

THE JAPANESE BENTO
BOX: AN EDIBLE ART FORM
BOX: AN EDIBLE ART FORM
The best way to sink your teeth into a
place is, well, to eat like a local. Feast
your eyes on
the Japanese bento box,
or obento, and you’ll know how
Japanese unite health, food and beauty.
place is, well, to eat like a local. Feast
your eyes on
the Japanese bento box,
or obento, and you’ll know how
Japanese unite health, food and beauty.


A Food
Culture
Born in
Theaters
Culture
Born in
Theaters
Makunouchi (幕の内弁当), a common sight in JR stations, represents the history of Japanese bento which dates
back to the Edo period (1603–1867). Yes, even back then, people liked a nibble while they binge-watched.
And like indulging in a new box-set, theater performance was a whole-day activity, where bento would be sold and enjoyed during makuno-uchi (“between acts”).
And like indulging in a new box-set, theater performance was a whole-day activity, where bento would be sold and enjoyed during makuno-uchi (“between acts”).
A Meticulous Form of Edible Art
Ever tried to cram a day’s worth of makeup, keys, MTR cards, and money into a purse — and failed? Take a
lesson from this gorgeous item.
Bento culture in the Edo period is when things leveled up. Literally. Enter the portable tiered bento box: food, sake, lacquerware, and utensils could be packed together, and daintily carried to a fab day out. And like the best of Japanese culture, it marries practicality and elegance, offering utterly gorgeous food presentation despite its heftier size.
Bento culture in the Edo period is when things leveled up. Literally. Enter the portable tiered bento box: food, sake, lacquerware, and utensils could be packed together, and daintily carried to a fab day out. And like the best of Japanese culture, it marries practicality and elegance, offering utterly gorgeous food presentation despite its heftier size.


Happiness
in a Box
in a Box
A homemade bento box is more than a lunch box. It’s a symbol of love; especially as bento are often
prepared by mothers. Since Japanese take their bento culture super-seriously, people can’t help but peek
at their pals’ boxes, to see who’s got the best-tasting treats — and the best-looking.
Ask your average Japanese, and they will probably still remember their schoolgirl joy when they saw their favorite cartoon character’s face, recreated on a rice ball. In short: a bento might hit the tummy first, but it lingers in the heart.
Ask your average Japanese, and they will probably still remember their schoolgirl joy when they saw their favorite cartoon character’s face, recreated on a rice ball. In short: a bento might hit the tummy first, but it lingers in the heart.
Nutrients Matter
Like the perfect equation, a traditional Japanese bento is all about balance — the harmony of flavors and
nutrients, that is. It’s all about a proper ratio of rice, meat, egg, vegetables, and fruits.
Pickles, another fixture of bento, are positively packed with probiotics.
Translation: it’s good for your gut!
Pickles, another fixture of bento, are positively packed with probiotics.
Translation: it’s good for your gut!


Japanese
Food
Philosophy:
Eat Pure and
Natural
Food
Philosophy:
Eat Pure and
Natural
Did you know tofu, carrots, and shiso leaf (perilla) are all bento staples that
make your skin glowy and healthy? Time to eat like a Japanese now.
make your skin glowy and healthy? Time to eat like a Japanese now.


WASO
Soft+Cushy Polisher
Soft+Cushy Polisher
The tofu-like polisher,
armed with soy ingredients,
moisturizes and refines skin.
armed with soy ingredients,
moisturizes and refines skin.


WASO
Clear Mega-Hydrating Cream
Clear Mega-Hydrating Cream
The intensely hydrating cream contains
whole cells of nutritious carrot, which
helps soften an uneven complexion.
whole cells of nutritious carrot, which
helps soften an uneven complexion.


WASO
Purifying Peel Off Mask
Purifying Peel Off Mask
The pearl-red mask is powered by
minerals and the vitamin-rich shiso leaf,
which packs a one-two punch: it subdues
dullness and is renowned for its
antioxidation powers.
minerals and the vitamin-rich shiso leaf,
which packs a one-two punch: it subdues
dullness and is renowned for its
antioxidation powers.

WANT TO
BITE INTO
MORE BEAUTY?
WASO, a SHISEIDO product line that
takes inspiration from the holistic
Japanese food tradition of washoku,
helps all skin types stay naturally
healthy and beautiful.
BITE INTO
MORE BEAUTY?
WASO, a SHISEIDO product line that
takes inspiration from the holistic
Japanese food tradition of washoku,
helps all skin types stay naturally
healthy and beautiful.
Cultures

