by wildcherry on Tuesday, December 16th, 2008 | Dining, Travel

When will I get a lunch box like these???

Bento, boxed meals designed to be carried around and eaten away from home, have long been a part of the Japanese lifestyle. In the past bento were simple affairs consisting largely of hand-pressed rice balls known as onigiri. In modern times, however, numerous varieties of bento have evolved, including some that are so elegant and colorful in their presentation that they might easily pass for works of art. A boxed lunch typically contains a serving of rice and various small servings of side dishes, including a simple salad or some fruit.

Children take bento to school trips and sports days, while adults often take them to work and to outdoor events like cherry-blossom viewing parties. Another variety of bento is known as eki-ben (“station bento”). Rail passengers purchase these meals at stations and eat them at their seats as they watch the scenery go by. Many eki-ben feature delicious local specialties, and these boxed meals have become a highlight of long distance rail journeys for many travelers.

Made by Anna the Red, see more images via Flickr

Tags: bento, bento art, cute bento, cute lunch box, lunch box