Japanese curry is delicious, but not when served in a can from a vending machine.

Walk down the right back alley in Osaka’s nerd district of Den Den Town and you’ll find anything: maid cafes, stores selling nothing but LED lights, etc. You’ll also find vending machines.

Japanese vending machines have achieved near-legendary status because they are so numerous, ubiquitous, and varied. From hot coffee to chilled sake, they provide liquid refreshment to millions daily. Food in vending machines are not nearly as common in typical neighborhoods, because there’s still a social stigma against walking around while eating.