View source for Bento

{{Short description|Japanese-style single-portion meal}}
{{other uses}}
{{italic title}}
[[File:Bento box from a grocery store.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.3|A typical ''bento'' from a grocery store]]
A {{Nihongo|'''''bento'''''|[[wikt:弁当|弁当]]|bentō}}<ref>{{cite dictionary|title=Bento|dictionary=Dictionary.com|url=http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/bento}}</ref> is a single-portion [[take-out]] or [[Packed lunch|home-packed]] meal of [[Japanese cuisine|Japanese origin]], often for lunch, typically including [[rice]] and packaged in a box with a lid (often a segmented box with different parts of the meal placed in different sections). Outside Japan, similar meals are common in other East and Southeast Asian culinary styles, especially within [[Chinese cuisine|Chinese]], [[Korean cuisine|Korean]], [[Singaporean cuisine|Singaporean]], [[Taiwanese cuisine|Taiwanese]] cuisines and more, as rice is a common staple food in the region. The term ''bento'' is derived from the [[Chinese language|Chinese]] term ''biandang'' ({{linktext|便當}}, {{zh|p=biàndāng}}), which means "convenient" or "convenience".{{citation needed|date=August 2024}}

A traditional ''bento'' typically includes rice or [[Noodle|noodles]] with [[Fish as food|fish]] or some other meat, often with [[pickling|pickled]] and cooked vegetables in a box.<ref name=Chop>"Bento: Changing New York's Lunch Culture," ''Chopsticks NY,'' vol. 27, July 2009, p. 10-11.</ref> Containers range from [[Mass production|mass-produced]] [[Disposable product|disposable]] containers to hand-crafted [[lacquerware]]. Dividers are often used to separate ingredients or dishes, especially those with strong flavors, to avoid them affecting the taste of the rest of the meal. A typical divider is green plastic 'sushi grass', known as [[:ja:ハラン_(植物)#人造バラン|''baran'']] in Japan, which also works to slow the growth of bacteria.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gordenker |first=Alice |date=2021-06-04 |title=The Actual Reason There's Plastic Grass in Your Bento |url=https://www.japanesefoodguide.com/sushi-grass-bento/ |access-date=2025-01-10 |language=en-US}}</ref>

''Bento'' are readily available in many places throughout Japan, including [[convenience store]]s, {{nihongo|''bento'' shops|弁当屋|bentō-ya}}, [[Rail transport in Japan|railway stations]], and [[department store]]s. However, Japanese [[Homemaking|homemakers]] often spend time and energy on carefully prepared ''bento'' for their spouses, children, or themselves. Outside Japan, the term '''bento box''' may be used (e.g., on English menus for Japanese restaurants). ''Bento'' can be elaborately arranged in styles called ''[[kyaraben]]'' ("character ''bento''", typically decorated to look like popular characters from [[anime]], [[manga]], or [[video games]]) or ''oekakiben'' ("picture ''bento''", decorated to look like people, animals, buildings and monuments, or items such as flowers and plants). Contests are often held where ''bento'' arrangers compete for the most aesthetically attractive arrangements.

There are comparable forms of boxed lunches in other Asian countries such as in China, Taiwan and other [[Sinophone]] communities, known as ''héfàn'' (盒饭) or ''biàndāng'' in [[Mandarin Chinese|Mandarin]], ''piān-tong'' in [[Taiwanese Hokkien]], and in Korea as ''[[dosirak]]''. Other Asian countries would either just use ''bento'' as a loanword or ''hokben'', which means "steaming ''bento''". There has also been discussion regarding what ''bento'' means for Japanese society and what it represents. Analyses range from a simple [[Semiotics|semiotic]] approach to one that outlines the deeper ideological meanings behind ''bento''.

