Choosing a Japanese Bento Box: All You Need to Know

by Cath Lealand | Updated Jan 15, 2021 | CRAFT, LIFESTYLE

No matter where you are in Japan, the options for an affordable lunch are almost endless; sushi, ramen, even Japanese barbeque! You can easily find yourself eating lunch at a different restaurant every single day of the week! However, for many Japanese people, from school children to politicians, the bento box, a Japanese-style lunchbox, is a convenient way to enjoy their midday meal.

We will pop open the lid on the long history of the Japanese bento box, how bento boxes are made, and where you can buy one. Most importantly, we will reveal how you can make the perfect bento lunch, and you can see for yourself why the bento box is popular with both young and old.

Contents

1. What is a bento?
2. The history of the bento box
3. How are bento boxes made?
4. What are bento boxes used for?
5. What are the main types of Japanese bento?
6. Where to buy bento boxes?
7. How to make your own bento lunch?

1. What is a Bento Box?

A bento is a single-portion boxed meal usually composed of a carb (usually rice or noodles), a protein (usually meat or fish), and an assortment of pickled or cooked vegetables. The world is derived from the Chinese Southern Song slang term Biandang, meaning convenient. Since the 13th century, the bento has become a symbol of Japanese culture and ideals. The balanced nutrition and portability is ideal for school children and the workforce alike, providing the perfect energy boost come afternoon. And, of course, that convenience comes courtesy of the perfectly designed and crafted bento box.

2. The History of the Bento Box

© 18th Century Lacquer Wooden Bento Box with Gold and Silver Inlay

The word bento was not used during the early days of the lunchbox’s conception. Starting in the Kamakura Period, around 1185, the term was actually hoshi-ii, or dried meal. It would only consist of dried rice, without any packaging, to be eaten as-is or boiled in water. It wasn’t until 1568, during the Azuchi-Momoyama period, that wooden lacquered boxes were specially produced to create the true boxed bento that we know today.

During the Edo period, from 1603-1867, the bento became an everyday meal, with ingredients and serving style varying depending on social class and occupation. Travelers and sightseers would carry koshibento (waist bento), which often included riceballs wrapped in bamboo leaves. For special events such as hanami (flower viewing parties), large, layered bentos were prepared to celebrate the occasion.

© annintofu / Creative Commons, Shinkansen Bento

In the twentieth century, aluminum and plastic began to be used in bento preparation, paving the way for the microwavable konbini bento (convenience store bento), ekiben (train station bento) and hokaben (take-out bento).

3. How Are Bento Boxes Made?

Before modern materials, bento boxes were hand-carved from wood. They were lacquered and designed by craftsmen; the more lavish the box, the more expensive the cost. The two fine examples from the collection of the Shinjuku Historical Museum show just how lavish they can be! The century-old tower-shaped bento on the left is inlaid with gold in fine lacquer. The 19th century gourd-shaped bento houses a drinks container, which seems like the perfect bento for a party in the park!

© Shibatamagewa, Making Traditional Bamboo Bento Boxes

Craftsmen in the small village of Ikawa in Shizuoka prefecture, continue to produce these traditional lacquered bento, known as Ikawa mempa. In a process that takes a number of months, Japanese cypress is shaped, dried and lacquered with a mixture of red iron dioxide and persimmon powder a minimum of three times. The time-consuming construction process results in a rich, glossy bento box that’s sure to make your lunch feel much more luxurious. (Find out All You Need to Know About Japanese Lacquer).

Nowadays, most of the world’s bento boxes are manufactured in the Ishikawa Prefecture of Japan. Molds are used to produce high-quantities of your favorite lunch containers, and original designs are fitted to each one. . The plastic bento are decorated using a specialized paint gun, whilst screen-printing is used for more intricate patterns and illustrations. Screen-printing is used for more intricate patterns and illustrations. The stencils allow for flat or round boxes and sharp edges to be beautifully embossed. The boxes are then hand-packed and shipped all over the world, to make lunch more convenient for all.

