Bento Boxes

The more I learn about this company, the more I am convinced that they run all of Japan. Today we were given a lecture on the subsidiary companies owned by CJR, an impressive list that include distribution companies, real estate management, leisure and service companies, and other transportation. Nearly 1/3 of their annual revenue is from sources other than train tickets!

After the lecture we took a trip to one of these companies, a bento box factory. Bento is basically a box lunch that is sold all across the country. These ones were bound for CJR train stations, and are also sold on the Shinkansen lines. We had to remove our shoes and put on hair nets before we even entered the building, the first of many cleanliness precautions taken there. The presentation started off with lunch (my type of lecture), and discussed the basic layout and philosophy of the plant. It was basically 1. Cleanliness 2. Good tasting food 3. Good presentation 4-8. Cleanliness.

To get any further into the plant we had to put on full clean suits, masks, and special shoes that are only worn inside the production area. After being lint rolled twice, blasted with air once, and scrubbing our hands as thoroughly as surgeons, we were finally allowed to get near the food. The production facility was pristine and very efficient. We were able to follow the food from the truck, to cooking, into the box and into the wrapping area. I sampled a few things off the line to ensure freshness.

I am still amazed by the focus on the absolutely pristine environment. I never expected all of the precautions. The bathroom was the best example of this. If you went to the bathroom, the doors would not unlock unless you first washed your hands. There were three parts of the sink that had to be activated; soap, wash, and sanitizer after you had dried your hands. If you decided you did not want to do this you would just have to live in the bathroom forever.

Japan in general seems to be very germophobic, with masks worn by many people and constant talk about illness. Before we even got off the plane we were exposed to this mentality. The plane was boarded by masked health officials that walked the aisles looking for ill people to quarantine. This continued at work, were we were told the first day that if we thought we were getting a cold that they could arrange a doctor for us. Today, we found out that many school trips have been cancelled across the country due to the swine flu. Swine flu that hasn't been reported in Japan.

I finally got the rice cooker to work! Rice for dinner tonight, then out exploring.