lioness in japan

Japan has so much culture in its daily life so it’s not uncommon to see both locals and expats taking up a Japanese craft or martial arts skill.

Aikido must be one of the most popular classes to take up in the gaijin community, while ikebana, or flower arrangement, is a hit with mature women. My Japanese female friends tend to prefer learning the intricacies of Japanese tea ceremony, wearing a kimono, or Japanese dance.

While I do appreciate Japanese culture, my interest is fairly pedestrian but when I stumbled upon this bento by Pikko who blogs at Adventures in Bentomaking, my curiosity was perked. How awesome is this…?

And a Monokuro Boo bento from Cloud 9 Food:

Geishas and geese are Sakura Kitsa’s inspirations:

I am totally hooked on looking at these creative bentos and marveling at the ingredients used. Though some bento hobbyists take bento-making to a whole new level of artistry, some firmly believe the taste is still the most important factor and the design shouldn’t compromise it. I do try to imagine eating the combination of foods they put together and some do seem to have strange bedfellows.

It’s a pity I don’t go to the office and making a bento to eat at home just feels silly. But, if anyone invites me to a picnic or a road trip, I might just roll up my sleeves and attempt to make one. I’ll probably just start with flower and star molds though!

I’ll leave you with a list of amazing bento blogs I came across:

Anna the red’s bento factory
http://annathered.wordpress.com
From Totoro to Battlestar Galactica, this Japanese expat in NYC pays attention to detail and her bentos are truly impressive.

Face Food Bento
http://facefoodbento.blogspot.com
This blog shows off cartoon characters and music album covers. Wow.

Just Bento
http://justbento.com
With a strong focus on adult bento (non-kyaraben), it’s a place where you can find many practical tips and tricks.

Lunch In A Box
http://lunchinabox.net
Helmed by an American lady who married a Japanese, this blog is a one stop shop for all things bento. She started making bentos because of her husband’s food intolerances and now she makes bentos for her young son and her specialty is in speedy, nutritious bentos. It seems she’s leading quite a bento revolution over there in the USA.

Main-main masak masak
http://mainmainmasakmasak.wordpress.com
Last but not least — a Singaporean blog on healthy, gluten-free bento. Visually appealing and full of detailed recipes and tutorials.

Related posts:

1. Japan blogs I love tuning into
2. Even creepy crawlies are “cute” in Japan
3. Where have I been?

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