Hi, WNYC listeners. This is the genius Japanese lunchbox I have. It’s deceptively simple, but so effective. I got mine at Katagiri, on E. 59th Street.

Here it is open:

The little white divider is almost symbolic–it slides, and it comes out completely. It doesn’t form a perfect seal, so if I really want to keep something dry–nuts, say–I put it in a silicone muffin cup.

Then I close it all up:

Seriously, it looks small, but it actually holds a pretty hefty lunch. I like having everything spread out, like it’s on a plate. And the plastic is really heavy and doesn’t stain, even if you microwave it.

I also bought this lunch box, but it is nowhere near as satisfying. I show it to you here, because you might get seduced by it at the store. Trust me, it’s not as good (even if it does have a dedicated spot for your chopsticks). For one, just too many pieces. And it actually holds _too much_ food (for me, at least).

They do fit into a tidy stack–but it doesn’t seal quite as well as the plain one-piece box. Which makes me nervous.

Honestly, I bought it for the Engrish. How can you resist this?

Lunch is a good day pastime! This failed lunchbox pays for itself through sheer inspiration!