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?
MOST POPULAR
Now
How to make a lucky sushi roll with KFC fried chicken skin【SoraKitchen】
Japan’s suicides fall to lowest recorded number ever, but one demographic hits all-time high
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Cherry blossom sake rice beer arriving in Japan well ahead of cherry blossom season, but how?
Video of dancing girls reminds us of Japan’s weird ’90s street fashion
Ghost in the Sheel goes traditional with Japanese porcelain Tachikoma robots, only 50 to be made
Japan is in the grip of sticker fever and no one is safe, including us
Shimane has a secret hot spring town that feels like stepping into an old Japanese film
Japan’s famous Suica Penguin JR train pass card mascot is “graduating”/being laid off
Starbucks Japan releases a new Valentine’s Day Frappuccino…with a special dipping waffle cookie
Weekly
Japan’s Naruto theme park now offering real-world version of Minato’s kunai ninja weapon
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
Japan has a new bar just for people thinking about quitting their jobs, and the drinks are free- New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
If you haven’t tried an antenna shop in Japan, you’re missing out
Japan cherry blossom forecast update moves up sakura dates for many parts of the country
Studio Ghibli releases Spirited Away bags in Japan, based on a mysterious festival
Japanese young women reveal their top dealbreakers in a man【Survey】
Studio Ghibli turns My Neighbour Totoro characters into bag charms for everyday adventures
Monthly
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026- Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating- Japan’s Naruto theme park now offering real-world version of Minato’s kunai ninja weapon
Yearly
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
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
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Ghost in the Sheel goes traditional with Japanese porcelain Tachikoma robots, only 50 to be made
Japan is in the grip of sticker fever and no one is safe, including us
Shimane has a secret hot spring town that feels like stepping into an old Japanese film
Japan’s famous Suica Penguin JR train pass card mascot is “graduating”/being laid off
Starbucks Japan releases a new Valentine’s Day Frappuccino…with a special dipping waffle cookie
Japan has abolished advance deportation notifications to foreigners’ lawyers
Kyoto planning surprise late-night inspections of Airbnb-style rentals to fight overtourism
Final Fantasy and Shinkansen announce collaboration with in-train audio play, SD art and merch
Massive Ghibli Exhibition opening next in Tokyo with artwork spanning Nausicaa to The Red Turtle
Passing the JLPT N1 — Here’s how I did it, so you can too!
Japan’s schoolgirl roomwear outfits are ready for winter with new, extra-warm versions
Japan’s got a subscription service for pillows with or without plastic tubes inside
Convenience store onigiri rice balls become even more expensive…but are they worth it?
-
