Japan-

Move over Picassos, Van Goghs and artsy canvasses of the world! It is Japanese mummies and their bento boxes that are taking the art and culinary world by storm.

Just to clue you in, a Bento box is what a Japanese lunch box is called. When most of us think “lunch box”, it’s mostly an old plastic box with our favourite superhero on the cover and a P.B and J sandwich inside (A cheese toastie on the good days). However when the Japanese say lunch box what they actually mean is an artistic masterpiece contained in a box.

‘Credit: nanette818- Flickr’

This art of fabulously decorated and presented lunch boxes has steadily risen to immense popularity. Little school children in Japan now can’t wait for lunch time because who knows if it’s Mickey Mouse or Pokémon or Superman they’re eating that day. Japanese mum’s have started taking Bento art classes so as to rank well in the regular “Bento Box of the Week” competitions held in most kindergarten and junior schools. This is the epitome of 15 minutes of fame, because what can take hours to make is gobbled up in a matter of minutes.

‘Credit: nanette818- Flickr’

It’s not just the mum’s who are drawn into the fabulous world of Bento Art but various other creative individuals as well. Many have given up full time work to be Bento bohemians. For instance Japanese blogger: Jacket Lunch Box who makes Bento boxes that replicate famous album covers from Green Day to Guns and Roses.

‘Halloween Themed Bento Box’

Travellers heading to Japan can now order their own Mario, Calvin and Hobbes, Obama or Mona Lisa inspired Bento box in various restaurants across town. This Japanese rage is yet to be as popular across the world but it’s catching on. It’s already hit New York where Anna the Red’s Bento Box art has been making news.

Meanwhile while the rest of the world eats their Ham Sandwiches from brown paper bags, the Bento Ninja moves slowly and stealthily.

Written by: Ankita Mahabir

Respective photo credits are given in photo captions