経済｜弁当業界の厳しい現状と倒産増加 / Economy | The Tough Reality of the Bento Industry and the Increase in Bankruptcies

Summary

In 2025, the number of bankruptcies among bento shops reached 55, marking a record high for the second consecutive year.

The limitations of inexpensive bento options have become apparent, leading to a wave of closures among small, independent shops. Rising raw material costs and competition from convenience store bento are driving the consolidation of small bento shops. This has made it clear that the entire bento industry is facing a tough situation.

Dialogue

This dialogue is fictional and based on the article.

Log: I’ve heard that there are more and more bento shops going out of business lately. What do you think?
Chako: Really? Are that many going bankrupt? I guess cheap bento has reached its limits?
Log: Yeah, it seems like the rising costs of ingredients are having a big impact. Convenience store bento is cheap and convenient, so the competition is really heating up.
Navi: Convenience store bento is an attractive option for consumers because it’s affordable and easy to buy. This poses a threat to small and medium-sized bento shops.
Chako: I see, so that’s why it’s getting tough for those shops!

Admin’s Note

The harsh realities of the bento industry also affect us consumers. It’s clear that the rise of inexpensive and convenient convenience store bento poses a significant threat to individually-owned bento shops. Knowing that the bento shops we often rely on are actually facing tough challenges gives us pause for thought. Moving forward, I want to cherish my favorite bento shops.