Just Bento

Last year, I visited the workshop of Shibata Yoshinobu Shoten, one of the most renowned makers of magewappa (bent wood) bento boxes and other items in Japan. Here, finally, is my report. continue reading...

A review of a very versatile bento box that’s especially good for bento beginners. continue reading...

In April, I had the opportunity to pay a visit to one of my favorite Japanese bento box makers, Hakoya. Here’s my report, with lots of eye candy for bento box lovers! continue reading...

Some news from the great bento suppliers who help to keep this site going, plus a reminder to keep your food safe during the summer months. continue reading...

Update: The box has been sold for an amazing $380! I want to protect the privacy of the winning bidder, but I can reveal she’s from the south-eastern part of the U.S., and she’s going to gift it to her 85 year old mother. What a lovely gift, and thought!

Here’s a chance to get a beautiful magewappa bento box and help Japan too! continue reading...

Do you like the idea of bentos, but not the idea of eating cold food all the time for lunch? Or maybe you just yearn for some hot soup in the winter months, but you don’t have access to a microwave at lunchtime. A thermal bento set or lunch jar could be just what you need. But which one? continue reading...

Welcome to the 3rd and final part of the 2010 Holiday Gift Guide for bento fans! In Part 1 we covered under-$10 gifts, and in Part 2 we looked at gifts in the $10-50 range. Now it’s time to look at gifts for that really special bento person in your life - including yourself!

I had a bit of a hard time putting together this list actually (which is why it took some time to post). At first I was going to recommend some bento-friendly appliances, such as a nice rice cooker. But I did that kind of thing in my original Holiday Gift Guide 3 years ago. So, this time I am going to concentrate on the pure indulgences - high end bento boxes, sets and other stuff. I know, I have said time and time again on these pages that you can do bentos with inexpensive, practical plastic containers - and you can, and should start out with those until you’re sure bento-ing is for you. But just as you might want to indulge in a beautiful dinnerware set from Wedgewood or Royal Copenhagen or something, you might want to splurge on one special bento box. After all, a special bento box is something a lot more intimate than a for-company-only dinnerware. Or how about this; think of a special bento box as a treat for yourself (or your favorite bento person), like a set of really nice silk lingerie instead everyday cotton underpants. continue reading...

Welcome to part 2 of the 2010 Holiday Gift Guide for bento fans! In Part 1 we covered $10-and-under stocking stuffers.

This time, we get the the price range where you can pick up a serious, high quality bento box and more. Selecting individual bento boxes is really a matter of individual taste, so I’ve selected a few that caught my eye for various reasons.

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