Many parents worry about making lunch boxes for their children. Associate Professor Hirohito Suzuki of Kobe Gakuin University says, “In Japan, there is an invisible norm that “homemade bento is love.” This trend not only causes parents to suffer, but also makes them lose the joy of eating. –.
Photo = iStock.com/yajimannbo
※The photograph is an image
Children’s lunch boxes bother Aya Ueto
Have you decided on your plans for the year-end and New Year holidays?
During this season, when families often gather together, many people may be taking advantage of the opportunity to devote themselves to cooking homemade meals.
In addition to taking regular holidays, the pressure that “homemade is better” is stronger in everyday life.
Especially regarding children’s lunch boxes.
Many parents worry about making lunch boxes for their children.
It’s not just about nutritional balance, likes and dislikes, and portion size.
Even decorations that look good on social media such as Instagram are required.
That’s why I make bento boxes today.
Actress Aya Ueto appeared on the TV program “Sakurai Ariyoshi THE Yakai” (TBS) in February of this year, and talked about making her child’s lunch box, saying, “Aren’t you so nervous that you can’t sleep? I’m thinking about what I’m going to do tomorrow.” I’m also concerned that my (school) teachers are watching me.”
Regardless of whether you’re an actress or anything else, what’s the reason for putting so much pressure on parents of two children that it causes them to lose sleep?
Actress Aya Ueto. She revealed her troubles with “making children’s lunch boxes” on her TV program (November 21, 2018, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo)
“Father’s bento making” is attracting attention
“Lunch boxes must be handmade.”
This kind of atmosphere has existed for a long time, and it may have been taken for granted in the past.
The reason why this atmosphere seems to have become stronger in recent years, especially among mothers, may be the active role of “fathers.”
For example, guitarist Toshimi Watanabe of hip-hop group TOKYO No.1 SOUL SET’sThe 461 bento boxes are a promise between a father and his son.” can be mentioned.
After Mr. Watanabe divorced, for three years he continued to make 461 bento boxes for his only son when he went to high school, and posted them on Twitter (now known as X) along with photos and recipes.
It was made into a book by Magazine House, a drama on NHK the following year, and a movie starring Yoshihiko Inohara six years later in 2020.
It’s not only a record of the process of getting used to making bento boxes, but also a heart-warming interaction between a father and son, which doesn’t make divorce feel sad, nor does it feel like the fruit of sweat and tears.
It’s simple, but it’s filled with love. The easygoing touch resonated with many readers.
This seemingly light feeling may be putting pressure on mothers in particular.
