Kotobuki 2-Tiered Bento Box, Woodgrain/Cherry (Sakura) Blossom

The media could not be loaded.  This bento is extremely cute and looks very fancy. The wood grain looks really nice in my opinion, even though the entire thing is plastic. It is important to note that the top tier (the water proof tier) is shorter than the bottom. In this video I show the dimensions (using a pen for scale as well as a ruler), configuration of the tiers, and waterproof abilities of this bento. The exterior seems pretty sturdy, but I'd still be gentle with it only because of the delicate looking details on the lid. The flowers could potentially scratch off (I haven't tried obviously...), so gentle hand washing is probably best. I think it's a good size for a small, portion controlled lunch or for snacks throughout the day. Cuter and greener than plastic baggies!Holding camera in one hand + opening bento box with the other = clumsiness in the video. My apologies! The box is very easy to use, any hesitation/stumbling is me looking at the camera and not the box.EDIT: After several months of use, this bento is still holding up with gentle hand washing. I made the mistake of microwaving the small plastic lid, so now it's slightly warped and doesn't have a perfect seal anymore. The containers themselves seem unaffected by the microwave. It's a great way to pack a portion controlled lunch.

Someone in my household unknowingly threw the lid in the dishwasher so I can't comment as to how spillproof it MIGHT have been.On the issue of size- If I'm bringing something to eat like baby carrots and some chicken with rice, there's enough room (I would say its like a cup to a cup and a half that can fit in the bottom). But even an Amy's Burrito (which is not huge by American food standards) will not fit. It can be jammed in but then it's still too high to close. The only way is to treat it as sushi and slice it into little rounds that can be stacked in there. Which is a) not convenient b/c it's frozen and b) a strange and not that exciting way to eat a burrito.I took a star off because the top lid cracked a couple days in. It was in my bag, so it was subjected to minor forces, but not severely mistreated (I keep a laptop with no padded case in there too, so I have to be fairly cognizant of not slamming it around). The plastic is a bit more brittle and seemingly thinner than the normal, higher quality tupperwares. It's more akin to the thickness of the plastic tubs that pre packaged deli meat come in. Luckily it was the top lid, so I can glue it and it doesn't go in the microwave.Another bonus is that no one else at work has it so if anyone is eating my food I'll catch them.So I guess based on what you normally take to work/school and how much you eat it'll determine if this will be worth it. But it is cute, I like the novelty of it and it makes it feel a tad more classy when I bring food.

My most used bento box so far (I have around 15). I only use the bottom tier with the lid and it holds plenty of food for me. I love the wood-grain paint and the sakura (cherry blossoms) on the top; the sakura have kind of a slight sparkly/Iridescence to the paint. Perfect size for calorie counting (if you don't stuff it full of useless type of carbs). My favorite to put in here is 2 slices meat-loaf, a small amount of mashed potatoes, add some coleslaw in grease-proof muffin paper. Add a few cherry tomatoes, carrot slices and cucumber for color and to fill in the empty spaces. You don't need to only use Japanese foods, any foods will work. Meat and cheese rolls, leftovers, chunks of raw fruits and/or vegetables, steamed vegetables, pasta salad, taco salad, omelet or quiche, hard boiled or deviled eggs. Use your imagination to fill this and remember to pack things close and tightly so they don't shift while carrying. Makes meals special. It comes with a bento elastic band. I like to fold a pretty cloth around it, to carry, that acts as my place-mat/napkin while eating...it's like opening a present come meal-time.

When I finally got this I have to say I was impressed by how much it seems like this tiny little box can hold. The wood grain look is just what I expected from what is basically a beautiful plastic lunch box. Other reviewers have indicated that the sleeve to hold it together is loose but as for me it is just what I prefer. It is just to hold the lid on and I am not expecting a water/ spill proof assembly. Keep it upright and you'll be fine. I do recommend that people observe that you will require refrigeration for perishable foods kept in this container. I have also read disappointment about the container spoiling food. I just want to remind everyone that this is just basically a simple lunch box, not a cooler. Food that is going to be kept in this for a long duration needs to be none perishable. Foods that will be eaten from here within a maximum 2hrs of preparation like when taken to the park on a mild day should be fine. Be logical, if your going to be leaving this full of food in your car on a hot day, you'll have problems with pretty much anything less than an insulated lunchbox. :) If your looking for food for a long haul, definitely look into a zojirushi bento box. I have one of those as well. It is perfect for keeping your food cool or warm for long periods of time. If you just want something cute to move your picnic to the park, and eat on arrival, well this is just the ticket.

The good - It's SO pretty, just the right size for a small, well packed lunch (holds about as much as a small Glad container if packed right). It's nice enough that I actually 'want' to take care of it and clean it out when I get home from work instead of letting it rot on the counter.The bad - It's just plastic, nothing thermal about it. And if you're a heavy eater, this may not be the one for you.The ugly - Mine came with a dark blue elastic band to hold it together. While useful, and I'm thankful it came with a band at all, the blue kind of clashes with the pretty box.

This product says it is a box. It also says woodgrain cherry, but it is plastic. I was under the impression that it was made out of wood. I paid way too much money for something that was plastic that I thought was wood.