Raw fish is not included, unless previously soaked in vinegar. One of the challenges of bento preparation is to include foods that will not spoil easily or lose their taste or color. Thus, fish and other perishables are usually grilled, boiled or deep-fried. To make eating away from home easier, everything is cut into small, bite-size pieces, and some food is held together with small skewers. The fish is usually de-boned.
Much attention is given to arranging each morsel in the box.
A leaf or pieces of bamboo grass separate the food to make sure that the different tastes do not blend together. Color coordination and overall arrangement are also important. Moreover, the box is filled to the top, to make sure nothing shifts in transit. Seasonal foods play a large role in the preparation of the box lunch. When you lift the lid, you will see a feast for the eyes, whetting the appetite while reminding you of the current season.