Every day millions of Japanese trot off to school or their workplace with a bento stashed in their satchel or briefcase. Bento are boxed lunches which can be made at home or bought from shops all over Japan. Traditional bento include rice, pickles, grilled fish or meat and vegetables. There are thousands of permutations depending on the season and the location in Japan , with some of the best being available from department stores - there's always a model or picture to show you what's inside the box. At their most elaborate, bento served in classy Japanese restaurants will come in beautiful multi-layered lacquered boxes, each compartment containing some exquisite culinary creation.

It's worth searching out empty bento boxes in the household section of department stores, since they make unusual souvenirs .