4 Popular Types of Bento Boxes Found in Japan

  • Area

    • Kanto
    • Tokyo

  • Categories

    • Others

  • Update date

    • 2018-12-26

Bento boxes are one of Japan’s unique items that make fantastic souvenirs for friends and family. You can expect to find them at department stores and shopping streets. The following are typical types of bento boxes commonly found in the country.

Plastic

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Plastic is the most popular material for modern bento boxes. Plastic boxes are available in countless designs and colors. They are inexpensive, lightweight and many are microwavable. Most feature a hinged lid, making them leak proof for a moderate amount of liquids. On the other hand, they have some disadvantages, such as it being hard to remove grease, stains and food smells, and them being less durable.
In Japan, there are plastic lunch boxes made especially for kids where careful attention is given to every single detail, from cute colors and illustrations to an easy-open latch. Many are free from harmful chemicals like BPA. After a busy day, you will be happy to know that they can be cleaned in a dishwasher. Plastic boxes are a good place to start if you plan to pack lunch for your children.

Bentwood

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Bentwood bento boxes are a traditional handcraft of Japan. They look high-end, sophisticated and are definitely more expensive than other options, but they make up for cost with great functionality. They can absorb any excess moisture from rice, keeping the rice tasting delicious even when it’s cold. They also help prevent rice from going bad in summer and keep it from hardening in winter. Moreover, you will be able to enjoy a wonderful aroma from the wood. However, coated bentwood boxes may not have all mentioned features.

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