==Etymology==
In Japan, "''bento''" is written in [[kanji]] as {{linktext|弁当}} ([[Kyūjitai]]: 辨當<ref name="DainihonKokugoJiten1941">{{Cite encyclopedia |script-title=ja:辨當 |script-encyclopedia=ja:大日本國語辭典 |encyclopedia=Dai Nihon kokugo jiten |trans-encyclopedia=(Dictionary of the Japanese Language) |last=Matsui<!--松井--> |first=Kanji<!--簡治--> |year=1941 |publisher=冨山房 (Fuzanbō) |location=Tokyo, Japan |url=https://dl.ndl.go.jp/pid/1870727/1/102?keyword=%E5%BC%81%E5%BD%93 |edition=修訂版 |volume=5 |page=195 |language=ja |doi=10.11501/1870727 |oclc=672545596 |last2=Ueda<!--上田--> |first2=Kazutoshi<!--萬年 / 万年-->}}</ref>). The word itself originates from the Chinese [[Song dynasty]] [[slang]] term {{linktext|便当}} ({{linktext|便當}}, {{zh|p=biàndāng}}), meaning "convenient" or "convenience" (this sense is still used in [[Wu Chinese|Wu]] dialects such as [[Shanghainese dialect|Shanghainese]]<ref>{{cite book |last1=Xu|first1=Baohua |last2=Tao|first2=Huan |script-title=zh:上海方言词典|trans-title=Shanghai Dialect Dictionary |year=1997|publisher=Jiangsu Educational Press |location=Nanjing |isbn=7-5343-3122-6 |page=119}}</ref>). When the word was imported to Japan, it was written with the [[ateji]] {{linktext|便道}} and {{linktext|弁道}}.<ref name=bento-dic>Bento [http://gogen-allguide.com/he/bentou.html 弁当（べんとう）] 語源由来辞典 (Etymology Dictionary)</ref><ref>[https://www.japanhoppers.com/en/all_about_japan/food/234/ Bento (Lunch Box)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201003115222/https://www.japanhoppers.com/en/all_about_japan/food/234/ |date=2020-10-03 }}, Japan Hoppers, Retrieved on 29 May 2017</ref> In modern times, the term is commonly used in East and Southeast Asia. In [[mainland China]], [[Hong Kong]] and [[Taiwan]], ''bento'' remains written as the original name {{linktext|便當}} ({{zh|p=biàndāng}}). In other [[Sinophone]] communities, both ''biandang'' and ''bento'' are often interchangeably used.

==History==
The increased popularity of bento can be traced back to the 12th century during the [[Kamakura period]], when meals of cooked and dried rice called ''hoshi-ii'' ({{lang|ja|糒}} or {{lang|ja|干し飯}}, literally "dried meal") were developed to be carried to work.<ref name=Chop/> A ''hoshi-ii'' can be eaten as-is or boiled with water to make cooked rice, and is stored in a small bag. By the 16th century, wooden lacquered boxes were produced, and bento would be eaten during ''[[hanami]]'' or a tea party.

[[File:Gotenyama hiroshige.jpg|thumb|''[[Hanami]]'' ''bento'' in the [[Edo period]]]]
In the [[Edo period]] (1603–1867), ''bento'' culture spread and became more refined. Travelers and sightseers would carry a simple ''koshibentō'' ({{lang|ja|腰弁当}}, "waist ''bento''"), consisting of several ''[[onigiri]]'' wrapped with bamboo leaves or in a woven bamboo box. One of the most popular styles of ''bento'', called ''[[makunouchi]] bentō'' ("between-act ''bento''"), was first made during this period.<ref>{{cite web|title=Japanese Lunch Boxes - History|url=http://web-japan.org/kidsweb/virtual/bento/bento02.html|work=web-japan.org|publisher=Kids Web Japan|access-date=9 December 2013}}</ref> Viewers of ''[[Noh]]'' and ''[[kabuki]]'' performances ate specially prepared bento between ''maku'' ([[Act (drama)|acts]]). Numerous cookbooks were published detailing how to cook, how to pack, and what to prepare for occasions like ''[[hanami]]'' and ''[[Hinamatsuri]]''.

