Oh rats. It seems I've missed the deadline for submissions for the 2nd edition of the Sanrio Kyaraben Contest, which was on the 7th. Well ok, I'm kidding - since cute kyaraben or character bentos are not really my style. I do admire them as a sort of edible art form though - the time and patience required to make something that will, ultimately, be eaten in a few minutes (more often than not by a kid who will stir it around and mess it up first) is mindboggling.

This bento was the grand prize winner of the first edition of the contest, starring of course, Her Royal Kittyness. Wow, just wow.

Check out the other winners on this page. The winners for this year's round are said to be announced on or around April 10th. I'm looking forward to it.

Incidentally, I found out about the contest via this blog, by another amazing kyaraben artist. Check out her Valentine's Day bento with tiny yellow chick onigiris with pink ham hearts (wings?) on their backs! Wow, just wow. She says she has entered the Sanrio contest - judging from her work I'd say she has a great chance at a prize.