind the premise.

The animation, while not groundbreaking, suits the show’s lighthearted tone. Studio Gokumi and AXsiZ deliver vibrant visuals for the fantasy world, with Boxxo’s transformations animated with playful flair. The opening theme, “Fanfare” by BRADIO, and the ending theme, “Itsumo no Soup” by Peel the Apple, capture the series’ quirky and nostalgic vibe, reminiscent of early 2000s Japanese commercials.

Weaknesses: Limited Depth and Pacing

While *Re部分

Reborn as a Vending Machine, I Now Wander the Dungeon Season 1 is a delightful and unconventional addition to the isekai genre, offering a fresh take through its absurd premise, charming characters, and clever humor. While it may not appeal to those seeking deep narratives or high-stakes action, its lighthearted approach, endearing protagonist duo, and creative use of vending machine mechanics make it a standout for fans of comedic fantasy. With Season 2 already premiered in July 2025, now is the perfect time to catch up on this quirky gem, available to stream on Crunchyroll.

Rating: 7/10 – A fun, if not flawless, adventure that proves even a vending machine can steal the show.