Giving
Machine
It’s not a vending machine
—it’s a machine for giving.
If you see this red machine, check it out.
Press a button, but no products come out.
Instead, what you purchase goes to someone in need.
Beyond the pleasure of receiving,
The fun of choosing, the joy of giving,
And the warmth of making someone happy.
Let’s Light the World.
In recent years, over 2,850,000 people have donated through the Giving Machines, contributing nearly $50 million (7 billion yen) worth of goods and services.
Japan’s first Giving Machines will launch in Christmas 2025.
Based on December 2024 exchange rates.
The Giving Machine began as part of the annual Light the World Christmas initiative by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. The Bible tells many stories of Jesus helping the poor, the sick, the lonely, and children. At Christmas, believers reflect on His life of love.
Jesus taught, “You are the light of the world.” When we do good, kindness spreads like light.
The Light the World project invites everyone—regardless of religion—to spread kindness. That’s why we set up the Giving Machines at Christmas.
Meals, cakes, and illuminations.
Modern Christmas is filled with dazzling commercial campaigns, but if we take a moment to forget ourselves and wish for someone else’s happiness—if we give—then surely, it will be a warm and meaningful Christmas.
We are truly delighted to announce that the GIVE Machine (original title: Light the World Giving Machine), a major global charity project that has garnered international attention since 2017, is being installed in Japan for the very first time.
This state-of-the-art touchscreen GIVE Machine offers 30 different items and services to choose from. However, these are not for the purchaser—they are donated through charitable organizations to someone in need, either in Japan or somewhere else in the world.
Yet, perhaps the core concept of the GIVE Machine is not simply about providing goods or services. If the sole purpose were fundraising, a simple donation box would suffice. Rather, the GIVE Machine is a device that encourages people to do good in a more accessible and memorable way. What people take home is not a product, but the joy of choosing, the excitement of giving, and the warmth of wishing happiness for someone else.
Spreading kindness may be one of the most essential things we need in today’s often harsh world. We sincerely hope that everyone will stop by, interact with the GIVE Machine, and experience the true spirit of Christmas.
Lastly, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all the charitable organizations who are supporting this project despite it being the first of its kind in Japan, to everyone involved at OOTEMORI, and to all of you who will visit.
— GIVE Machine Executive Committee
01｜What is Light the World?
Light the World is the annual Christmas initiative of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It invites everyone to celebrate the birth and life of Jesus Christ and follow His example of caring and serving others.
02｜What is a Giving Machine?
The Giving Machine is one component of Light the World. These unique vending machines provide a convenient, fun, and memorable way for the public to give to those in need. Light the World and the Giving Machine campaigns are done in the Christmas season. Giving Machines are not available year-round.
03｜What is unique about this initiative?
Instead of buying candy or snacks from a vending machine, individuals at a Giving Machine purchase goods and services for people in need, no matter who they are or where they live.
04｜Where can I find a Giving Machine?
The Tokyo 2025 Giving Machines will be in Ootemachi Tower B2F floor Mori no Plaza, and will run from November 24 through December 25 daily from 11:00AM – 7:30PM.
Giving Machines are placed in select cities worldwide. This year’s more than 100 locations will be announced in November in the press and on GivingMachine.org.
05｜What items are available?
Some sample items available for donation for the Tokyo 2025 Giving Machines are shown on the top page of this website. Internationally, items vary by city, but a typical Giving Machine will include food, clean water, clothing, shelter, healthcare, education assistance, hygiene kits, bedding, job and career training, and more. Chickens, goats, pigs, ducks, sheep, and beehives are also sometimes available.
06｜What are the payment options?
Payment options for the Tokyo 2025 Giving Machines are JCB, American Express, Diner’s Club, and Discover credit cards for on-machine checkout, and extend to Visa and Mastercard via a web-based checkout system you can use with your smartphone on site. Payment in cash (unassisted, no change available, donor puts the correct amount of cash in an envelope with a donation slip) is also an option. Unfortunately, we are not able to accept PayPay, Suica and other such pre-paid cards.
07｜Where does my donation go?
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints covers all operational costs, ensuring that 100 percent of every contribution goes to the participating nonprofit organizations. The Church receives no financial benefit from this initiative. The Church provides each nonprofit with a summary of items donors purchased, and they have twelve months to fulfill these orders. If an item substitution is necessary, replacements remain in the category of the original item.
08｜How are operational costs covered?
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints generously underwrites all operating expenses for the Light the World Giving Machine initiative. This ensures that 100% of every donation is given to the intended charitable organization(s). In some international locations, donors have the opportunity to cover credit card fees if they desire. Otherwise, the Church will cover those fees. For Tokyo 2025, the Church is covering the credit card fees.
09｜How much has been contributed through Giving Machines?
Since the first Giving Machine was switched on, nearly US$50 million has been donated.
10｜What items or charities require the most donations?
Every participating Giving Machine charity represents a cause with pressing needs. Before visiting a Giving Machine, spend a few minutes learning about the vital work of these charities. We‘re confident that a cause will resonate with you and you will know that your gift will bless a life!
11｜Can I donate online?
Where possible, we invite all to visit a Giving Machine and experience “the fun of choosing, the joy of giving, and the warmth of making someone happy”.
However, if circumstances do not permit it, you may want to consider donating to the participating charities by going directly to their websites. In this case the donation is simply cash that the organization will use as it sees fit rather than “items” like the Giving Machine offers.
For more information, please visit the organization’s website below.
・CARE International
・Good Neighbors
・UNHCR
・SECOND HARVEST
・Japan Association for Refugees
12｜How can I get more involved?
Sharing your light with others goes far beyond a Giving Machine donation. Click here for ideas to do good and serve others this Christmas season.
- For more information about the Light the World initiative, visit LightTheWorld.org.
- For more information about Giving Machines, visit GivingMachine.org.
13｜I made a donation at the Tokyo 2025 Giving Machines, but there was an error. Is there a way to receive a refund?
We will do our best to make things right, but timing and the issue itself will determine what we can do if anything. Please use the contact form to help us understand the issue and we will get back to you.