Newsletter Vol.7

Furoshiki & Bento box

Newsletter Vol.7

Furoshiki
&
Bento box


Eco friendly and reusable wrapping clothes & lunch boxes

In Japan, there is a word "mottainai" that expresses the feeling of not taking things for granted, and the culture of continuing to cherish a single thing has taken root from long ago. For this reason, traditional Japanese products can be used repeatedly for a variety of purposes. They are perfect items to support your sustainable lifestyle. In this issue, we would like to introduce two traditional Japanese sustainable products that can be used repeatedly and with care: wrapping cloth (furoshiki) and lunch boxes (bento boxes)!

Furoshiki      |      Bento box
Furoshiki      |      Bento box
Bento box
Bento box

Bento boxes are used to pack and carry foodstuffs. At the beginning of the 16th century, bento culture was born with simple portable food, and developed as a meal that samurai warriors of the Sengoku Period brought when going to war. In the Edo Period, in accordance with the increasing number of commoners who enjoyed food outside, such as at cherry blossom viewing and other occasions, the bento culture spread further. Nowadays, “kyara-ben (character lunchboxes)”—in which the contents of the bento are modeled after characters from cartoons and animation, as well as celebrities—is also popular.
Bento boxes are reusable after washing, unlike plastic containers. In addition, leftovers can be packed again, saved in a refrigerator, and eaten up afterward, contributing to reducing food loss. Bento culture, which offers healthy meals at a more reasonable price than eating out, is one of the topics that we should pay attention to now that the SDGs are being called for.

1/5
Enjoy a variety of foods paked in a two-tiered bento box
 
BENTO BITE DUAL

TAKENAKA Co., Ltd.

BENTO BITE DUAL

TAKENAKA Co., Ltd.

Here you will find bento boxes with many vivid colors.

As these have a two-tier sealed structure and the upper section has a gasket to prevent juice leakage. Various kinds of food can be carried at once, for example, with fruit on the top and salad or sandwiches on the bottom.

After finishing the meal, the upper tier can be stored inside the lower, making it compact for bringing back home.

In Ishikawa Prefecture, famous for its traditional lacquerware production, this company is producing modern lacquerware coated with urethan on a plastic base. The high quality of its products, backed by its history, is another allure.

2/5
Compact small lacquerware box perfect for carrying snacks
 
Candy Box

Isuke&Co.,LTD.

Candy Box

Isuke&Co.,LTD.

Here you will find compact and modern lacquerware produced by Ishuke Shoten, founded in Kyoto 190 years ago.

The compact size of 90 mm (length) x 90 mm (width) makes it convenient to carry items such as fruit or pickles in one box separately when you are worried about odor transfer to other ingredients.

All the six designs with traditional Japanese auspicious patterns are modern and cute, and surely catch the eye of those around you. The colorful combination of the inside and the outside also allow it to be enjoyed as an interior item or an accessory case.

Here you will find compact and modern lacquerware produced by Ishuke Shoten, founded in Kyoto 190 years ago.

The compact size of 90 mm (length) x 90 mm (width) makes it convenient to carry items such as fruit or pickles in one box separately when you are worried about odor transfer to other ingredients.

All the six designs with traditional Japanese auspicious patterns are modern and cute, and surely catch the eye of those around you. The colorful combination of the inside and the outside also allow it to be enjoyed as an interior item or an accessory case.

3/5
Make your daily bento special with ”Magewappa”,
a traditional eco-friendly craft
 
Magewappa bento box

Studio Kurara

Magewappa bento box

Studio Kurara

The wooden bento box “Magewappa,” used for over 1200 years, is one of traditional handicrafts designated by the Japanese government. It is lightweight, easy to use, and has a simple design which makes you feel the warmth of wood. No matter what kind of food you put in it, it will look beautiful with a Japanese atmosphere.

It is made with only domestic natural materials, including cedar from Kamiyama, Tokushima, and does not use any synthetic adhesives or synthetic paints.

Furthermore, as all scraps and wood waste from the production process are burned to ashes in the workshop garden, no environmentally harmful waste is generated during the production process, making it a very sustainable product.

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4/5
Bento box with coolant container protects food even on hot days
 
GEL COOL

MIYOSHI Mfg. Co., Ltd.

GEL COOL

MIYOSHI Mfg. Co., Ltd.

With a frozen gel pack inside the lid, this bento box can functionally and effectively keep food cool. Just leave the lid in the freezer overnight then set it on the packed bento box, allowing it to keep food at or below 15°C for about four hours under an ambient temperature of 25°C. Therefore, you can carry your lunch without worrying about food poisoning even in summer. Since the coolant is sealed inside the lid, it will not deform like ordinary coolants.

