In the TV industry, bentō (boxed lunches) come with the territory, and, in my years here, I've seen nearly every type of bentō you could imagine. They are, however, often ordered in bulk and usually contain some kind of meat or fish. Still, to refuse a bentō on set (in favor of eating your own packed lunch or running to the nearest convenience store) means it will go to waste, so I've spent many breaks between takes picking through the edible bits and handing off the meat to hungry fellow actors.

But every once in a while a wonderful surprise comes along: the vegetarian bentō. Yes, they do exist, and they are a beautiful sight.

Vegetarian bentōs will likely be prepared with quality ingredients, which are often organic or macrobiotic. And when I open one of these colorful boxes of joy (on the rare occasion when they're available) they're met with the envious gazes of those left with standard meat choices, which makes me wonder why veggie options are not offered regularly.