Japanese lunch box

When talking about Japanese food, most people first think of sushi, or maybe a steaming bowl of ramen. But if you want to know what most Japanese people eat most of the time for lunch, then you should consider bento. Here we will explain everything you need to know about Japanese lunch boxes .

You'll learn about the long history of the Japanese lunch box and understand why it's so popular today for everyone from schoolchildren to prime ministers. We will find out how Japanese lunch boxes are made and where you can get them. And above all, we will explain how you can prepare the perfect meal yourself. If you've ever had a question about Japanese bento, you'll find the answer here!

What is a Japanese lunch box ?

A Japanese box lunch is a single-serving boxed meal that typically consists of basic carbohydrates (rice or noodles), meat or fish, and an assortment of pickled or cooked vegetables. The term is derived from Chinese slang Biandang, which means practical. Since the 13th century, it has become a symbol of Japanese culture and ideals. Its balanced nutrition and portability are ideal for school-aged children and the working population, and can often provide the perfect afternoon boost. And of course that convenience comes from the perfectly designed and crafted Japanese lunch box .

The history of Japanese lunch boxes

The word bento was not used in the early days of Japanese lunch box design. As early as the Kamakura period, around 1185, the term was actually hoshi-ii or dried flour. It was then only dried rice, without any packaging, which could be eaten as is or boiled in water. It wasn't until 1568, during the Azuchi-Momoyama period, that Japanese lacquered wooden lunch boxes were made to create the real bento as we know it today. To learn more about this versatile material, check out our Guide to Japanese Lacquer Masterpieces.

During the Edo period, from 1603 to 1867, the bento became an everyday meal, the contents and style of serving of which varied according to social class and profession (the Japanese lunch box also varied) . Travelers and tourists carried koshibento (size bento), which often included rice balls wrapped in bamboo leaves. For special events such as hanami (flower viewing party), large stacked Japanese lunch boxes were prepared to celebrate the occasion.

In the 20th century, aluminum began to be used in the preparation of bento, which paved the way for Japanese lunch boxes bento konbini (the famous convenience stores found throughout Japan), ekiben ( station bento) and hokaben (takeaway bento).

How are Japanese lunch boxes made?

Before the advent of modern materials, Japanese lunch boxes were hand-carved from wood. They were lacquered and designed by craftsmen; the more sumptuous the Japanese lunch box , the more expensive it is. The two magnificent examples from the collection of the Shinjuku Historical Museum show just how lavish they can be! The Japanese lunch box in the shape of a century-old tower on the left is inlaid with gold in a fine lacquer. The gourd-shaped bento dates from the 19th century. The white half is a drink container, which looks perfect for a party in the park!

Today, most Japanese lunch boxes in the world are made in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. Molds are used to produce large quantities of your favorite Japanese lunch boxes , and original designs are adapted to each one. Presses are used to create and secure the dividers and covers. Finally, the raw plastic is colored using a specialized paint gun. Screen printing is used for more intricate designs and artwork. Stencils make it possible to nicely emboss flat or round Japanese lunch boxes with sharp edges. Japanese lunch boxes are then hand-packed and shipped around the world, making lunch more convenient for everyone.

What are Japanese lunch boxes used for?

In Japan, parents often prepare bentos in Japanese lunch boxes for their children during their first years of school. This task can be laborious and daunting, so prep work is often done the night before. Although presentation in Japanese lunch boxes has always been an important part of the meal, when schools began to require it, it became a competition to see who had the most creative and the most creative Japanese lunch box bento box. complex. A child's lunch often says a lot about their social status and family life.

Bentos are used to provide the best possible nutrition in the smallest and easiest way to eat. The cuteness of this meal isn't just for show. It's also a way to get picky eaters excited about foods they wouldn't normally eat with the Japanese lunch box . More typical fast-food style bentos have a less glamorous appearance, but with prices often under 500 yen, this healthy meal is unbeatable, especially on a budget.