Bento Diaries
contributed by Khaliun Enkhbold
Itoh, Makiko. “Umeboshi: Perfect in Any Culinary Pickle.” The Japan Times, 1970, www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2012/05/25/food/umeboshi-perfect-in-any-culinary-pickle/
A bento is a homemade Japanese style packed lunch that often typically includes rice and different vegetables and meats in small compartments. They are usually made in the morning by a parent or partner, intended for people to take the delicious meal to their work or school. It is an affordable and customizable food option.
The “perfect bento” consists of:
rice (paired with either furikake, a type of salty seasoning, or umeboshi, a salty pickled plum)
protein: karaage (fried chicken), hamburger patties, sausages etc.
side: veggies or tamagoyaki (sweet rolled egg)
Chen, Namiko Hirasawa. “Karaage Bento 唐揚げ弁当.” Just One Cookbook, 10 Nov. 2012, www.justonecookbook.com/karaage-bento/
The bento is a highly customizable lunch option with character bento becoming highly popular on the internet. People can demonstrate their skills through making kyarabenキヤラ弁( character bento) and can show love for different anime characters and animals.
denisegan.“Kyaraben(CharacterBento):NarutoandRukia.”Myhumblefood,31May2013,myhumblefood.wordpress.com/2013/05/31/kyaraben-character-bento-naruto-and-rukia/
Bentos originated during the Kamakura period 鎌倉時代 (1185-1333) and began as a sufficient way to carry dried boiled rice for travelers and warriors for their long journeys. The term itself means ‘convenience’ and was adopted from the Chinese language. It saw improvements and evolutions with different time periods like during the Meiji Era 明治時代 (1912-1926) which is when the first 駅弁と‘ekibento’ emerged - starting the popular demand and culture of Japan’s train station bentos.
購買
Alamy Limited. “Japanese School Uniform Shop Hi-Res Stock Photography and Images - Alamy.” Alamy, Alamy images, 2025, www.alamy.com/stock-photo/japanese-school-uniform-shop.html?sortBy=relevant
Schools in Japan usually have a koubai- an in school store/cafeteria where students can buy from a variety of options like onigiri おにぎり (rice balls), instant noodles, different types of sandwiches and more. It is very convenient, especially for those who either don’t have time in the morning to prepare lunches or don’t have anyone to prepare them a home cooked meal.
Japanese lunch culture is a reflection of the country’s vast history and developments, showing the daily care and tradition in the daily lives of people. Bentos show the importance of food, used as an object of showing love and care through the hard work needed to make them on a daily basis. It also serves as a form of self-expression, having people using their creativity to make fun and beautiful bentos. The school store also highlights an aspect of Japanese school culture, with students rushing to see what’s on the menu. They both balance aspects of a Japanese student’s life - if you had the choice, where would you eat from?