Japanese UBC student spreading the joy of Kyaraben Bento

Itcould be called extreme lunch making, involving all things, "cute," and "little."

KyarabenBentois a growing trend it'sbig in Japan and growing in popularity in Vancouver for fans ofanimeand other characters that can be used as an inspiration for a really good looking lunch.

It's also quite healthy. There's egg, cheese, crackers, deli meat,edamame, pickles and rice.

But be warned makingKyarabenis an art: every box takes about an hour to complete.

TomomiNakamurais a UBC student from Japan who has given one workshop through the Japanese Student Association to inspire other people to make thelunches and she hopes to do more.

"The concept of bentohas been a tradition in Japan for many, many years especially now when kids go to school their parents make them bento and bring them to school," said Nakamura."Recently 'little cute things'has been a real trend in Japan."

Kyaraben Bento

8 years ago

Duration 4:21

Tomomi Nakamura is a UBC student and lover of the latest Bento box trend

The characterbentostyle contains food shaped and decorated to look like littleand flowers and animals. There areKyarabencontests in Japan where mostly moms compete to form the prettiest character boxes inspired byPokmonand other cartoons.

Creators use tweezers and cutters to form the characters.

Watch the demonstration from Our Vancouver hostwith GloriaMacarenko.