Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on June 2010

At first glance, the new Turkey Rice bento from Community Store (www.c-store.co.jp) seems to have a mysterious name. Inside, you’ll find no trace of Turkey (the country) or turkey (the bird). Instead, this Nagasaki specialty includes curry pilaf, chicken cutlet and pasta all on one plate. The lunchbox is available for ¥398 only in the Kanto area… Lightly pickled vegetables known as asazuke are a traditional summertime treat, and Lawson (www.lawson.co.jp) is celebrating the season with a version of its own. The Hakusai Asazuke is made from Chinese cabbage and, at just ¥148, makes for an inexpensive hot-season snack… Also new for summer is an inventive take on Japan’s signature “coffee jelly” dessert. The Sweezie is a smoothie-like drink with coffee-flavored pudding topped by whipped cream. It’s available from Family Mart (www.family.co.jp) for ¥190.