Japanese bento boxes are generally cold, but in some places there are also automatically heated bento boxes. For example, on a train, when you pull the rope under the box, hot steam starts to be heated.

The word bento originated from the Chinese proverb "bento" in the Southern Song Dynasty. Its original meaning is "convenient things, convenience, smoothness". After the word was introduced to Japan, it was also known as "bento", "bendo", "bendang", etc.

Note that it was later introduced to China from the Japanese word "Bento" (sound: bentou), which specifically refers to boxed meals. It has been simplified and translated into Bento.

Lunchboxes are customarily called "box lunches" in most parts of mainland China, which are boxed meals.

In Taiwan, it is generally called a bento and is usually used for lunch, takeout, work meals and other occasions.

There is no subtle difference in usage between "lunch box" and "box lunch", only the usage habits are different.

Extended information: Japanese people have a long history of eating bento.

In ancient times, rice balls were taken to the fields to eat. In the Edo period, it was also popular to eat "Makunouchi bento" during the intermission of theater performances.

Speaking of Japan's "ekiben", the time is not short. In the 1970s and 1980s, ekiben was available.

It was originally sold on the platform of the train station. In just a few minutes of parking, you can always see passengers rushing to buy it.

Now, "ekiben" has been moved to the station's canteen for sale, so people can have enough time to choose their favorite food.

There is a wide variety of "ekiben" items.

There are "Small Pot Jambalaya" made with wild vegetables and mushrooms, "Sushi Bento" made with fresh fish, and the delicious "Grilled Clams Bento".

The bento boxes at different stations incorporate unique local delicacies. Enjoying "ekiben" has also become a process for passengers to experience the food culture of different places.