I have never seen this kind of thing in Europe. Or at least not yet. I don't see any reason why it wouldn't become popular there as well. I haven't seen many of these in China, but I'm guessing in Japan it's a lot more common. But is this really the future? Is this the kind of world we live in, or want to live in?

As you can see at the picture I took this weekend at one of the larger metro stations in Shanghai, China, you don't really need much space. A small corner just as big as a vending machine will do. The glass makes it possible to see the people inside, so no funny things will happen. Although it apparently is a lot of fun, sitting in such a small box for some time.

^{Picture by @nobyeni, taken Saturday 23rd of June, 2018 in Shanghai, China.}

The guy on the right is all by himself, gaming.
The box on the left holds two people doing karaoke. It also features a big screen with clapping people on it. Which I saw when I walked past it. Perhaps this is why people sing karaoke? For the fake clapping?

I'm not sure what to think about this. There is maybe nothing wrong with it, why not let people have some fun, by themselves or with someone else? Everyone is entitled to their own hobbies, especially if it is as harmless as this. But still, it makes me wonder. Not that this is any bit different from people sitting at home all day playing computer games or reading a book. I'm also one of those people.

But... is this really the future?

Being entertained in small boxes?

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#randomworld is an initiative by @dbooster and has spread through Asia already... Check #randomjapan and #randomkorea as well! And let's hope more people will start showing random parts of the place they live in. It's a really nice way to share some of the beauty of the world, but a beauty that normally doesn't make it into the travel brochures.