Celebrating 140 Years of Ekiben: The Release of the Recreated Tonkatsu Bento

140 Years of Ekiben: A Nostalgic Tonkatsu Bento

In 2025, Japan marks a significant milestone in its culinary history — the 140th anniversary of Ekiben, the beloved station bento. To celebrate this occasion, JR East Japan Cross Station Foods Company has decided to revive a nostalgic favorite, the Tonkatsu Bento, which was originally created by the Japan Shokudo cooking facility nearly 50 years ago.

The Revival of the Tonkatsu Bento

The resurrected Tonkatsu Bento, priced at 1,400 yen (tax included), will be available from October 1, 2025, until the end of February 2026. This product draws inspiration from its original version, which was manufactured in 1976 by the Japan Shokudo cooking facility and has been meticulously recreated, utilizing archival materials and documentation from that era. The authenticity of the ingredients and the packaging aims to transport patrons back to a time when station bento was a cultural and culinary highlight of train travel in Japan.

Locations for Purchase

Travelers can find this special bento sold at major stations including:

- Tokyo Station: Ekiben-ya Matsuri at Gransta Tokyo.
- Shinjuku Station: Ekiben-ya Itadaki.
- Ueno Station: Ekiben-ya Ueno Central Ticket Gate.
- Omiya Station: Ekiben-ya Umakamon at Ekiuto Omiya.

The Historical Journey of Ekiben

The concept of Ekiben can be traced back to July 16, 1885, when Utsunomiya Station opened its doors and sold the first bento, featuring rice balls sprinkled with sesame salt and pickled plum wrapped in bamboo leaves for just five sen. This humble beginning sparked a nationwide movement, leading to the development of various types of bento as train travel became more popular across Japan.

Nostalgia in Every Bite

The original Tonkatsu Bento was famous not just for its taste but also for its affordability at the time, priced at only 500 yen. The revival of this beloved item comes during a period when Japan is witnessing a renaissance of traditional foods, and the Tonkatsu Bento serves to evoke fond memories for many Japanese citizens and travelers alike. By recreating this classic, JR East Japan aims to preserve the rich culinary heritage of Ekiben while introducing it to a new generation of train travelers.