She’s never played a single game in the series, but she’s made one of the coolest works of Zelda fan art ever.
character bento
The latest lunchbox from this girl’s character bento-making dad probably raised a lot of questions at school.
As we expect you already know, character lunch boxes or “chara-ben,” short for “character bento,” are all the rage in Japan. And their creators are rarely shy about sharing their awesome work, so you can find hundreds of examples of how to make lunch time more adorable on social media networks like Instagram and Twitter.
One of the biggest themes for chara-ben right now is Disney’s Tsum Tsum, a line of stuffed toys that has been adapted into a smartphone game by Line. There were so many great photos, we had to compile our favorite Tsum Tsum chara-ben shots from Instagram for you to check out. But don’t forget to grab a snack, because you’re definitely going to get hungry!
The Kyaraben trend is still going strong in Japan, and even though winter has prompted some to make the temporary switch to deco-nabe, the demand for adorable packed lunches shows no signs of abating. Today we’d like to take a look back over the best of the past year’s Kyaraben. What can we learn about 2014 in Japan from studying these perfect works of edible art?








Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Tokyo turns its phone booths into free Wi-Fi hotspots, and here’s how to use them
A Kyoto factory vending machine sells gourmet mystery meals at bargain prices
Tokyo teahouse serves up a sakura matcha dessert you won’t find anywhere else
Fading Tokyo – Searching for signs of the Showa era as local neighborhoods evolve[Photos]
Which Gundam is the favorite for fans in different countries? Gundam election announces results
The best cosplayers from Day 1 of Summer Comiket 2023【Photos】
Haunted hospital near Mt Fuji re-opens after renovation at Fuji-Q Highland, and it’s terrifying
Here’s what happens when you mix all 53 kinds of Muji curry into one crazy super curry【Taste test】
Studio Ghibli releases new free-to-use anime images to “use within the bounds of common sense”
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
Tokyo’s best museum for foreign travelers finally reopens after being closed for four years
Pokémon lacquerware series expands for Year of the Horse with new handcrafted design[Video]
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Picturesque Tokyo park plays host to millions of flowers and soap bubbles this spring
Tokyo subway and almost all Tokyo train lines now accepting credit card tap payments
Totoro and Calcifer become little light-up lanterns for Ghibli-style excursions or at-home decor
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Which Gundam is the favorite for fans in different countries? Gundam election announces results
The best cosplayers from Day 1 of Summer Comiket 2023【Photos】
Haunted hospital near Mt Fuji re-opens after renovation at Fuji-Q Highland, and it’s terrifying
Here’s what happens when you mix all 53 kinds of Muji curry into one crazy super curry【Taste test】
Studio Ghibli releases new free-to-use anime images to “use within the bounds of common sense”
Studio Ghibli now sells Ursula’s backpack from Kiki’s Delivery Service at its anime shop in Japan
New sushi restaurant hidden inside Tokyo Station is a secret gem
Picturesque Tokyo park plays host to millions of flowers and soap bubbles this spring
Hayao Miyazaki gifts autographed Ghibli anime cel to president of France[Photo]
This upcycled Kyoto train cafe is the ultimate kawaii spring experience
English-language Reddit falls in love with curry restaurant– Can it win our taste tester’s heart?
These Japanese cat masks both enchant and terrify
Starbucks Japan has a secret coffee press service that not many people know about
Float all of your troubles away with a boat ride down the Shimanto River in Kochi Prefecture