Yasai no nikumaki, or vegetables wrapped in thinly sliced meat, (niku means meat and maki means wrap or roll) is a colorful and delicious standby item for bentos in Japan. This recipe uses a typical American cut of beef, very thinly sliced sirloin or 'cheesesteak beef'.

A classic Japanese vegetable side dish made with a very European vegetable.

A little taste of haute cuisine in a bento box.

Last year, I visited the workshop of Shibata Yoshinobu Shoten, one of the most renowned makers of magewappa (bent wood) bento boxes and other items in Japan. Here, finally, is my report.

About the katsu sando, a very Japanese sandwich, and other sandwiches from Japan.

A substantial bento with some pretty strong flavors.