Thinking Out of the Box: French Retailer Selling “Bentō” Goods to Global Fans

Bertrand’s Kyoto shop, which opened in 2012.

Bertrand talks of his love for bentō.

Bentō boxes exclusive to Bentō & Co. featuring elegant kimono designs on the lids.

These minimalist designs evoke Japanese karesansui rock or gravel gardens.

Clockwise from left, a Totoro bentō by Sheri of the United States won the 2017 online vote, followed in second place by a well-packed round bentō by Yuki from Japan and in third place by a bentō with colorful flowers by Camille of France.

Maiko, ninja, and Star Wars characters as bentō.

Slim magewappa wooden bentō.