Whilst plastic bentos are the most commonplace, wood and bamboo boxes can provide a greener alternative for eco-conscious lunch-makers. Maruge-wappa bento boxes are made by bending thin sheets of cedar or cypress into rounded bento boxes, much like traditional lacquerware. Wappa boxes, however, keep their natural color and finish, making them perfect for a casual weekday lunch.

Ajiro, or wicker bento, are another natural alternative. Made from slivers of bamboo weaved into a basket-like shape, these whimsical bento boxes will make you feel like a protagonist in a Ghibli animation.

4. What Are Bento Boxes Used For?

© MIKI Yoshihito / Creative Commons, Mario Bento Box

In Japan, parents often make bentos for their children during their early school years. It can be a laborious and daunting task, so prep work is often done the night before. Presentation has always been a big part of Japanese meals, however once schools began requiring bento to be brought from home, it became a competition to see who had the most creative and intricate bento. A child’s lunch often says something about their social standing and home life.

© Satoru Abe, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force

Most importantly, however, bentos are used to provide the most nutrition in the smallest and easily consumable way possible, and often are significantly cheaper than eating out. Fast-food style bentos are less glamorous in appearance, but with a price tag often under ¥500, a bento box can’t be beaten, especially on a budget.

Photographer Satoru Abe documents the richness and variety of bento lunches in his photoseries Nippon Cha Cha Cha. The photo above shows the tightly packed and regimented meal of a sailor in the Maritime Defense Force.

5. What are the Main Types of Japanese Bento?

There are numerous types of bento to enjoy, with both the design of the bento box itself as well as the contents of the box saying a lot about the occasion, the season and even the consumer.

The makunouchi (between act) bento is one of the most common. It is characterized as being a two-section box that can be found in convenience stores, markets and department shops. One side will contain rice, while the other will hold an assortment of colorful side dishes.

© Gamene / Creative Commons, Turkey Day Bento

The koraku (picnic) bento, is a large bento that is usually shared in a public setting, such as the park, and especially during cherry blossom viewing season, from late March to early April. It is mainly filled with traditional Japanese dishes that are chosen to reflect the season.

During the Hina Matsuri (Doll Festival), the Picnic-Set bento is composed of a lavish carrying frame, stacked koraku-style boxes, and travel sake bottles and serving plates. This bento style supplies a convenient and aesthetically pleasing way to celebrate the occasion and admire the various doll displays. (If you’re interested in Japanese Dolls, check out these 8 Types of Exquisite Japanese Dolls!)

Similar to koraku bentos, jubako boxes are simply stacked atop one another to reveal an extravagant design. They have been used since the 18th century; often during New Year’s feasts and other celebrations. When arranged properly, scenes of nature and dressing rooms appear in glossy shades of gold. The tiered lunchbox is the perfect way to prepare enough food for everyone while not taking up too much space.

© Goblinbox / Creative Commons, Aisai Bento

Focusing more on the contents of the bento box; the aisai (love) bento is one made by a significant other than often contains cute, specially crafted treats and sweet messages written in furikake (dry seasoning). It can be a lovely surprise to find a cute message or love-themed designs come lunchtime.

© Laliv g / Creative Commons, Hello Kitty Bento Box

Chara-ben, literally meaning character bento, and oekaki-ben, picture bento, are popular among children and adult anime fans alike! A variety of ingredients are skillfully arranged to look like popular anime characters, pop culture figures, and animals. Some designs are so intricate and painstakingly crafted, it almost feels a waste to eat them! The cute factor of the meal is not just for show, though. It is also a way to make picky eaters excited about the food that they normally wouldn’t eat.

For those jet-setting around Japan, eki-ben and sora-ben (station bento and ‘sky’ bento) have got you covered. These lunch boxes are easily available at train stations and airports, and often feature local ingredients and specialties; such as kobe beef bento in Kobe, or the shumai dumpling ekiben in Yokohama. Even the busiest traveller has the chance to taste some local cuisine thanks to the bento box!

