In 1985, Japan was shaken by a series of mysterious and deadly poisonings that became known as the “Vending Machine Murders” or the “paraquat murders.” Over the course of several months, twelve people lost their lives and thirty-five others became seriously ill after consuming soft drinks that had been tampered with and placed near vending machines across the country. Nearly four decades later, the case remains unsolved and stands as one of the most disturbing product-tampering incidents in modern history.
The poisonings occurred during a promotional campaign for Oronamin C, a popular vitamin drink. The campaign encouraged consumers to check vending machines for possible “free” bottles placed as part of a buy-one-get-one-free event. Taking advantage of this widely advertised promotion, an unknown individual left poisoned bottles near or on top of vending machines, knowing that many people would assume the drinks were part of the legitimate giveaway.
Victims who picked up and consumed these drinks became critically ill shortly afterward. Investigators later discovered that the beverages had been contaminated with paraquat dichloride, a highly toxic herbicide. In one instance, another toxic chemical, diquat, was used. These substances were commonly available during the 1980s, which made tracing their source extremely difficult.
The attacks appeared to follow no specific pattern. Victims varied in age, gender, location, and background, suggesting that the poisonings were random rather than targeted. This randomness made it even harder for authorities to understand the motivation behind the crimes. Japan’s National Police Agency launched an extensive investigation involving tens of thousands of officers, distributed nationwide warnings, and inspected vending machines — yet no direct link, suspect, or clear motive ever emerged.
At the time, vending machines were an essential part of daily life in Japan, found in public spaces, train stations, and along streets. The incidents created widespread fear, as the machines had always been seen as safe and convenient. After the poisonings, many people hesitated to pick up unattended drinks or accept what appeared to be promotional items. The case led to major changes in how vending-machine promotions were handled and raised new awareness of the risks associated with product tampering.
Authorities believed that a single person was responsible for most of the poisonings, though they acknowledged that a few incidents could have been copycat attempts due to the intense media coverage. Despite numerous leads, eyewitness statements, and chemical analyses, investigators were never able to identify a suspect. Over time, the trail went cold, and the case remains open today.
The 1985 vending machine murders remain the deadliest product-tampering case on record. Beyond the tragic loss of life, the incident left a lasting impact on public safety policies and consumer awareness in Japan. It is remembered not only for its scale but also for its unsettling randomness — a crime that struck ordinary people going about their daily routines, committed by an individual who has never been found.
