The pandemic has been keeping our crew from filming, so we've been asking people to send in lunch reports they've filmed themselves instead. The thing is, we realized that there is an entire group of people in Japan who would be perfect for such reports: former TV directors. In this episode, we feature an excellent report by former TV director Ms. Yasuda, who now runs a company with her father that produces spicy cod roe. For lunch, Ms. Yasuda's father cooks up a wonderful meal for the staff.

The city of Amagasaki in Hyogo Prefecture, western Japan is home to the leading wrapped sake barrel manufacturer in Japan. The traditional barrel they make is called Komodaru, and it is often used for celebratory occasions. Each barrel is handcrafted carefully with rice straw. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, demand for the barrel has plummeted, but even in such a difficult situation, the crafters are able to work hard, thanks in no small part to the delicious bentos they have for lunch.