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 sturdy, microwave-safe Ikea 365+ food savers are great inexpensive bento boxes. They look good too.

The minimalist white bento box offerings from Muji.

In case you read Just Bento but not Just Hungry - I'm finally embarking on a project I've always intended to tackle, but never got around to: putting together a good listing of Japanese grocery stores around the world. I'll include bento supplies too, since many people who are interested in bento making are also interested in Japanese cooking, and vice versa.

If you have any stores, mailorder sources, and so on to recommend, please head on over here. With your help I'm hoping to assemble a really useful list!

This week's focus is on non-disposable chopsticks that enhance your bento eating experience, as well as being a bit kinder to the environment.

This week for a change the bento box featured is one you can buy easily online on eBay. I've chosen it not because the bento box itself is special, but for the design on top, which makes me smile.

The raffle results for Menu For Hope have been announced on Chez Pim. This year, $91,188.00 was raised. Wow. Thank you to everyone who bought raffle tickets, and to my fellow food bloggers who offered such a great variety of prizes!

The winner of the Just Bento prize of a bento maker's dream package is Jennifer. (Check the list on Chez Pim to see if you are that Jennifer.) Jennifer, please get in touch with me at maki at makikoitoh dot com so we can discuss the where, how and what-goes-ins of your prize. My mom in Yokohama and I are poised and ready to fulfil your wishes.