In the [[Meiji era]] (1868–1912), the first ''ekibentō'' or ''[[ekiben]]'' ({{lang|ja|駅弁当}} or {{lang|ja|駅弁}}, "[train] station bento") was sold. There are several records that claim where ekiben was first sold, but it is believed that it was sold on 16 July 1885 at [[Utsunomiya Station]] in the northern [[Kantō region]] of Japan, and contained two onigiri and a serving of ''[[takuan]]'' (pickled [[radish]]) wrapped in bamboo leaves. As early schools did not provide lunch, students and teachers carried bento, as did many employees.

In the [[Taishō era]] (1912–1926), the [[aluminium]] bento box became a luxury item because of its ease of cleaning and its silver-like appearance. Also, a move to abolish the practice of bento in school became a social issue. Disparities in wealth spread during this period after an export boom during [[World War I]] and subsequent crop failures in the [[Tōhoku region]]. A student's bento too often reflected their wealth, and many wondered if this had an unfavorable influence on children both physically, from lack of adequate diet, and psychologically, from a clumsily made bento or the richness of food. After [[World War II]], the practice of bringing bento to school gradually declined and was replaced by uniform meals provided for all students and teachers.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timeline.com/bento-box-history-27b04153c6f6|title=The controversial history of the bento box|last=Buck|first=Stephanie|date=2016-09-09|website=Medium|language=en|access-date=2019-10-01|archive-date=2022-05-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220522021334/https://timeline.com/bento-box-history-27b04153c6f6|url-status=dead}}</ref>

[[File:Bento box.png|thumb|Aluminum bento box, 1961. Lid fits closely. Small compartment for condiments.]]
Bento regained popularity in the 1980s with the help of the [[microwave oven]] and the proliferation of [[convenience store]]s. In addition, the expensive wood and metal boxes have been replaced at most bento shops with inexpensive, disposable [[polystyrene]] boxes. However, even handmade bento has made a comeback, and they are once again a common, although not universal, sight at Japanese schools. Bento are still used by workers as a packed lunch, and by families on day trips, school picnics, and sports days. Homemade bento are wrapped in a [[furoshiki]] cloth, which acts as both a carrying bag and a table mat.

==Culture==
In Japan, it is common for mothers to make bento for their children to take to school. Because making bento can take a while, some mothers will prepare the ingredients the night before, and then assemble and pack everything the following morning before their children go to school.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Siegel |first1=Bettina |date=28 September 2010 |title=The Adorable Lunch, Part 2: My Interview With Bento Moms |url=http://www.thelunchtray.com/the-adorable-lunch-part-2-my-interview-with-bento-moms/ |access-date=13 December 2016 |website=The Lunch Tray}}</ref> It is often a social expectation of mothers to provide bento for their children, to create both a nutritionally balanced and aesthetically pleasing meal.<ref name="Allison">{{cite book |last1=Allison |first1=Anne |title=Permitted and Prohibited Desires |date=2000 |publisher=University of California Press |location=Berkeley, California |pages=81–104}}</ref> This activity is expected of the mother and emphasized by society at large,<ref name="Allison" /> and is common in nursery school institutions.

The traditional bento that is eaten at school or at work is most often prepared by the mother or the wife. However, bento can also be bought at ''[[konbini]]'' (convenience stores) or from street vendors who appear on street corners at lunchtime. For those in a hurry who spend their lunch time aboard [[Shinkansen]] bullet trains, ''ekiben'' are available in train stations.

''[[Osechi]]'', an assortment of foods eaten around the [[Japanese New Year]], is typically arranged in a multi-tiered ''[[jūbako]]'' box, similarly to bento.

The slang term ''hayaben'' ({{lang|ja|早弁}}), literally "early bento", refers to eating a bento before lunch and having another lunch afterward.

