Bento boxes (the Japanese version of take-away) are used in Japan as a romantic gesture that expresses a housewife's love and caring for her family. The bento has existed in Japanese history since the 5th century and constitutes an irreplaceable part of the Japanese way of life. It is characterized in its simplicity, aestheticism, and convenience. According to tradition, the box is divided into compartments which contain various types of food in order to maximize nutritional value, including the right combination of carbohydrates, protein, vitamins and minerals.
