Bento Revolution: Self Heating Bento Box Arrives in Japan

Bento (Pixabay.com/HirokazuTouwaku)

In Japan, food is not just a necessity, but also a part of a rich and diverse culture. One interesting innovation in the Japanese culinary world is the “self-heating bento box”. The concept of bento itself has been around for centuries, but with the advancement of technology, food manufacturers in Japan have created bento that do not require heating with electrical appliances or stoves. Let’s explore more about self-heating bento boxes and how this phenomenon became so popular in the land of Sakura.

What is Self Heating Bento Box?

In the midst of the busyness of modern society, the need for practical food that is still delicious and nutritious is increasing. One of the latest innovations that has attracted attention in Japan is the “Self Heating Bento Box” or a lunch box that can heat itself. This product not only makes it easy, but also offers a unique eating experience, especially for those with high mobility.

This Self Heating Bento Box is the perfect solution for office workers, students, or anyone who wants to enjoy hot food without the hassle of using a microwave. The system used in this box is very simple. Inside the bento, there is a compartment for food and also a separate heating material. When the user is ready to eat, they simply pull the string, and the heating material will start working. This process usually uses a safe chemical reaction, producing enough heat to heat the food briefly.

Self heating bento box is food packaging that is designed in such a way that it can heat the food inside using only water. The food in this bento has been prepared beforehand and is packaged with technology that allows heating in a simple way. Usually, inside the bento there is a package containing heating ingredients, and users only need to add water to the bento to activate the heating process.

History and Development of Self Heating Bento Box

Worker holding bento on train

Bento boxes first appeared during the Kamakura period in Japan (1185-1333). Bento boxes are thought to have been invented by farmers and merchants who needed a way to carry their food while they worked. These bento boxes were typically made of bamboo or wood, and were very simple in design. Over time, bento boxes evolved into beautiful works of art, featuring intricate designs on both the inside and outside. 

The word “bento” actually comes from the verb “to bentou,” which means “to be practical,” so it was actually meant to allow for a practical way to eat outside the home. The word “bento” is often said to have originated from a 16th-century military commander named Oda Nobunaga (1534-1582), who fed many people in his palace by distributing food to everyone. The word “bento” was coined to describe the simple meals that were distributed in this way.

The concept of bento as a ready-to-eat meal has been around since the Edo period (1603-1868). At that time, Japanese people began to bring food in practical containers to carry when traveling. Over time, bento has developed into more diverse, both in terms of taste, presentation, and packaging.

However, self-heating bento boxes only started to become popular in the early 2000s, especially bento boxes sold at train stations (ekiben) commonly called Heated Ekiben (加熱式駅弁), along with the increasing need for practical food among busy Japanese society. With more and more people working and studying outside the home, this innovation came as a solution to enjoy warm food without having to bother preparing cooking equipment.

How Self Heating Bento Box Works

The technology behind self-heating bento boxes is very interesting. Typically, the bento box has two compartments: one for food and one for a heating agent. This heating agent is often a mixture of calcium oxide and water. When water is added, a chemical reaction occurs that produces heat. This process can heat food in about 8 minutes, depending on the type and amount of food in the bento.

The user simply places the container on a flat surface. Then, while lightly pressing the lid from above, it is important to immediately “pull out” the yellow string on the bento box at once. A chemical reaction between quicklime and water occurs under the sukiyaki rice (CaO+H2O→Ca(OH)2). The heat generated during this process is transferred to the rice and sukiyaki, and the bento becomes hot in about eight minutes. The raw egg inside is wrapped in insulating material so that it remains raw even when heated.

Opening the lid, enjoying the delicious aroma of the bento and the steam, and cracking the raw egg is a joyous moment. The “chimney” in the middle of the container with the cardboard underneath is a testament to ingenuity and refinement. Even though it is a bento, when you think about all the hard work that went into making it taste like a regular bento, it becomes that much more delicious. 

Advantages of Self Heating Bento Box

Practical and Easy: Self heating bento box is very easy to use. You do not need additional equipment such as a stove or microwave. Simply pull the rope on the bento box and in no time, the food is ready to be enjoyed.

Save Time: In a fast-paced society like Japan, time is a precious commodity. With a self-heating bento box, you can save time at lunch or on the go.

Taste Quality: Since the food is cooked and served in the same packaging, the taste and quality of the food are well maintained. The food remains fresh and does not lose nutrients during the heating process.

Security: Self heating bento box uses safe technology. The heating process takes place inside the packaging, so the risk of fire or injury from the heating device is reduced.

Wide Variety of Food Choices: Nowadays, many manufacturers offer various types of food in this bento. This allows consumers to choose according to their taste.

Types of Self Heating Bento Boxes

In Japan, there are various types of self-heating bento boxes that can be found on the market. This self-heating bento box usually consists of rice served with various side dishes such as clams, pork, chicken, beef, or beef tongue which of course are cooked with typical Japanese spices.

There is also a type of self-heating bento box that contains morioka jajamen, a Japanese-style Chinese dish that is part of the local cuisine of Morioka, Iwate Prefecture. Jajamen itself can be interpreted as Spicy Pork Ramen.

Availability and Popularity of Self heating bento box

Self-heating bento boxes are very easy to find in Japan, even at train stations. Their popularity continues to grow, especially among office workers, students, and travelers. Many of them appreciate the convenience and portability that these bento boxes offer.

In addition, in recent years, self-heating bento boxes have begun to attract the attention of the international community in Japan. With the increasing interest in Japanese food, this product is expected to be exported to various countries. This provides an opportunity for many people outside Japan to experience the deliciousness of this practical bento.

Challenges and Considerations of Self Heating Bento Boxes

While self-heating bento boxes offer many benefits, there are some challenges to consider. One of them is the sustainability and environmental impact of the packaging. In addition, it is important for consumers to always read the instructions for use provided by the manufacturer.

The price of this product also tends to be higher compared to conventional bento. This can be a barrier for some people, especially for students or workers with limited budgets. However, this is certainly comparable to the portion and quality of taste offered and can even compete with conventional bento.

Every innovation certainly has its pros and cons, and the Self Heating Bento Box is no exception. However, looking at the current trends, it is clear that this product offers an attractive solution for many who value convenience without sacrificing food quality. Furthermore, with more menu options and manufacturers getting involved, it is expected that in the near future, we will see further innovations that may improve the dining experience with this lunch box.

Conclusion

Self-heating bento boxes are an example of innovation that combines Japanese culinary tradition with modern technology. These convenient and delicious foods offer a new way for people to enjoy Japanese cuisine anywhere and anytime. Although there are challenges to overcome, their increasing popularity suggests that self-heating bento boxes will become an important part of dining culture in Japan and perhaps around the world. With all the convenience and deliciousness they offer, it is no wonder that self-heating bento boxes are the choice of many people who want to enjoy warm food in a practical and enjoyable way.

For those who are curious to try, many stations in Japan sell this Self Heating Bento Box. So, if you have the chance to visit Japan, don't miss the chance to enjoy this warm and delicious meal while enjoying the beauty of the city. This is one example of how technology and tradition can combine to create a new experience that is interesting and practical for modern society.