Most people who enjoy Japanese food have heard of or maybe even ordered a bento box for lunch at restaurant. In Japan, a bento is also something you can make at home. Bento boxes typically consist of rice, meat and veggies. But lately many moms compete on the creativity of the bento boxes they send to school with their kids by arranging them into bunny rabbits, Hello Kitty and even video game characters.

Bento box meals have risen in popularity in America so much lately that several new books devoted entirely to bento box recipes have been flying off the shelves of bookstores. Bringing your own homemade bento to work or school can be economical, healthy and fun. So the next time you prepare a boxed lunch for your kids, spouse or even yourself, open up your bento box recipe book and add a touch of your own style to it.