Sumo, a sport steeped in tradition and history, has captivated audiences in Japan for centuries. Dating back to ancient times, sumo has evolved into a national spectacle that combines athleticism, ritual, and cultural significance. But where did it come from? What do sumo wrestlers do in their day to day life? Join us as we take a closer look at the world of sumo.    From Ritual to the Ring In its earliest stages, sumo was a sacred practice, interwoven with religious ceremonies and rites. These early rituals were believed to appease the gods and ensure bountiful harvests ..read more

Welcome to 2024! As we step into the New Year, why not give your lunch routine a makeover? Bento lunches are not only visually appealing but also a fantastic way to incorporate variety and nutrition into your lunch. Here’s five bento lunch hacks to help you kick off your culinary adventures this year. 1. Start Simple. This yummy chestnut rice and fried chicken bento was put together almost entirely with pre-made dishes. One of the biggest hurdles when starting any new habit is trying to do too much too quickly. Just like you don’t casually start running with a marathon, starting off your bent ..read more

It’s November 23rd, 2008. The year is winding down after the excitement of the Beijing Olympics, Barack Obama winning the US presidential election, and the Large Hadron Collider at CERN firing up for the first time. And, on the other side of the world in a cozy little house in Kyoto, Japan, Bento&co was born. Our story starts quite humbly: $300 of stock in a living room, the help of friends and family, and plenty of hard work. We sat down with our CEO and founder, Thomas Bertrand, to reflect on the past 15 years of Bento&co. What inspired you to start Bento&co? Thomas Bertrand:&nbs ..read more

Updated October 2023 Here at Bento&co, we learned about a wonderful worldwide campaign that runs throughout October and November called “Onigiri Action”! Organized by Table for Two, a Japanese non-profit organization that fights against food inequality, Onigiri Action is a social good campaign that provides school meals globally to children in need.  Our team participated again this year, submitting photos of these onigiri we enjoyed making... and eating from the convenience store! How does it work? Every time someone takes a photo of something related to oni ..read more

As the year comes to a close, Kyoto dons its vibrant autumn cloak, transforming into a picturesque canvas of reds, oranges, and golds. Known for its breathtaking fall foliage, Japan’s old capital offers a plethora of spots where you can immerse yourself in its seasonal beauty. Here are some must-visit locations for a memorable autumn experience. When’s the best time to see Kouyou in Kyoto? The best time to see Kouyou (Japanese for the “changing of the leaves”) and Momiji (Japanese for red maple leaves) can vary dramatically depending on where you are. In Kyoto, most leaves are in peak season ..read more

Every September, stores and restaurants across Japan explode with rabbit, dango, and susuki (Japanese pampas grass) decorations to celebrate Tsukimi, Japan’s moon-viewing festival. Held on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month (September 29th in 2023), Tsukimi heralds the beginning of autumn, a season of transition and reflection. Join us as we dive into one of Japan’s oldest traditions. Rituals and Reflections: Tsukimi Across History Tsukimi is believed to have its origins in the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival, a harvest festival that became a permanent annual festival during the Tang dynasty (61 ..read more

As summer winds down, and the familiar scent of sharpened pencils and freshly printed textbooks fills the air, it's time for that exciting yet slightly nerve-wracking season: back to school! Alongside the flurry of new schedules, early morning alarms, and rekindled friendships comes the age-old challenge for parents: what to pack for lunch? While it can be all too tempting to just send the kids off with a Lunchable, or fork over the money for a lackluster school lunch, we’re here to show you it can be just as easy to make healthy bentos your kids will love. Let’s jump in! Bento Boxes vs Weste ..read more

We are so honored to be featured in the latest installment of NHK’s Core Kyoto, “The Beauty in Boxes: Containers to Hold and Express Sentiments”. This exceptionally done documentary takes a look at the culture of boxes in Kyoto. Boxes you say? Turns out a deep dive into boxes provides fascinating insight into the city’s rich artisanal and culinary heritage! Our segment begins around 12:55.  Watch on the NHK World website here.  In addition to Bento&co, bento lunch chefs, wagashi artisans, a proprietor of a bento box museum are featured, making this a rewarding watch for ..read more

If you happen to find yourself in a Japanese supermarket on July 30th this year (2023), you might be in for a slippery shock. In nearly every supermarket in the country you’ll find huge displays of delicious grilled freshwater eel slathered in sweet and savory sauce on sale for Doyo no Ushi no Hi, one of Japan’s many food related pseudo-holidays. Join us as we break down what Doyo no Ushi no Hi means, its fascinating origin, and some tips for making your own grilled eel, as well as some vegan alternatives.  What’s in a name?    So what exactly is Doyo no Ushi no Hi (土用の丑の日)? Le ..read more

Japan’s most famous summer festival is here, and is back with a bang after COVID19 restrictions for the past three years. Arguably the most traditional festival in Japan, it transforms the month of July into a time of celebrations and festivals in Kyoto. Yamaboko Junko, the Main Attraction The main event of Gion Matsuri is the grand procession of floats (Yamaboko Junko) that occurs on July 17. Giant decorative floats, weighing more than a ton, are pulled along by dozens of men wearing traditional period clothes. The floats can be up to 25 meters tall, and the wheels, many bigger than peop ..read more