What is Kyaraben? Learn Japanese Culture
Updated: Sep 18
Kyaraben, short for "kyarakutā bento" or character bento, is a style of bento that involves arranging food items to resemble characters, animals, or objects, often from popular culture such as anime, manga, or video games. Kyaraben is a form of creative expression where the food is not only meant to be delicious but also visually appealing and fun. Here is the description about bento and kyaraben. In addition, to get you more interested in kyaraben, it will introduce you to instagram influencers of kyaraben and cooking classes in Tokyo that teach how to make kyaraben with English-speaking instructor. Learn Japanese culture from this blog!
Table of Contents
What is Bento?
Bento is a traditional Japanese-style meal that typically consists of rice, fish or meat, and vegetables, all neatly packed into a single-portion container. The container itself is also called a "bento box." Bento boxes can vary widely in size, shape, and material, but they're designed to be portable and convenient for carrying a meal on-the-go. Bento is not only a practical way to enjoy a balanced meal, but it's also often aesthetically pleasing, with the different components arranged in a visually appealing manner.
What is Kyaraben?
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Kyaraben is popular in Japan, where it's often made for children's lunches or special occasions. It's a way for parents to encourage their children to eat a variety of foods while also making mealtime more enjoyable and engaging. Additionally, kyaraben has gained popularity on social media platforms, where enthusiasts share their creations and inspire others to try their hand at this creative culinary art form.
In kyaraben, ingredients like rice, vegetables, fruits and various proteins are shaped and arranged to create intricate designs that mimic the appearance of beloved characters or scenes. Some examples might include rice balls shaped into animals, nori (seaweed) cut into intricate shapes to depict facial features.
3 Popular Instagram Influencers of Kyaraben
Here are the 3 popular influencers in Japan who make kyaraben. Kyaraben are made using an unimaginably wide variety of techniques and ideas. Please take a look at them as a reference when making your own.
1. @momokyaraben
The most famous kyaraben influencer. Many colorful and cute kyaraben are introduced here. There are also videos on how to make kyaraben, so if you are trying to make kyaraben for the first time, please refer to them.
2. @yuko.makotsu
Makotsun-san, an influencer who creates kyaraben of amazing precision and quality, is a mother of two young daughters. She makes artistic bento for her husband and introduces them on her own Instagram. It is difficult to imitate her work, but it is great fun just to watch.
3. @hanacoccoro
This influencer creates cute kyaraben with adorable characters and soft colors. Ingredients are cut into flowers, stars, hearts, and other shapes and arranged in a good sense.
3 Best Kyaraben Making Classes in Tokyo
Here are the 3 best kyaraben making classes in Tokyo. How about a uniquely Japanese experience as a memory of your visit to Tokyo? If you have seen the instagram of kyaraben and wanted to try it, but don't know how to do it, please book them!
Kawaii “Charaben” Character Bento Cooking Class (by Kaoru and Anna)
Source: byFood
Duration: 2 hours
Participants: Max of 10 people
Price: 18,000 JPY per person
Bento and Kyaraben Culinary Experience
Source: Cookly
In this class, you will be able to make your own cute kyaraben. The atomosphere is warm and inviting, the instructor shares helpful tips along the way. Recipes will be provided on paper so that you can recreate these delightful dishes at home.
Duration: 2.5 hours
Participants: Minimum of 2
Price: 12,599 per adults, 8,399 per children (age 3-12)
Making a bento box with cute character look (by Patia’s Japanese Cooking Class)
The instructor will teach you how to make cute and unique kyaraben from scratch. In addition to being cute, they are also nutritionally balanced to satisfy your taste buds. Children can also participate, making this a great way to create family memories of sightseeing in Tokyo.
Duration: 2.5 hours
Participants: Minimum of 2 people
Price: 12,000 per person
For Those Who Want to Experience Making Other Japanese Cuisine as well "Patia's Japanese Cooking Class"
In this blog post, we introduced about kyaraben and kyaraben making classes in Tokyo. We also offer other Japanese food classes. From a class where you can make Sushi to a class where you can make Jiro-style ramen from scratch, these are cooking classes that you can experience only in Japan. Please check out these classes as well.
We also share information about Japan's unique food culture and recommended sightseeing spots in Tokyo on social media.
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