Have you ever wondered what a character bento is? A Kyaraben, short for character lunchbox, is a culinary art form where ordinary ingredients are transformed into charming characters, from beloved anime icons like Pokemon and Totoro to timeless classics like Hello Kitty. These edible masterpieces can also take the form of animals, flowers, cheerful animal faces, juicy fruits, and picturesque landscapes.

The story behind character bento is a heartwarming one. It all began with the ingenious idea of encouraging children to happily eat even the foods they might typically dislike. By crafting ingredients into playful and delightful shapes, you can effortlessly turn those pesky vegetables into cheerful flowers, making bento preparation an enjoyable and imaginative experience.

What’s more, character bento isn’t just about making food; it’s about creating edible art that brings a smile to your face. These enchanting creations have captured hearts not only in Japan but around the world, solidifying their place as one of Japan’s most cherished food cultures.

Character bento is so captivating that you might find it hard to take that first bite. From bento boxes shaped like your favorite anime characters to adorable animals and more, these culinary wonders have garnered widespread admiration. Our mission is to share the joy of crafting character bento and the rich tradition of Japanese food culture with everyone, regardless of age or location.

If you’re eager to join the fun and learn the art of character bento, we’ve got you covered. While we currently offer in-person workshops in the Los Angeles area, we’re excited to introduce Zoom-based character bento classes to reach a broader audience. Join us on this enchanting journey into the world of character bento, where food becomes art and every meal is a masterpiece!

NORIKO RENO IMURA

Renowned as the former “Mrs. Woman of the World” representing Japan, she is a skilled Cooking Instructor and Coordinator known for her expertise in Japanese cuisine. With appearances on shows like “Shiawase no Kantan Cooking,” she engages audiences with her intricate dishes, such as kyaraben Bento, through Japanese cooking lessons. As a Freelance Cooking Instructor, she imparts her culinary wisdom to both children and adults, emphasizing creativity and imagination.

Her passion for culinary arts extends to community initiatives, where she hosts workshops at events like Delicious Little Tokyo and contributes to organizations such as Table For Two. In September 2023, she will lead a workshop sponsored by LOS ANGELES METRO, continuing her mission to share her culinary knowledge. Additionally, she actively participates in Children’s Day events, Girl Scout workshops, and other community activities at JACCC (Japanese American Cultural & Community Center).