Japanese Mothers & Obentos

1. FOOD PREPARATION

1.1. Time consuming

1.2. Requires precision and planning

1.3. Intricately designed meals

1.4. form of commitment

1.5. Stops after 1st grade

2. CONTROL

2.1. Form of state "ideological control"?

2.2. Possible indoctrination for mothers, and children by proxy

3. CHILDREN

3.1. Likely not interested in intricate designs @ young age

3.2. designs may comfort children

4. MOTHERS

4.1. Take time to create highly decorative meals

4.2. Transform messy natural food to "aesthetic" natural food.

4.2.1. carved apples, radishes, & other foods

5. JAPANESE CULTURE

5.1. Food should look good, then taste good

5.2. Set of values that determine behavior