Japanese habit – BENDO

The BENDO has become a medium of communication, a way for the creator to express their feelings for the person who will eat it. The term BENDO is used for portable meals, usually packed in a special container. BENDO originated as simple packed meals as rice balls carried by travelers.

The BENDO sold at train stations are called EKIBEN. Each area and even each individual station is likely to have its own speciality. Convenience store chains are constantly developing new varieties, and often see significant spike in the number of customers when they come up with a BENDO that is particularly popular. Recently, some high- class restaurants have begun offering meals, in single container, such as a basket.

BENDO are much more elaborate than most lunch boxes in other countries which often consist of just sandwiches, fruits, biscuits, and a drink. those BENDO with a springtime accent and a sports day theme are very charming.　

And the idea of a pig shape box for a pork lunch turns into a piggy bank is also rather ecologic. BENDO come in many styles. and, I especially like the cute ones prepared for children.