6. Where to Buy Bento Boxes?

If you’re in Japan to begin your new creative project, shops like Loft carry a multitude of trendy boxes and accessories, perfect for children and young adults alike, as well as some plain plastic models for the modest. Muji, a home goods store known for their aesthetically pleasing and simple designs, carries two variants in sleek black or white. One hundred yen shops such as Daiso also sell surprisingly sturdy and stylish bento boxes, though size-wise they run rather small. Even so, the simple patterns and pastel colors are suitable for year-round use, and can be customized with carrying clothes and chopstick cases for some added flair.

If you’re not in Japan, worry not, check out this two-tiered bento box featuring a kawaii ninja. Surprisingly compact, the bento box has two compartments and also includes a soup bowl which functions as top tier when you’re finished with your lunch.

Ninja Bento Set – Available at Amazon

For those after a simpler design, this two-layered bento box is both microwave and dishwasher safe, and comes with its own carry bag. One layer is already divided into two, making it easy to keep your dishes separated.

Rabbit Moon Bento Set - Available at Amazon

This cedar wappa bento box handmade in Japan would look great filled to the brim with colorful vegetables!

Cedar Wappa Bento Box - Available at Amazon

Now you can get a head-start on tomorrow’s lunch, as well as your long-term health. Whoever said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day obviously hasn’t eaten a delicious and nutritious bento.

7. How to Make Your Own Japanese Bento Lunch?

The creation of a bento, whether it be mass produced or homemade, is relatively the same. With a sectionalized container as the base, there are four types of foods that should be involved; carbs, protein, vegetables and fruits; with carbs being the greatest proportion, and fruits and vegetables being the least. There is an unspoken rule of including at least one dish in the following colors: red or orange, yellow, green, white and black.

© gamene / Creative Commons, homemade bento boxes

A variety of textures and flavors make for a great bento, with each bite being its own unique experience. After arranging each item by type, and utilizing various silicone cups or dividers to avoid unnecessary movement, it is time to put a lid on your creation. Before closing the bento and wrapping it for safe travels, it should be left to cool completely, so as to reduce the risk of bacterial growth. Most bento are designed to be eaten cold or without heating, so it is important to keep that in mind when choosing your dishes.

Whilst the contents of a bento are only limited by your imagination, there are some dishes that are Japanese bento classics, filling the bento boxes (and stomachs) of thousands of people every day. Tamagoyaki, a rolled omelette, is a staple of both izakaya and lunch boxes. Not only is it easy to make, the simple eggy flavor works well with fish, meat and vegetables. Check out Chef Rika’s nori bento (seaweed bento), which features grilled salmon and tamagoyaki.

Tako-san wiener (Mr. Octopus wiener) is another bento classic, and is sure to bring a smile to your lunch break! Like tamagoyaki, it can be made in mere minutes and is popular with both young and old!

Red Samekomon Furoshiki - Available at Japan Objects Store

Bento accessories and cute containers can be bought for relatively low prices and in hundreds of assortment options for personal preference. Though you can make a fine bento without any special tools, it definitely cuts down on time to use specific knives, cut-outs and molds to create an aesthetically pleasing display. If it’s traditional aesthetics you’re after, you could try wrapping your finished bento in a furoshiki. Find out more in our guide to Furoshiki: Choosing the Finest Japanese Wrapping Cloth!

Of course if you don’t have time to make your own, ready-made bentos can be bought all over Japan in an assortment of price points and flavors. Fresh bentos can be bought from convenience stores such as Lawsons or 7/11. Each shop will carry several store-specific meals, but for the most part, you will find Japanese curry, noodle dishes, classic fish and vegetables, and even some more western variants such as the hamburg-steak bento (a beef patty smothered in different sauces, served with rice and potatoes).

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