Chara-Ben – Fun Lunch Time –
Let’s try making cute, funny, fantastic “Chara ben”!
Hi. I’m Yukako who lives in the northern part of Europe, and teaches and tells people about Japanese traditional culture such as tea ceremony, kimono, etc. offline and online.
By the way, where do you usually have a lunch? At office with your colleague or at home? If you often eat out, why don’t you try making a bento lunch box? Now bringing bento is popular around the world because it’s more healthy than eating out and you can save money! Also, making bento with some famous characters a lso getting popular! It’s called “Chara-ben” in Japanese. From small children to grown-up, it’s always pleasure to see cute and elaborate foods stuffed in your lunch box. So, let me show some example for you to try making one someday!
Use creativity to have a fun lunch time!
People usually choose famous Disney or animation character such as Winnie the Pooh, Totoro, Super Mario, etc. Here’s some example.
You also can create bento on your own theme. If it’s Olympic season, you can decorate it with Olympic color. If it’s your son’s soccer game, then you can make soccer ball rice balls! There is no rules, all you need is just your creativity and love!
It looks complicated, but in fact it’s not so difficult. All you need is basically cut nori seaweed paper for eyes, mouth, eye brow, etc. and shape and color rice into their body.
Let’s surprise someone special with your chara-ben
Of course, it consumes time and requires your effort. But, don’t you want to see someone special happily surprised when opening his/her lunch box?!