 In the Meiji period (1868–1912), the first "ekibentō" or "ekiben" ( or , "train station "bento"") was sold.There are several records that claim where "ekiben" was first sold, but it is believed that it was sold on 16 July 1885, at the Utsunomiya train station, in the northern Kantō region of Japan, and contained two "onigiri" and a serving of "takuan" wrapped in bamboo leaves.As early schools did not provide lunch, students and teachers carried "bentos", as did many employees.