Makunouchi
- For the protagonist of Fighting Spirit (Hajime no Ippo), see Ippo Makunouchi.
- For the top division in sumo, see Makuuchi.
Makunouchi (幕の内) is a popular type of Japanese bento which consists of fish, meat, pickles, eggs and vegetables along with rice and an umeboshi. There are also other kinds such as a chestnut-rice, sweetfish sushi and meat-and-rice-casserole forms.
The word makuno-uchi bentō ("between-act bento"), dates back to the peaceful and prosperous time of the Edo Period (1603 to 1867), when they were served during the intermissions (幕間) of [Noh]] and Kabuki theater performances.
From the Meiji Period onward, Makunouchi has become a common convention for bentos sold at train stations. Convenience stores usually also sell a bento under the Makunouchi name. Though the selection and number of items in a Makunouchi bento vary from store to store, it often contains more items and costs more than other offerings.