Lesson 45 Bento
Topic Question: Can you explain the concept of “bento” and its importance in Japanese culture?
No. 1: Introduction– First, try answering the question yourself.
The instructor will provide advice on vocabulary, grammar, and expression corrections.
Sample Answer – Let’s read aloud. Instructor will check your pronunciation and accent.
Bento, a term deeply ingrained in Japanese culture, refers to a single-portion take-out or home-packed meal typically contained in a compact, sectional box. Beyond its practicality for meal organization, the bento encapsulates the Japanese aesthetic of balance and harmony in food presentation. It traditionally includes a combination of rice, fish or meat, and pickled or cooked vegetables. Bentos can range from simple homemade meals prepared for school or work to elaborately crafted boxes sold at restaurants and train stations. The practice of making bento can be seen as an act of care and thoughtfulness, often prepared by parents for their children or spouses for their partners. The artistic and culinary discipline involved in bento preparation reflects the broader Japanese values of attention to detail, aesthetic presentation, and mindfulness in daily life.
No. 2: Vocabulary Building－ 5 Words to Learn and Their Meanings
Pronounce the Words Correctly (Pronunciation Training) + Make Sentences Using the Words Instantly
- Sectional (区分けされた, kubunke sareta): Divided into sections; having parts that are clearly distinct.
“Bento boxes are sectional, allowing for a variety of dishes to be neatly arranged and transported.”
- Aesthetic (美的, biteki): Concerned with beauty or the appreciation of beauty.
“The aesthetic presentation of bento boxes is as important as the food itself, embodying the harmony and balance valued in Japanese culture.”
- Harmony (調和, chōwa): The combination of different aspects to form a consistent and orderly whole.
“Bento encourages dietary harmony, balancing colors, flavors, and nutritional content.”
- Mindfulness (心をこめて, kokoro o komete): The quality or state of being conscious or aware of something.
“Preparing bento is an exercise in mindfulness, focusing on the needs and preferences of the person who will eat it.”
- Craftsmanship (職人技, shokunin waza): Skill in a particular craft.
“The craftsmanship in creating kyaraben (character bento) showcases the creative talents of the maker.”
No. 3: Key Idiom and Example Sentences
“A labor of love” – This phrase describes a task done for pleasure, not reward.
“Creating a detailed bento for a loved one is often considered a labor of love, reflecting care and affection through food.”
“Each morning’s preparation of bento is a labor of love, demonstrating thoughtfulness in every carefully placed ingredient.”
No. 4: Discussion and Exchange of Opinions on the Sample Answer
Instructor: How does the practice of preparing and consuming bento reflect broader societal values in Japan?
Student: [Opinions of students]
No. 5: Free Discussion on the Topic
Let’s explore the evolution of bento in modern Japanese society. How have changes in work culture and technology influenced bento preparation and consumption? Discuss the role of convenience stores and bento shops in providing for the needs of the busy modern lifestyle. Additionally, consider the cultural exchange surrounding bento, such as its increasing popularity worldwide and how it has been adapted in other cultures. What does this global interest in bento reveal about the universal appeal of Japanese food culture? How do you see the tradition of bento evolving in the future?