A variety of shapes and sizes are available, such as an oval shape that is easy to hold in one hand and wash along corners and a square shape suitable to pack a small side dish. Its official Instagram account, where pictures of bento boxes with Gel Cool are posted, is also worth visiting.

↑The official Instagram where beautiful bento lunches are posted weekly!

With a frozen gel pack inside the lid, this bento box can functionally and effectively keep food cool. Just leave the lid in the freezer overnight then set it on the packed bento box, allowing it to keep food at or below 15°C for about four hours under an ambient temperature of 25°C. Therefore, you can carry your lunch without worrying about food poisoning even in summer. Since the coolant is sealed inside the lid, it will not deform like ordinary coolants.

A variety of shapes and sizes are available, such as an oval shape that is easy to hold in one hand and wash along corners and a square shape suitable to pack a small side dish. Its official Instagram account, where pictures of bento boxes with Gel Cool are posted, is also worth visiting.

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5/5
Essential for large parties and picnics! A luxurious bento box "JUBAKO"
 
Jubako/3tires stack box with lid/ICHIMATSU

KITAICHI SHIKKITEN Co., Ltd.

Jubako/3tires stack box with lid/ICHIMATSU

KITAICHI SHIKKITEN Co., Ltd.

This luxurious lacquer box "JUBAKO" is a perfect to have a meal for a special occasion. They were used in the old days for pleasure lunches for aristocrats and feudal lords.

In addition to its beautiful appearance, it is characterized by its gorgeousness when the lid is opened and each tier is unfolded. It can hold many different kinds of dishes and can be easily carried all at once in one container. The most popular pattern is the checkered pattern "ICHIMATSU" . It is said to be an auspicious pattern meaning "eternity and prosperity" because the square shape expands infinitely.

The tips for beautifully filling a stacked box include:
✓Packing dishes in order from the outer corner of the box
✓Considering the color scheme and separating items of the same color
✓Use a small bowl or other divider to serve as a partition.

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Editor's column
bentobox_img
Just one hour of pre-made on the weekend will make your week-long bento life much easier!
Editor's column
Time-saving tip,"Pre-made"

In Japan, many people make a bento every morning to bring for lunch. In order to reduce the work, Japanese people rely on “pre-made.” “Pre-made” refers to a cooking method in which a large amount of side dishes are made over the weekend and stored in storage containers. Once prepared, you can easily create a wonderful-looking lunch box by simply adding them to leftovers from dinner. Give it a try!

3 tips for pre-made

✔️ Put in the fridge after completely cooling!
If the container is covered while the contents remain hot, the steam will damage the side dish. It can also cause damage to other foods in the refrigerator.

Find out Storage Containers >

✔ Rely on seasonings which can prevent food damage!
Use spices with high antiseptic and antibacterial properties, such as chili, pepper, garlic, ginger, and dried plums.

Find out Seasoning >

✔️ Label it with the date it was made!
Write down the date of completion or when the dish is ready to eat, as well as the name of the side dish so you do not forget.

Find out Post it >

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Read about Furoshiki >

INFORMATION


Find more products on Special Page!

Japan Street introduces more than 100 types of furoshiki, including beautifully patterned furoshiki, functional furoshiki and so on. We also feature bento(lunch) boxes that make great gifts when paired with furoshiki. Please take a look at our special page to see Japanese products!


Find more products on Special Page!


Japan Street introduces more than 100 types of furoshiki, including beautifully patterned furoshiki, functional furoshiki and so on. We also feature bento(lunch) boxes that make great gifts when paired with furoshiki. Please take a look at our special page to see Japanese products!


Free of charge!?
What can Japan Street do for you!

If you are interested in any of the products listed below, please feel free to contact us for a quote or business meeting request, etc. Japan Street will contact Japanese companies for business meetings and coordinate the schedule to ensure smooth business negotiations. We can also arrange interpreters and facilitate business meetings on the day of the meeting, if desired. All of these services are free of charge. We can also search for products from all over Japan according to your requests.


Free of charge!?
What can Japan Street do for you!


If you are interested in any of the products listed below, please feel free to contact us for a quote or business meeting request, etc. Japan Street will contact Japanese companies for business meetings and coordinate the schedule to ensure smooth business negotiations. We can also arrange interpreters and facilitate business meetings on the day of the meeting, if desired. All of these services are free of charge. We can also search for products from all over Japan according to your requests.




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