<p>This running gag in the Gintama anime is actually from Doraemon. They are referencing to how the entrance to a time machine is available at a hole similar to a drawer, which is exactly where the time machine is in the Doraemon anime. Here is list of the other parodies present in Gintama.  <a href="http://gintama.wikia.com/wiki/Parodies" rel="noreferrer">LIST</a></p>

<p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/r6JNH.jpg" rel="noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/r6JNH.jpg" alt="enter image description here"></a></p>

<p>The drawer entrance to the time machine.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-09-26T16:08:27.657Z
Wow, totally overlooked that. And thanks for the list! Man, I don't watch a lot of animes, I must had missed a lot of jokes.
Miyazaki Ahmad
CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-09-26T15:07:51.980Z
2015-09-26T15:07:51.980Z
Astral Sea
<p>I just recently started watching Gintama and am beginning to love it! 
I just want to know if the joke is referring to another anime. Also, if there is any reason at all on why it must be a vending machine. </p>

<p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/b1gIl.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/b1gIl.png" alt="enter image description here"></a></p>

<p>I believe this is the first time he did it. </p>

<p>The reason this particular joke catches my interest is because it kept on reoccurring. The second reason is because time travelling anime like Steins;Gate is awesome. Even though it might not be the same.<br>
I just had to ask this question after the third time they used this joke on the 10th episode, though it was not Gintoki and the alien character wants to enter a car's boot/trunk. </p>

<gintama>
What is this time machine gag referencing?
# What is this time machine gag referencing?
Posted by: username_0 on 2015-09-26
I just recently started watching Gintama and am beginning to love it!
I just want to know if the joke is referring to another anime. Also, if there is any reason at all on why it must be a vending machine.

[![enter image description here](https://i.sstatic.net/b1gIl.png)](https://i.sstatic.net/b1gIl.png)

I believe this is the first time he did it.

The reason this particular joke catches my interest is because it kept on reoccurring. The second reason is because time travelling anime like Steins;Gate is awesome. Even though it might not be the same.  
I just had to ask this question after the third time they used this joke on the 10th episode, though it was not Gintoki and the alien character wants to enter a car's boot/trunk.
**Tags:** gintama
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## 1 answers
### Answer by username_1 on 2015-09-26. Score: 7 | Accepted answer
This running gag in the Gintama anime is actually from Doraemon. They are referencing to how the entrance to a time machine is available at a hole similar to a drawer, which is exactly where the time machine is in the Doraemon anime. Here is list of the other parodies present in Gintama. [LIST](http://gintama.wikia.com/wiki/Parodies)

[![enter image description here](https://i.sstatic.net/r6JNH.jpg)](https://i.sstatic.net/r6JNH.jpg)

The drawer entrance to the time machine.
> **Comments:**
> **username_0** (2015-09-26): Wow, totally overlooked that. And thanks for the list! Man, I don't watch a lot of animes, I must had missed a lot of jokes.  
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