TOKYO - Frozen "bento" meals -- ready-made main and side dishes served on a single plate -- are gaining popularity in Japan, with market growth aided by subscription-based home delivery services.
A variety of meals that can be microwaved and quickly served are available, some rich in vegetables and others catering to the needs of people with chronic illnesses or the elderly.
The frozen bento market is projected to expand to 217.4 billion yen ($1.36 billion) this year, a 7.9 percent increase from the previous year, according to research institute Fuji Keizai Co.
Major companies such as seasoning and food maker Ajinomoto Co. and Japanese-style pub operator Watami Co. have also entered the frozen bento market.
Greenspoon Inc., a Tokyo-based company that delivers vegetable-rich frozen soups and other items, is also among them. Its foray came with the launch last December of DELI BENTO, a series of frozen plate meals rich in vegetables.
The company's president, Ren Kurosaki, said, "The upcoming consumption tax cut will also boost demand for eating at home, and we expect the market to expand," referring to the government's plan to reduce the consumption tax rate on food and beverages from the current 8 percent to 1 percent next April.
Each bento consists of a main dish, a side, and a salad. Customers can choose from about 35 main dish options, such as green curry. For a 12-meal subscription set, the price per meal is 886 yen.
In July, the company also launched a corporate meal service with installed freezers in offices, allowing employees to purchase meals directly from them.
Dr. Tsurukame Kitchen, a frozen meal delivery service for restricted diets is supervised by medical specialists and registered dietitians. It is offered by a group company of Kuradashi Co., which undertakes social contribution initiatives centered on food.
Five courses are offered to meet restrictions on salt, carbohydrates, calories, and other nutrients. Those on a low-salt diet can choose a meal with no more than 2 grams of salt.
The meals feature a rich, deep flavor using "umami" from dashi broth and spices. Prices vary depending on order volume, but a set of seven meals costs 5,184 yen.
According to a national survey, the number of people suffering from hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia is on the rise.
This service was launched to help reduce the burden of preparing meals that require precise nutritional calculations, and as of the end of June, cumulative sales had surpassed 3 million meals.
Tokyo-based Wellness Dining Co., which specializes in health-conscious meal delivery, offers soft-textured meals for people whose ability to chew or swallow has weakened due to illness or old age.
Customers can choose from three levels of softness: easy to chew, mashable with the gums, and mashable with the tongue.
The firm has received customer comments such as "It's great that I can stock up since it's frozen." and "I can deliver it without worry to my elderly mother who lives alone."
In May, the firm also launched Omoide Irodori delivery meals, designed to support healthy cognitive function with a balanced nutrient profile. A set of seven meals is priced at 7,884 yen,