==In other countries==
[[File:Bento Cake.jpg|thumb|A small single-serving bento cake with a minimalist design in a small container from India.]]
=== China ===
The Chinese word for boxed meals is ''héfàn'' (盒饭), though ''biàndāng'' as a re-borrowing from Japanese may also be used. There are numerous regional styles, ranging from [[Northeastern Chinese cuisine|Northeastern Chinese]] boxed meals<ref>{{Cite web |last=irenelovesya |date=2023-05-23 |title=Dongbei Lunchbox: A Budget-Friendly Viral Lunch Option |url=https://www.thebeijinger.com/blog/2023/05/22/dongbei-lunchbox-budget-friendly-delight |access-date=2024-02-09 |website=www.thebeijinger.com |language=EN}}</ref> to the [[Hong Kong cuisine|Hong Kong]] "two dishes with rice" boxed meal.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-03-23 |title=【兩餸飯】兩餸飯為香港經濟不景氣產物？談兩餸飯的起源 |trans-title=【Two-course rice】Is two-course rice a product of Hong Kong's economic downturn? Discussing the origin of two-course rice meals |url=https://businessdigest.io/%E5%95%86%E6%A5%AD%E7%86%B1%E8%A9%B1/%E5%85%A9%E9%A4%B8%E9%A3%AF-%E5%85%A9%E9%A4%B8%E9%A3%AF%E7%82%BA%E9%A6%99%E6%B8%AF%E7%B6%93%E6%BF%9F%E4%B8%8D%E6%99%AF%E6%B0%A3%E7%94%A2%E7%89%A9-%E8%AB%87%E5%85%A9%E9%A4%B8%E9%A3%AF%E7%9A%84%E8%B5%B7%E6%BA%90 |access-date=2024-02-09 |website=Business Digest |language=zh-HK}}</ref> Packed meals would traditionally be carried in boxes known as ''shíhé'' (食盒, "food box"). ''Shíhé'' ranged from basic styles to elaborate, multi-tiered designs.

=== Taiwan ===
The ''bento'' made its way to [[Taiwan]] in the first half of the 20th century during the Japanese colonial period and remains popular to the present day.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.eater.com/2019/3/6/18241749/bento-box-best-food-train-stations-taiwan|title=Taiwan's Train Food Puts Amtrak to Shame|last=Chen|first=Karissa|date=2019-03-06|website=Eater|access-date=2019-06-05}}</ref> The Japanese name was borrowed into [[Taiwanese Hokkien|Taiwanese]] (''piān-tong'') and [[Hakka]] (''phien-tông''). A modern Taiwanese bento always includes protein, such as a crispy fried chicken leg or a piece of grilled [[Mackerel as food|mackerel]] and marinated pork chop, as well as side dishes.<ref name=":0" /> [[Taiwan Railway Bento]] is a well known bento dish manufactured and distributed by the [[Taiwan Railways Administration]] at major railway stations and in train cars. It is estimated that, with five million boxed meals sold per year, annual revenue from bento distribution amounts to 370 million [[New Taiwan dollar|NTD]] (approx. 10 million [[United States dollar|USD]]).{{sfnp|劉文駿|王威傑|楊森豪|2003|pp=137－142}}
=== Korea ===
In Korea, similar packed lunch boxes are called ''[[dosirak]]'', and they may be homemade or store-bought. They are similar to Chinese and Japanese variations. ''Dosirak'' is usually made with a few different vegetable and meat side dishes, often including a type of [[kimchi]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Korean lunchbox recipes from Cooking Korean food with Maangchi|url=https://www.maangchi.com/recipes/dosirak#:~:text=Dosirak%20(also%20spelled%20%22doshirak%22,and%20a%20serving%20of%20rice|access-date=2020-12-13|website=www.maangchi.com|language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Singapore ===
In Singapore, such packed lunch boxes are often acculturated and localised with cuisines slightly different to Japan. These may include roasted pork (similar to [[char siu]]) and [[soy egg]]s, as well as [[fried rice]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Events and listings: CNY food deals, Nafa open house, Singapore Art Week events {{!}} The Straits Times |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/life/events-and-listings-cny-food-deals-nafa-open-house-singapore-art-week-events |website=www.straitstimes.com |access-date=31 January 2022 |language=en |date=14 January 2022 |quote=Takeaway bento sets are also available, including Salted Egg Prawns with Egg Fried Rice and Honey Chicken Char Siew with Egg Frice Rice.}}</ref> It has been a common method of meal preparation within Singaporean cuisine as early as the start of the 20th century, intensifying during the [[Japanese occupation of Singapore|Japanese occupation]] and cultural influences in subsequent decades with Japanese-style bento also being common in the country today.

