This product was discovered in an interview with Mari Nakano. Read full interview here.

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Watching Mari make a Bento box (lunch box) for her daughter was the most enjoyable. It is such a creative process, treating food with the delicacy of art. We were curious about how Mari, a california girl started making them. As she shares an insight into her upbringing, we munch on flavored rice wrapped with bbq seaweed. “My mom made them for me sometimes when growing up. She didn't do it all the time as they are a little complex. You have to figure out how to fit in maximum amount of food in a square or a shape or two tiers”. While we watch Mari meticulously fill two containers, she goes on to explain that most Bentos are one layer but since this is a two layered box, [she] fills the bottom compartment with main items and top one with snacks. She has a whole stack of differently shaped and colored silicone cups that she goes on to fill with different things. The silicone cups are to keep things separated from each other.

 

Mari’s daughter Shinobu goes to a bilingual Japanese school and it is required that you make a bento box for school. They believe in a wholistic day of learning where kids get exposure to Japanese culture through teachers at school. "If you really want them to understand culture, if you really want them to understand language, food is a huge component and so not only do they say you have to speak at home but the food you bring also has to be indicative of the culture".

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A bento box is also healthier. At the end of the day, it’s less carbs as there is no bread and no sweets. Traditionally bento boxes have some meat, rice, vegetables and pickled items, explains Mari. “How many times do you see a regular American kid bringing this? Maybe a dilled pickle but pickled, fermented stuff which is really good for your stomach is unheard of. Rice is digestible versus bread or peanut butter can be too filling. Cut up raw cucumber and carrots are made in a way that’s been vinegar-ed and with seaweed and alike”. In terms of health, Japanese food is renowned for being a lot healthier, lower in salt and fat.