# Folklore Creature Encyclopedias 'Bento Bestiary' Catalogs Mythical Japanese Beings By Jason Soy | Published 2011-07-25 | Unique Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bento-bestiary References: [designyoutrust](http://designyoutrust.com/2011/07/22/the-bento-bestiary-by-ben-newman-and-scott-james-donaldson/) & [theinspirationgrid](http://theinspirationgrid.com/#the-bento-bestiary-by-ben-newman-and-scott-james-donaldson) It's been awhile since I picked up a [picture book](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/amusebouche) I wanted to investigate thoroughly, but this 'Bento Bestiary' sure does seem interesting with its collection of quirky beasts straight out of [ancient Japanese folklore](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/junji-ito-artwork). The 'Bento Bestiary' is co-made by Ben Newman and Scott James Donaldson and features '50s-inspired artwork with European deco and Japanese movie poster elements. The book features 14 unique demons and spirits and is sure to please those interested in learning about the [Japanese culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/autumn-splendor). **Implications** - As the world continues to advance on a sociological level, many consumers are finding that their time-honored values are being replaced by new-age ideas. As such, consumers are now looking for ways to preserve their culture. Corporations may capitalize on this consumer desire by providing products and services that reflect old traditions. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.4/10 - Popularity: 46% | Activity: 47% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Unique](https://www.trendhunter.com/unique) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Preserving Cultural Heritage:** Opportunity for businesses to offer products and services that cater to consumers' desire to preserve their culture. - **Folklore Revival:** Potential for businesses to tap into the growing interest in ancient folklore and mythology. - **Cross-cultural Art Fusion:** Opportunity for artists and creators to blend traditional art styles from different cultures, creating unique and captivating works. ### Who This Affects Most - **Publishing:** Avenue for publishing companies to release folklore creature encyclopedias and cultural preservation books. - **Tourism:** Opportunity for the tourism industry to offer cultural heritage tours and experiences focused on folklore and mythology. - **Art and Design:** Potential for artists and designers to create artwork and merchandise that showcases the fusion of traditional art styles and influences from different cultures. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Historical Humankind Coffee Books](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-book.md) - [Japanese Bento-Inspired Stationery](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bento-jot.md) - [Unique Hybrid Mystery Figurines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/animal-x-vegetable-gachapon.md) - [Landscape-Inspired Bento Boxes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hyobodo-fiume.md) - [Cheekily Creative Bookmarks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/illustrated-bookmarks.md) - [Curated Book Directories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bizarre-bookshelf.md) - [Japanese Handmade Goods](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/japanese-handmade-goods.md) - [Fantastical Creature-Inspired Sodas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/irnbru-xtra-legend-editions.md) - [Distinctive Dragon-Themed Books](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/distinctive-dragonthemed-books-dragonborn-features-illustrative-end-pages-a.md)