In 2021, the Singapore Food Tech Event showcased how bento of the future might look like for a [[Food system|sustainable food system]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Ho |first1=Sally |title=Singapore Food Tech Event Showcases Alt-Protein Innovations and Serves Bento Box of The Future |url=https://www.greenqueen.com.hk/ket-alternative-protein-food-tech-show-singapore-2021/ |website=Green Queen |access-date=31 January 2022 |date=3 September 2021}}</ref>

==Types==
{{More citations needed section|date=May 2022}}
[[File:Hinomaru bento 20141027.jpg|thumb|''Hinomaru bentō'']]
[[File:Shokado01s3200.jpg|thumb|''Shōkadō bentō'']]

===By ingredients===
* ''Hinomaru bentō'' ({{lang|ja|日の丸弁当}}), named and patterned after the [[Flag of Japan|flag of Japan (''Hinomaru'')]], is the name for a ''bento'' consisting of plain white rice with an ''[[umeboshi]]'' in the centre. Pure ''Hinomaru bento'' only consists of rice and an ''umeboshi'' to flavor the rice, without any other side dishes. The metal ''bento'' boxes once popular in Japan were often corroded by the acid from the ''umeboshi'', eventually making a hole in the middle of the lid.
* ''Noriben'' ({{lang|ja|海苔弁}}) is ''[[nori]]'' dipped in soy sauce covering cooked rice.
* ''Sake bentō'' ({{lang|ja|鮭弁当}}) is a simple ''bento'' with a slice of broiled salmon as the main dish.
* ''Tori bento'' ({{lang|ja|鳥弁当}}) consists of pieces of chicken cooked in sauce served over rice. It is a popular bento in [[Gunma Prefecture]].

{{anchor|by style|by container}}

===By style or container===
* ''[[Kamameshi]] bentō'' ({{lang|ja|釜飯弁当}}) are cooked and served in [[Clay pot cooking|clay pots]] and sold at train stations in [[Nagano Prefecture]]. After eating, the pot becomes a souvenir item.
* ''[[Kyaraben]]'' (キャラ弁) are ''bento'' with the contents arranged to look like popular characters from anime, manga, or video games.
* ''[[Makunouchi]] bentō'' ({{lang|ja|幕の内弁当}}) is a classic style of bento with rice, ''umeboshi'', a slice of broiled salmon, and a rolled egg.
* ''Shōkadō bentō'' ({{lang|ja|松花堂弁当}}) is a traditional black-lacquered bento box. It inspired [[IBM]]'s [[ThinkPad]] design.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.edn.com/article/CA66399.html?partner=eb&pubdate=1%2F1%2F1999 |title=Big Blue's big adventure |first=Peter |last=Golden |work=[[EDN (magazine)|EDN]] |date=January 1, 1999 |access-date=2007-03-24 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120620182705/http://www.edn.com/article/CA66399.html?partner=eb&pubdate=1%2F1%2F1999 |archive-date=June 20, 2012 }}</ref>
* ''[[Wappameshi]]'' ({{lang|ja|わっぱめし}}) is a meal served in a special round wooden bento-styled container.<ref name="MAFF_Wappameshi">{{Cite web|url=https://www.maff.go.jp/tohoku/seisan/tisantisyou/attach/pdf/savorjapan-1.pdf|title=Savor Japan|date=2018-09-21|access-date=2021-08-11|website=Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811061745/https://www.maff.go.jp/tohoku/seisan/tisantisyou/attach/pdf/savorjapan-1.pdf|archive-date=2021-08-11|url-status=live|page=13|language=en}}</ref>
* ''[[Shikaeshiben]]'' (仕返し弁) is "revenge" bento made by wives to get back at their husbands. Insults are written in the food, or it is made inedible.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://en.rocketnews24.com/2015/02/28/revenge-bento-show-us-its-a-dish-best-served-cold-and-boxed-with-insults-and-hidden-chilies/|title=Revenge bento show us it's a dish best served cold (and boxed) with insults and hidden chilies|date=2015-02-28|website=SoraNews24|access-date=2017-07-11|archive-date=2017-10-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171014082900/https://en.rocketnews24.com/2015/02/28/revenge-bento-show-us-its-a-dish-best-served-cold-and-boxed-with-insults-and-hidden-chilies/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

