Kyaraben
Kyaraben or charaben (キャラ弁), a shortened form of character bento (キャラクター弁当, kyarakutā bentō), is a style of elaborately arranged bento which features food decorated to look like people, characters from popular media, animals, and plants.[1] Japanese homemakers often spend considerable time devising their children's meals[citation needed] including their boxed lunches.
Originally, a decorated bento was intended to arouse interest from children in their food and to encourage a wider range of eating habits. It has now evolved to the point where national contests are held,[2] from which kyaraben artists can gain fame and become invited seminar speakers and authors on the subject.[citation needed]
See also
Wikimedia Commons has media related to kyaraben.
References
- ^ Super Sied (2008-05-10). "Kyaraben: Japanese Character Lunch Boxes". Weird Asia News. Retrieved 2008-10-07.
- ^ Koh, Emily (2008-04-16). "The 2008 Sanrio Character Bento Grand Prix". Serious Eats. Retrieved 2008-10-07.