The Japanese Bento Box

"The average healthy life expectancy in Japan is now 74.5 years......leagues ahead of Britain in 14^th spot with 71.1 years." The Guardian. 2000 jun 6

At first glance this comes as somewhat of a surprise, as figures show the average Japanese urbanite is highly likely to both smoke and drink heavily whilst inhaling huge levels of pollution, mirroring many of the social health problems of the west and Britain. However look a little deeper and the differences soon become apparent, the Japanese’s highly unique and varied diet provides explanation to Japans impressive health.

These images bellow show the visual creativity and cultural food differences between Japanese cuisine and and the western worlds. As part of my development and work I have become hugely interested in the Japanese Bento Box (Lunch Box) as a source of both admiration and inspiration and a model for fast food excellence.

'Charaben' character Bento boxes offer a contemporary twist on the traditional Bento, usually made to resemble popular movies, TV and manga characters. These charaben are hand crafted by mothers to improve the nutritional intake and social standing of their children.

The ‘Ekiben’ Bento box was developed for the convenience of railway passengers, these portable Bento’s are sold at train stations all over Japan illustrating very different notions of mass feeding the Ekiben is quite possibly one of the most sophisticated forms of fast food in the world today.

Finally the Bento has diffused into Japanese homes and restaurants in the form of elaborate lacquer ware boxes displaying the exquisite beauty and pride involved in Japanese cuisine.

Books of interest;

Face Food The Visual Creativity of Japanese Bento Boxes By Christopher D Salyers
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Face-Food-Visual-Creativity-Japanese/dp/0979048664
/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1213795558&sr=1-1