The Shinkansen goes ultra-creative with a Japanese Warring States general bento – take a bite out of Date Masamune

Photo & Text / Excerpted fromHop on the Shinkansen – that’s how you really travel Japan!: A taste bud journey through 25 cities and 60 bentos》

Musubi Maru Bento: 16th-century Warring States generals in your lunchbox

Nicknamed the "One-Eyed Dragon," Date Masamune was the lord of Sendai Domain, living in the same era as Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Tokugawa Ieyasu. He achieved many military feats and fought in several famous battles of the time, always using Sendai as his base. That’s why, once you arrive in Sendai, you’ll see Q-version statues of Date Masamune everywhere – even in bentos, of course！ This commemorative Date Masamune bento comes with two rice balls, both shaped into different versions of Date Masamune – and they’re cartoon-style, super cute. Visually, it’s a total win. As for how it tastes? Well, that remains to be seen. But one bite reveals the truth: there’s nothing inside the rice balls, which makes them a bit dull. It seems cuteness alone isn’t enough to satisfy me. The main components also feel rather ordinary compared to other bentos. If I were to rate it, it would be a visual 10/10, taste just-about-passing visual bento upgrade！

Tasting Report
Sunny: Rice – Aside from the shape, a bit of seasoning or filling would’ve made it more fun. Main – The main items include cooked salmon slices, fried fish, and chicken, but all are pretty average. Side dishes – Nothing special.
Oatbarley: Visually perfect bento, though the texture is a bit dry. But honestly, it’s almost too nice to eat！

Bento Profile
Sold at: Sendai Station Price: ¥840 Type: Commemorative Bento Sunny Rating: ★★