Voting to determine this year's No. 1 ekiben -- boxed lunches sold at train stations or aboard trains -- is currently underway in eastern Japan.
The "Ekiben Aji no Jin 2020" (Ekiben grand prix 2020) was started by East Japan Railway Co. in 2012 as a way of promoting the ekiben available at its stations, each of which incorporates characteristics of their region.
Ekiben shoppers can vote for their favorite out of the 65 kinds sold in the 15 prefectures under JR East's jurisdiction. The ekiben that claims the most votes will be awarded the title of "Ekiben Daishogun (Great ruler of ekiben)."
This year, voters have the option of casting their ballot via postcard, which they can receive at shops either in stations or at special sales events. Votes are also accepted through the event's official website (https://www.ekiben-ajinojin.com/) until Nov. 30.
According to JR East, this year marks the 135th anniversary of the creation of the ekiben, the first of which is said to have been onigiri, lunches featuring rice balls. In honor of this fact, five varieties of rice ball bento have also been entered into the competition.
Special sales events in Tokyo are scheduled to be held at the nonowa Kunitachi shopping center at JR Kunitachi Station from Oct. 16-18, and at the Celeo Hachioji shopping mall at Hachioji Station from Nov. 19-22.
Some voters, to be selected at random, will also receive various prizes such as a magnet set with images of past contest winners.
More information is available on the official website.
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