Document 72 Hours (2006) : 13x23

Why are people drawn to udon vending machines? National Route 9 runs through the San'in region. A small rest stop along the road in western Shimane Prefecture. Many drivers stop by and slurp down udon noodles for about 350 yen. A couple says they stop by every time they return to their hometown. A boy and his family came from Fukuoka to visit this rest stop. Even late at night, people from all walks of life come and go, including drivers of huge trailers and men on their way to deliver milk. We stare at them for three days around the time of the Bon Festival