Crafting a Bento

Step 11 My romp into bento madness

From 1998 to 2000 I lived in Narita, Japan where I worked at a Summer camp teaching English to little kids. On my very first day I was blown away by what the kids brought for lunch. There was not a single PB&J or bag of potato chips to be found. Instead vegetables were lovingly cut into animal shapes, anime characters graced lunch box lids, and personalized messages were crafted right into the food. I could tell right away that the Japanese bento is more than a school lunch, it is an art form.

Bento fun isn't exclusive to children. A lunch prepared for a husband might not include a sausage cut lovingly into the shape of an octopus but might instead include a handmade onigiri (rice ball) with a curry filling. A lunch purchased on the bullet train might not include a tomato with a face, but could well include hand-dipped fried shrimp.

While modesty prevented them from saying so I learned that my student's mothers woke up very early every morning to ensure their husbands and children left the house with bentos they could be proud of. Making a nutritious and cheerful bento is an investment of time. It takes longer than microwaving a pizza or throwing together a bologna sandwich. It is also considered an extension of the preparer's love for the recipient. Originally simple meals that required little preparation, bentos have blossomed into an exciting new trend. The intricate designs and unusual foods were intimidating at first but I have learned and compiled ways around these challenges. Like any gadget enthusiast I have collected a pile of tools with which to play with. And like any busy crafter I have collected just as many time-saving techniques.

I hope you are pleased with the ones I have shared with you here.