If you often watch Japanese Drama, i guess you have heard about that word. Yups, Bento is kinda lunch box which is contained with rice, fishs, vegetables, and sometimes fruits. Like many things in Japan, bento is kinda art form
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There are many types of bento. The first one is Shokado bento, it's a bento in a traditional black lacquer box. Then the second one is Kyaraben, it's made to looked like anime and manga characters. Then the last one is Oekakiben, it's a bento which is shaped to looked like people, animals, buildings, and other objects.
Bento takes a fair bit of time to plan and make. It's an expression of our affection for someone, even if it is not the artistic type. A couple can make special bento for each other, and bento exchange is a nice date, i think. Bento is also an favorite for the mothers. Then, the main problem of bento is how to make it creative and looked too nice to eat (ˆڡˆ)
Bento may looked traditional, but that doesn't meant it can't be adapted with our taste. If you don't like onigiri, pack some meat or chicken wings then :P
Bento is a balance of taste, convenience, and presentation. Just throwing things into lunch box isn't making a bento. It takes consideration and arrangement, because lunch box should be something to look forward and enjoy. I think it's very nice to open your girlfriend/boyfriend's bento and see the design which made from our favorite food *\(ˆ▽ˆ)/* *\(ˆ▽ˆ)/* *\(ˆ▽ˆ)/*