Canned oden (おでん缶) is a type of distinctive Japanese meals that individuals typically discover stunning. It’s heat, comforting oden packed inside a can, able to eat anyplace. On this article, we’ll go over what canned oden is, the way it began, and the place you’ll be able to attempt it in Japan at the moment.
What’s Canned Oden?

Oden (おでん) is a standard Japanese scorching pot dish that comes with daikon (大根, radish), konnyaku (こんにゃく, yam cake), boiled eggs, fish desserts (練り物), and different elements in a soy sauce broth. Canned oden (おでん缶) is a canned model of oden (おでん), a standard Japanese scorching pot dish that features elements like daikon radish, boiled eggs, konnyaku, and fish desserts simmered in a lightweight soy-flavored broth. In contrast to freshly made oden, they sealed this canned good in a can so individuals can take pleasure in it anytime, anyplace.
You’ll be able to warmth it and is able to eat, making it a comforting snack for chilly days, late-night starvation, and even emergencies. They rigorously seasoned the broth on this canned good, and so they minimize the elements into smaller sizes to suit neatly contained in the can. Due to this, it has change into not only a fast meal but additionally a cultural merchandise that displays Japan’s capacity to mix custom with fashionable comfort.
Historical past

The primary おでん缶 appeared within the late Nineties in Akihabara (秋葉原), Tokyo. Initially, an organization known as Jungle (ジャングル) launched this canned good in 1999. They offered the canned meals by means of merchandising machines particularly designed to warmth the contents, catering to busy workplace staff, late-night buyers, and vacationers exploring the electronics district. The thought rapidly turned successful as a result of it was handy, heat, and distinctive—providing a standard consolation meals in an revolutionary format.
Throughout the 2000s, canned oden turned often known as a “soul meals of Akihabara” (秋葉原のソウルフード). Merchandising machines promoting this product appeared across the station space and in again alleys, creating a particular a part of the neighborhood’s character. These machines attracted not solely locals but additionally anime followers, tech lovers, and vacationers visiting the district who have been interested in this uncommon solution to take pleasure in conventional Japanese delicacies. The novelty of pulling a scorching can of oden from a merchandising machine at any hour turned a part of the Akihabara expertise itself.
Later, different corporations joined the development, and this dish gained recognition as emergency meals for catastrophe preparedness, a handy choice for tenting and outside actions, and as a unusual memento that captured the essence of Japanese innovation. The product additionally discovered its means into comfort shops and on-line retailers, increasing past its merchandising machine origins.
Even at the moment, this canned good stays well-known as each a sensible meals and an emblem of Akihabara tradition. Although the variety of merchandising machines has decreased through the years, the cultural impression endures. In 2023, corporations relaunched new variations of this canned good to rejoice its legacy and provides it recent attraction for contemporary clients, incorporating improved packaging designs and taste variations whereas sustaining the nostalgic appeal that made it iconic.
One Restaurant That Serves Canned Oden
Akihabara Odenkan (秋葉原おでん缶)

If you wish to style canned oden in its “residence” of Akihabara, a well-known spot is Akihabara Odenkan (秋葉原おでん缶). This store is well-known for its merchandising machines that serve freshly stocked おでん缶, making it a must-visit for meals lovers and vacationers.
Right here, you should buy おでん缶 immediately from the merchandising machine and luxuriate in it on the spot. It has change into a small vacationer attraction in addition to an informal snack cease.
Conclusion

Canned oden (おでん缶) exhibits how a standard Japanese dish may be remodeled into one thing fashionable and handy. From its beginnings in Akihabara’s merchandising machines to its function as a unusual however beloved meals, each locals and vacationers loved this easy-to-eat canned good.
In case you discover canned oden fascinating, you may additionally wish to attempt different Japanese canned meals resembling canned yakitori (焼き鳥缶), canned mackerel (サバ缶), or canned curry (カレー缶).
FAQ
What’s Oden Can?
Oden Can is a canned model of the normal Japanese scorching pot dish “oden,” containing simmered elements preserved for long-term storage.
What elements are inside Oden Can?
It normally consists of daikon, konjac, fish desserts, boiled eggs, and tofu merchandise. The elements range relying on the model.
How do you eat Oden Can?
You’ll be able to eat it at room temperature, but it surely tastes higher when heated. Merely heat the can in scorching water or pour the contents right into a pot or bowl.
Is Oden Can common in Japan?
Sure, particularly amongst vacationers, hikers, convenience-store followers, and collectors of distinctive Japanese canned meals.
Does Oden Can want refrigeration?
No, it’s shelf-stable and doesn’t require refrigeration till opened.
How lengthy does Oden Can final?
Most Oden Cans have a shelf life of 1 to a few years, relying on the producer.
Is Oden Can spicy?
No, the dish is usually delicate. If desired, you’ll be able to add mustard or chili powder individually.
The place can I purchase Oden Can?
You could find it in comfort shops, memento outlets, freeway relaxation areas, and a few merchandising machines in Japan.
Is Oden Can appropriate for journey?
Sure, its sturdiness, lengthy shelf life, and ready-to-eat format make it supreme for journey, tenting, and emergency provides.
Does Oden Can style like recent oden?
Whereas not equivalent, it captures the comforting taste of oden and is surprisingly satisfying for a canned meal.