{{anchor|by vendor}}

===By origin===
* ''[[Ekiben]]'' ({{lang|ja|駅弁}}) is ''bento'' sold at railway stations or onboard trains. There are many kinds of ''ekiben''; most are inexpensive and filling.
* ''Hokaben'' ({{lang|ja|ホカ弁}}) is any kind of ''bento'' bought at take-out ''bento'' shops. Freshly cooked hot ([[wikt:ほかほか|''hokahoka'']]) rice is usually served with freshly prepared side dishes. The name was popularized after a pioneering take-out ''bento'' franchise in the field, [[Hokka Hokka Tei]].
* ''Shidashi bentō'' ({{lang|ja|仕出し弁当}}) is made in a restaurant and delivered during lunch. This ''bento'' is often eaten at a gathering, such as a funeral or a party. It is usually packed with traditional Japanese foods like [[tempura]], rice and pickled vegetables. A ''shidashi bento'' packed with European-style food is also available.
* ''Soraben'' ({{lang|ja|空弁}}) is ''bento'' sold at [[Airport|airports]].

== Scholarship ==
Many scholars have written about the bento since the late 20th century. The foundation of their approach is based on the idea that food can carry many different meanings.<ref name=":1">{{Cite journal |last=Noguchi |first=Paul H. |date=1994 |title=Savor Slowly: Ekiben: The Fast Food of High-Speed Japan |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.2307/3773902 |journal=Ethnology |volume=33 |issue=4 |pages=317–330 |doi=10.2307/3773902 |issn=0014-1828 |jstor=3773902|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

In the 1970s, [[Chie Nakane]] used ekiben as a metaphor for group organization in Japan. By comparing this variant of bento to groups in Japan, she considered how different organizations in Japanese society often include identical components so as not to depend on any other groups for their success.<ref name=":1" /> In 1984, Ŏ-ryŏng Yi used bento to present tendencies towards [[reductionism]] in Japanese culture; {{What|date=January 2025|text=all the food in a Japanese-style lunch box is only able to be reduced to fit in a little box}} due to it being Japanese food, as it naturally lends itself to being tightly packed.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Yi |first=Ŏ-ryŏng |title=Smaller is better : Japan's mastery of the miniature |date=1984 |publisher=Kodansha International |isbn=0-87011-654-1 |edition=1st English |location=Tokyo |oclc=10723642}}</ref> [[Roland Barthes]], on the other hand, used a symbolic approach to describe the lack of a [[centrepiece]] in Japanese food. He described the distinct contents of a bento box as a multitude of fragments or ornaments that are combined to beautify each other.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Barthes |first=Roland |title=Empire of signs |date=1982 |others=Howard, Richard |isbn=0-8090-4222-3 |edition=First American |location=New York |oclc=8587789}}</ref> Joseph Jay Tobin in 1992 discussed how the meticulous assembly of individual bento boxes has been aided by the reinterpretation of Western goods, practices, and ideas through a process he classified as domestication.<ref>{{Cite book |author=Tobin, Joseph Jay |title=Re-made in Japan : everyday life and consumer taste in a changing society |date=1992 |publisher=Yale University Press |isbn=0-300-05205-7 |location=New Haven |oclc=25048328}}</ref>

