I’ve wanted to make myself bento lunches since high school after binge watching decobento videos on youtube. I considered myself past my “weeb” phase by then and a little embarrassed of my anime past so I never got past making poorly constructed onigiri and hot dog octopodes.

Fun fact: this was around the time I discovered “octopodes” as a plural for “octopus”.

More about hot dog octopi (maybe) under the cut:

This time around, I’m making bento lunches for myself as a matter of money. A few months ago, I was hired for my first job (hooray!) and I became super aware that I can buy my own things. And then I became super super aware of how expensive everything is. Also, I spent like 300$ on video games in like a week, so I really needed to lay my bank account down for a nap.

At this point, please imagine me tucking my check book and wallet into bed and patting their weary little heads. I won’t kiss them. Gross. I’m sure you’re aware how dirty cash is.

Another reason I’m packing bento is the smaller sizes. I’m all about the tiny, child-like portions. Because I have the emotional maturity of a seven-year-old.

I’m currently using a two-tier Nakano bento box. The top container holds 300ml and the bottom, which I use to hold the rice, holds 210ml.

This is my first bento and was actually based on anime tropes. The top tier holds tamagoyaki, turkey frank octopus, and bunny apple slices. The bottom tier is rice with umezuke.

I was actually worried that the apples would absorb the taste of the hot dog. But it was actually the other way around. So, apple-flavored turkeys dogs, I guess.

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My second bento ended being very similar to the first one.

The main difference is the apples being replaced by peas & carrots.

And there’s the cuter octopus dogs.

This was also the bento I made for a night shift then immediately forgot it on the kitchen counter.