Japan's train station bentos find stunning success in Switzerland

AKITA, Japan -- A consortium of Japanese companies that make bento boxed meals offered at train stations has seen a surprising rush of demand halfway around the world in Switzerland.

Hanazen, Maneki Foods and Matsuura Shoten banded together to launch the Ekiben Japan Station Bento store at Zurich Central Station, Switzerland's largest rail station. When the pop-up shop first opened on Feb. 6, all of the eponymous ekiben meals sold out within two hours.