Discover Japan’s Adorable Bento Box Art Culture
Updated: Nov 15
HELLO, I'M AYU!
I am one of the staff members at Patia, where we offer cooking classes specifically designed for foreign tourists in Tokyo. I have two children, and I love cooking! I look forward to sharing my passion for cooking with you and making your experience in Japan truly memorable!
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? Discover Japan’s Adorable Bento Box Art Culture
.
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
@momokyaraben is 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
@yuko.komatsu is 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
@hanacoccoro is an influencer who 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.
YouTube: How to Make a Cute Hello Kitty Character Bento
In this adorable video by ochikeron, you’ll learn how to make a Hello Kitty character bento, or "kyaraben," a fun way to enjoy Japanese lunchboxes. Perfect for beginners and bento enthusiasts alike, this tutorial shows you how to create an iconic Hello Kitty bento that’s as cute as it is delicious!
From shaping rice to adding the finishing touches, this video walks you through each step, making it easy to create your own kawaii bento. It’s a wonderful way to add a touch of Japanese charm to your lunch!
Watch the video here: How to Make Hello Kitty Bento Lunch Box
Channel Name: ochikeron
4 Best Kyaraben Making Classes in Tokyo
Here are the 4 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
Create a Kawaii Teddy Bear Bento in Tokyo (by Patia’s Japanese Cooking Class)
In this class, you’ll craft adorable teddy bear characters out of bento ingredients. It is perfect for families or anyone looking to enjoy some fun time together.
Duration: 2 hours
Participants: Minimum of 2 people
Price: 12,000 per person
Japanese Cuisine Making Experience in Tokyo
For a full hands-on experience with traditional Japanese food, learn from a cooking instructor in Patia’s Japanese Cooking Class in Tokyo. After your class, you’ll be taking home skills as well as memories…and a full belly!
We share more behind-the-scenes moments, cooking tips, and beautiful photos from our classes on Instagram! Be sure to follow us and join in the Tokyo food adventure.
Check us out at @patiajapanesecooking
Contact Us
If you have any questions or would like to learn more about our cooking classes, please feel free to reach out! We are here to help you create memorable culinary experiences during your stay in Japan.
Contact Form: Click here to fill out our contact form