Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on September 2010

Despite what the title says, The Just Bento Cookbook is not, in fact, just a bento cookbook. Each of the 25 lunchboxes is made up of separate dishes that could very well stand on their own, from classic kimpira and chicken karaage to prosciutto-wrapped tofu and sweet-and-sour shrimp-pork balls. Written by well-known blogger Makiko Itoh and featuring dozens of full-color photos, the book also includes useful tips (“Making Onigiri Using Plastic Wrap”), a glossary of Japanese ingredients, and handy timetables to help streamline morning preparation. Most of the recipes are supplemented by “variations” that allow them to be tailored to match whatever ingredients you have on hand.

¥2,000, 128pp. Available at bookstores nationwide and at Amazon Japan.