Bento Boxes
Bento refers to meals prepared in advance at home or bought and presented in boxes.
In Japan you can buy bentos in combinis (little supermarket opened 24/24) and train stations.
Salary men, students and travelers are big consumers of bentos.
Many people prepare their bento themselves at home and bring it with them at work or at school. This more economical solution also allows a total liberty regarding the composition of the meal.
Bento boxes conceived to contain food seem to have appeared in Japan more than 400 years ago...