Obento Exchange; Self-reflection and Appreciation

After contemplatively preparing a bento box in class, I am starting to feel like I abuse food. I eat when I feel low on energy, when I feel hungry. And when I eat, I like to eat as efficiently as possible; as fast as possible, as cleanly as possible. Convenience is key, as is health.
However, today's meticulous exercise in preparing bento boxes with thought and consideration made me feel guilt for how I take advantage of what enables my bodily functionality. I gained a great appreciation for the care these Japanese women take to ensure the success of their children. A true and selfless labor to only be consumed within moments. Like many of the modernly empowered women of the western world, I first thought this practice to be synonymous with slave-labor. Yet, after I actually practiced this tradition, I am ashamed of that fleeting ignorance. It's a beautiful thing for a mother to care so much for a child that her prepared meals are a reflection of love. If only such a literal representation of love was commonplace in the western world.



This was the obento box I prepared for my sister. It is mainly composed of sticky white rice which lined the bottom of the box as well as the salmon, edamame and pickled beet. I chose to adorn the rice ball with a happy expression and pair it with a side of pickled plum dressed with horse-radish and blanketed with a sea-weed wrapped egg which I laid upon a nest of sesame and seaweed. The other side is a medley of sliced cucumber, pickled beet and egg.

This is the obento I prepared alongside the one I presented with to consume.

I must say the experience let me fully appreciate the box with which I was given. It felt like a present for a special occasion, such delicate (amateur, but careful) placement and situating and simple flavour combinations created for soulful nurishment.