Have you ever eaten “BENTO” before?

“BENTO” is another word for “Japanese lunch box” that is becoming known in New York recently. It is common in Japan for people to bring BENTO for lunch from home; like students and businessmen. In addition to regular BENTO that is brought from home daily, Japanese people also bring handmade BENTO for special seasonal picnics such as spring cherry blossom and autumn leaf viewing events.

What kind of photo contest is it?

This time, you can experience making handmade lunch boxes freely with cute art inspirations, and post adorable photos of your BENTO on Instagram! (@bentophotocontest) Whoever gets the most likes on their Instagram post gets a special gift as a the winner!

Let’s try creating beautiful Japanese BENTO from natural ingredients while enjoying Japanese culture, and posting your creations on Instagram. Who will be the photogenic BENTO winner?

BENTO Photo Contest Schedule

1. Let’s learn about BENTO aesthetics! Japanese people are particular about colors and assortments of Japanese food in BENTO.
2. Let’s arrange a choice of various colored ingredients (such as red, yellow, green, orange, etc.) and make your original BENTO for lunch! BENTO can be made according to your unique style. Choose your ingredients carefully and arrange them in a neat manner! Now let’s make photogenic BENTO!
3. When completed, enjoy taking a photo of your handmade BENTO for the contest and show off your creation with everyone! In Japan, many people are currently eating BENTO while enjoying the autumn foliage! We hope you can feel the same while enjoying your BENTO here in NY!

We would like to give a huge thank you to Bento&co for allowing us to use their beautifully crafted bento boxes. Choose between three colors to arrange your photogenic bento!

What is “ORINIGIRI?”

ORINIGIRI is a new type of art (and way of eating!) that combines the fun features of “Origami” and “Onigiri (Rice balls).” It’s easy to make and guests who participate in this workshop can enjoy the great and interesting onigiri experience! 

Learn more about ORINIGIRI from our previous workshops:

• ORINIGIRI Workshop 1: A Combination of Origami and Onigiri
• ORINIGIRI Workshop 2: Let’s Enjoy Creating and Cooking ORINIGIRI
• ORINIGIRI Workshop 3: Discover the Real Taste of Rice by Making ORINIGIRI!
• ORINIGIRI Workshop 4: Adopt a Japanese home-style meal to put on your table!
• ORINIGIRI Workshop 5: Let’s make KAWAII (CUTE) “ORINIGIRI”!
• ORINIGIRI Workshop 6: Much Mochi to Munch on!
• ORINIGIRI Workshop 7: Create Your Own USA Version “ORINIGIRI!”

About the Artists & Collaborators

Tomoo Nitta

Architect, Video Artist

Nitta was born in 1971. He studied at Kyusyu Institute of Design (presently Kyusyu University), Rhode Island School of Design and worked at Shigeru Ban Architects. In February 2014, he established Himawari Design, where he started to design varieties of space on public architecture as far as product design based on the study of using one sheet of paper. He is obsessed with design that connects various cultures and various people based on the simplicity of Japanese beauty. He also sends his message to the world through his conceptual videos. Since he married Aiko Sugiura, a writer and a concept designer in 2016, he's set up Project AICHI with her. Their activity of Himawari Design is constantly growing day by day.

Table For Two

Nonprofit Organization

TABLE FOR TWO USA (TFT), is non-profit organization that addresses the issues of hunger and obesity through a unique "meal-sharing" program.

25 cents from workshop fee will be donated to Table For Two to provide one healthy school meal to a child in low-income communities in the U.S including New York. Thank you for your support!