==Gallery==
<gallery mode="packed">
File:Kyaraben panda.jpg|''Oekakiben'' containing [[Onigiri|rice balls]] decorated with [[nori]] to resemble [[giant panda|pandas]]
File:Home made Bento.jpg|Two typical homemade ''bento'' (one open, one wrapped) with ''[[furoshiki]]'' cloths
File:Bento at Hanabishi, Koyasan.jpg|''Bento'' served at a restaurant in Japan
File:Tōge no Kamameshi 02.jpg|[[:ja:峠の釜めし| ]]''Tōge no kamameshi bento''
File:Orizume bentō SETSUGEKKA served by Ningyocho Imahan Co,. Ltd. 01.jpg|''Orizume bentō'', closed
File:Orizume bentō SETSUGEKKA served by Ningyocho Imahan Co,. Ltd. 02.jpg|''Orizume bentō'', open
File:Okowa Bento by Yonehachi, Takashimaya Singapore.jpg|''Okowa bento''-styled meal (steamed glutinous rice with ''teriyaki'' chicken and cabbage) served in a restaurant
File:Jūbako.jpg|A set of stacking boxes<ref name="JPPRO_Dishware">{{Cite web|url=https://www.gov-online.go.jp/eng/publicity/book/hlj/html/202101/202101_02_en.html|title=Food and Dishware as Landscapes|date=2021-01-02|access-date=2021-08-11|website=Highlighting Japan|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120090835/https://www.gov-online.go.jp/eng/publicity/book/hlj/html/202101/202101_02_en.html|archive-date=2021-01-20|url-status=live|publisher=Public Relations Office of the Government of Japan}}<!--ignore the blurry photos--></ref> for ''bento'' called ''jūbako''
File:菊唐草葵紋蒔絵提重-Portable Picnic Set (sagejū) with Chrysanthemums, Foliage Scroll, and Tokugawa Family Crest MET DP154362.jpg|''[[Jūbako#Sagejū|Sagejū]]'', a historical picnic container set of ''jūbako''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bunka.pref.mie.lg.jp/rekishi/kenshi/asp/shijyo/detail.asp?record=576|title=Information warehouse of history 32. Hanami bento|access-date=2021-08-11|website=Mie Prefecture|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923221444/http://www.bunka.pref.mie.lg.jp/rekishi/kenshi/asp/shijyo/detail.asp?record=576|archive-date=2015-09-23|url-status=live|publication-place=Mie, Japan|language=ja|script-title=ja:花見弁当|trans-title=bento for ''[[hanami]]'' (flower-viewing picnic)|quote=(rough translation): ..."hanami bento", formally called "sagejū" is...}}</ref>
File:Makunouchi bento.jpg|''[[Makunouchi]] bento''
File:Hotto_Motto.jpg|[[Hotto Motto]], a take-out bento chain
</gallery>

== Trivia ==
* Bento has its own [[Unicode]] [[emoji]]: 🍱 (U+1F371)

==See also==
* [[Plate lunch]]
* [[Tiffin carrier]]
* [[TV dinner]]
* [[Field ration]] 
* ''[[Dosirak]]'', Korean equivalent

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

===Sources===
* {{cite book|author1=劉文駿|author2=王威傑|author3=楊森豪 |script-title=zh:百年台灣鐵道|isbn=986-7796-11-X |date=2003 |publisher=果實 |language=zh }}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Bento (food)}}
{{Wiktionary}}

* [https://web.archive.org/web/20071130035719/http://flickr.com/photos/tags/bento/clusters/ Photos of bento] on [[Flickr]]
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Bento}}
[[Category:Bento| ]]
[[Category:Food combinations]]
[[Category:Food storage containers]]
[[Category:Japanese cuisine terms]]
[[Category:Meals]]
[[Category:Serving and dining]]