The star of this bento is half of a fat sushi roll made with brown rice that is filled with some decidedly non-traditional things: lettuce, cucumber, raw carrot, ham and cheese, and the end bits of the tamagoyaki (omelet). Sashimi or sushi-grade raw fish is as expensive in Japan as it is elsewhere, so homely ingredients make more sense for everyday meals.

As for how to make a sushi roll without a sushi mat? It involves a moist kitchen towel, a little speed and a lot of faith! Read on to find out how to make it work!