There is nothing more cultural and culinary in Japanese terms than bento style lunch boxes.

The neatness in how they are packed, the pockets of flavour, everything in its place: with the white block of rice alongside the various o-kazu.

If the days or our lives were as neatly organised it would be reassuring indeed and in this case they are, as this bento box by Ichikudo Printing is in fact a calendar.   The chopsticks act as a paper stand, with each month its own seasonal sheet that sits on them.

There are handy English and Japanese descriptions of each month’s contents on the reverse, and a QR code on the chopstick case that leads to related recipes* (*these are in Japanese, but respond well to internet translation).

The national holidays noted are Japanese, but with this calendar you will have an idea of what people in Japan are packing to eat on work and school days.

Each calendar is 15.9cm x 7.85cm.

About Ichikudo Printing

With almost 115 years of history behind it, the Ichikudo printing company is part of Japan’s rich culture in print works and paper craft.  Based in Tokyo’s Tsukiji, it makes finely designed paper products, which are engineered with precision and love.   The firm has a particular application for creatively presented calendars.