Did you know that among the shops in Kyoto is a place called “Bento&Co” owned by a French person who is sharing Japanese bento with the world? Bento have been gathering attention overseas. Bento is a part of “Cool Japan,” the wave of Japanese traditions, culture, and products gaining notoriety. Learn about a Japan that the Japanese don’t even know!
Very Popular with Tourists from Overseas
Bento&Co began as an online store by Thomas Bertrand, who is interested in Japanese bento culture. You might find it a little surprising that a French person opened a store specializing in bento in Kyoto. It’s surprising but true! Foreign tourists visit the most wondering, ’is this really a bento store?’ Bento is a normal part of our lives here in Japan but from overseas it’s very “cool!”
Kokeshi Doll Bento
This is the popular “Kokeshi Doll Bento.” There are many versions like ninja or geisha with designs to delight tourists from overseas. It’s a double compartment with a bowl in the head. Bring along some instant soup and you can enjoy a soup and three sides! Using the silk screen method from Kaga craftsmen, its cute exterior belies the secure quality of its craftsmanship. They’re also safe to use in the microwave or dishwasher, not to mention they’re made-in-Japan. Maybe this is a popular secret.
Stylish like Books
These bento boxes are designed with Mt. Fuji, the symbol of Japan. They’re made using the traditional gold or silver lacquering method. You can put them up right and stow them away like books, hence the name “Book Bento.” Aside from Red Fuji, there are other boxes with designs like the “Great Wave” and works by edo-era painter Sharaku. They’re not only beautiful to look at but also practical with packing and dividers included. Perhaps a little unfashionable to be used by Japanese but very cool for foreigners to use! A great present or souvenir. And, of course, made in Japan.
The great thing about Bento&Co is that these beautiful bento boxes and more are made with Akita cedar, allowing for flexible or circular shapes. There are also ones made with Kishu Hinoki wood or natural bamboo, and they’re all genuine. The owner’s love for traditional crafts is well known and allows for others to experience the wonders of Japanese crafts again and again.
Also Many Fun Goods!
Bento are a joy for children. But they’re not easy for us moms! Before it was that if it tasted good then the bento was good but now it’s all about the looks. So much so that now there’s “seaweed art” and the traditional bento made by mom has gotten all the more harder for us.
There’s not just bento boxes here but also goods to fill your insides too. Cut out panda, penguin, bullet train or other shapes cut from seaweed and just by pasting them to onigiri you get a great bento quickly! They’re all about 1000 yen each so buy a few and give them a try.
Panda Onigiri
The aforementioned panda onigiri looks like this. It comes out pretty adorable. This is the front but the back is cute too. A great delight for kids! These items come with a handle so even children can make them without burning themselves so, on a day off, you and your kids can spend the mornng together making onigiri.
Brief Comment
It’s normal for us in Japan but through the eyes of foreigners it’s brand new! Be sure to get a feel of new Japan in the old capital! Be warned: the store opens late at noon so plan to go after the morning.
The trick to panda onigiri is making the onigiri after cutting the seaweed. If the onigiri is dry on the surface then the seaweed won’t stick well!
History
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