Part of the point of a bento lunch is being creative, so there is no need to follow a set recipe or use the 'right' containers. However, it does help to know the basic principles.

You should base everything on the 4, 3, 2, 1 rule, which is easy to remember. It means: 4 parts rice, 3 of protein (meat, fish or high protein substitute such as tofu), 2 of vegetables and 1 little extra or treat - usually something sweet, sometimes just a piece of fruit.

Everything must be fresh, and while the choice of ingredients is quite flexible, using a lot of processed or ready made foods really isn't in the right spirit.

The compartments are for practicality - you can buy specially made Bento boxes with lots of small compartments, but you can follow the same principle just by using little separate containers for any foods that would make a mess if you put them together, such as sauces. There is no need to use containers just for the sake of it.

You can find some Bento making tips and ideas here.