About this season
"Ekiben" are lunch boxes sold at train stations enjoyed during train journeys which are filled with the charm of each region of Japan! Let's embark on a journey to encounter a selection of lunch boxes from all over Japan!
Episodes (6)
1. A Feast Nurtured by a Volcano
Aired 1 March 2024 • 15 min
Sakurajima, an active volcano in southern Japan. Surprisingly, there is a technique called “Haiboshi” that maximizes the flavor of seasonal fish using its volcanic ash. Let's explore the phantom technique that was once lost.
2. Comfort Food from the Northern Seas
Aired 16 March 2024 • 15 min
At Bokoi Station in Hokkaido Prefecture, a family trio makes just 40 ekiben per day. The surf clam called hokkigai, a regional comfort food, is locally sourced, along with the kombu and even the salt.
3. Ocean Delicacy Meets Mountain Delights
Aired 30 July 2024 • 15 min
On the scenic Izu Peninsula, there's a bento made with local horse mackerel, rice, wasabi and salted cherry leaves. Discover an ekiben of nature's bounty and heartfelt artistry.
4. Octopus Cuisine Inspired by Tradition
Aired 4 September 2024 • 15 min
A bento from Akashi, Hyogo Prefecture features a local octopus specialty. The container of this unique bento is also interesting as they're shaped the same as the pots used in traditional octopus fishing.
5. Mythical Flavors of Fermentation
Aired 30 October 2024 • 15 min
Shimane Prefecture's miso-stewed beef bento features beef simmered in naturally fermented miso and soy sauce with cooking sake, highlighting the Izumo region's koji culture. It pairs well with the quality rice!
6. A Bento Shaped by Layers of Tradition
Aired 4 December 2024 • 15 min
In Nagaoka, there's an ekiben shaped by layers of tradition, featuring chicken meatballs with local chili, 100-year-old abura-age, thrice-pickled eggplants in miso and more, each with their own story.