After more than two decades of devouring every shonen, shojo, seinen, and josei anime he could find, this seasoned oldtaku is still watching—week to week, episode by episode—and he’s not stopping anytime soon. Join him every week for fresh takes on your favorite series, hidden gems you’ve never heard of, and the kind of anime reflections only years of obsession can bring.
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After more than two decades of devouring every shonen, shojo, seinen, and josei anime he could find, this seasoned oldtaku is still watching—week to week, episode by episode—and he’s not stopping anytime soon. Join him every week for fresh takes on your favorite series, hidden gems you’ve never heard of, and the kind of anime reflections only years of obsession can bring.
Follow the host here:
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, Alex examines how modern shonen has shifted from the perpetual optimism of Dragon Ball Z, One Piece, Naruto, and Bleach to darker, system-conscious stories like Jujutsu Kaisen, Chainsaw Man, and Gachiakuta. After a brief return from hiatus, Alex introduces Gachiakuta’s stratified floating city that discards both waste and people into an abyss, then hands the mic to Ai for a tight plot rundown following Ruto—an orphan taught to repair and respect objects—who is framed, cast down, and reborn among trash mountains and the Cleaners. Alex explores Vital Instruments, tools powered by emotional attachment, and how these everyday objects become symbols of dignity and resistance. Along the way, he connects the genre’s evolution—bridge works like Soul Eater and Fire Force, seasonal pacing, and algorithm-shaped discourse—to Gachiakuta’s “trash punk” aesthetic and critique of hyper-consumerism, highlighting moments like low-waste merch at Anime NYC. He also dives into sustainability themes, Ruto’s “giver” ethos, and the naming of his gloves “R3” as reduce, reuse, recycle. Whether listeners are nostalgic for the classics or drawn to shonen’s grim present, Alex’s analysis blends world-building, social commentary, and character vulnerability into a sharp, engaging guide.
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In this episode of Bento Radio, I dig into As an Assassin, My Skills Clearly Outrank the Hero—an anime that looks stunning but left me frustrated once the story kicked in. On the surface, it delivers polished production, old-school fantasy character designs, and a visual style that feels lifted from classic ’90s anime. But beneath all that? A familiar, hollow isekai power fantasy that struggles to justify its own plot.
I use this series as a jumping-off point to talk about a bigger issue facing modern isekai anime: recycled storytelling, shallow character arcs, and why strong aesthetics can’t make up for weak narrative foundations. Along the way, I compare it to other isekai and fantasy series, explore how genre trends evolve (and stagnate), and ask what separates a “fine” show from one that actually sticks with you.
If you’ve ever wondered why some anime look incredible but still feel empty, this episode breaks down exactly why—and what the genre needs to do next.
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n this episode, I dive into Netflix’s reboot of Ranma ½, starting with a breakdown of Ranma’s wild curse, his explosive chemistry with Akane, and how the show blends slapstick martial arts, romantic chaos, and gender-bending comedy. I talk about the show’s massive “toy-box” cast—Shampoo, Ukyo, Kuno, Haposai, Ryouga, Moose—and why the domestic moments, like school life and home scenes, give Ranma its unique hangout vibe.
From there, I zoom out to look at Rumiko Takahashi’s legacy—across Urusei Yatsura, Maison Ikkoku, Inuyasha, and Rinne—and how her serialized, character-driven storytelling mirrors the long-form structure of shonen series like Dragon Ball, Bleach, Naruto, and One Piece. I bring up Fullmetal Alchemist vs. Brotherhood and Dragon Ball Z Kai to show how cutting “filler” can sometimes strip away key context and heart.
I also dig into MAPPA’s choices in this new version—from the softened character designs to arc reshuffling and light censorship—and why taking creative risks (rather than clinging too hard to the original) often makes for a better reboot. Trigun Stampede fans, I’m looking at you. 😬
There’s a big conversation here about ecchi, gender fluidity, and the emotional weight behind Ranma and Akane’s will-they-won’t-they dynamic—especially with Genma Saotome’s truly unhinged parenting driving so much of the conflict and comedy.
Whether you’re coming to the reboot fresh or you’re a longtime fan of long-running anime, this episode is all about why Takahashi’s messy, magical world still resonates.
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AI has been a looming threat on the horizon of anime for a while now, however, with the hype cycle of the AI bubble intensifying and the opportunities to make money inside of that hype cycle in increasing Amazon has made a huge, although not the first attempt at using AI to eliminate people’s work in the process of English dubbing of several major shows. The results are beyond subpar, and under no circumstances should audiences ever accept this kind of integration of AI tools into a creative process. Below are the links mentioned in the course of the video. I think they offer a bit of a roadmap to how we got companies that have time and again devalued the content they claim to give us as a product to such an extent that they would do something like this.
Bloomberg article:
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-12-20/sony-s-crunchyroll-finds-its-early-lead-in-anime-under-attack
Decoder episode:
https://www.theverge.com/2024/2/26/24081180/crunchyroll-president-purini-anime-funimation-shutdown-sony-merger-decoder-interview
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In this episode, Alex dives into Hajime no Ippo, blending a thoughtful plot overview with personal reflections from his own time training at a boxing gym. After a brief update on Bento Radio’s schedule, site, and artist interviews, he hands the mic to his assistant for a succinct synopsis of Ippo’s rise—from bullied kid helping his mother’s fishing business to a disciplined featherweight contender shaped by Coach Kamogawa’s guidance and the influence of rivals like Miata and friends like Takamura. Alex then explores why combat sports resonate with him, discussing how boxing provides an outlet for frustration and a framework for growth, community, and discipline. He highlights the show’s realistic emphasis on training—endurance, technique, and body control—while noting its rare bursts of exaggeration during fights. From Ippo’s Dempsey Roll to the show’s second-act evolution introducing new gym members, Alex compares Hajime no Ippo with other sports anime like Haikyuu, Kuroko’s Basketball, Hinomaru Sumo, Ashita no Joe, and Megalobox, praising Ippo’s grounded approach without power systems. He also shares how his physical experience shaped his understanding of training, rhythm, and in-fighting. Whether you’re into anime, boxing, or stories about quiet perseverance, this episode lands squarely on the chin.
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In this episode, Alex examines Ruri Rocks through the lens of Studio Bind’s mission-driven production, tracing the studio’s origin—built by White Fox and Egg Firm for Jobless Reincarnation—to its off-season projects and niche-first strategy. Alex unpacks the rise of “softly horny” media and how Ruri Rocks pairs a sports/hobby framework with an unapologetically gaze-heavy portrayal, creating outsized reactions in a climate where mainstream sexualization has receded. He introduces “hobbyganda”—Iyashikei with a hobby hook—drawing comparisons to Yuru Camp, Flying Witch, Thermae Romae, and even sports anime like Kuroko’s Basketball and Slam Dunk to show how craft and detail make specialized passions feel aspirational. Along the way, Alex challenges the myth that great art requires perversion, arguing that constraint, experience, and craftsmanship—illustrated through Ghost in the Shell, Gainax/Trigger, and Yasuomi Umetsu’s career—drive excellence. He spotlights Ruri Rocks’ characters, including Ruri, Nagi, Imari, and Shoko, and praises the show’s focus on the “middle” phase of learning, from school career sheets to realistic mineralogy paths. The episode closes with a practical nudge: embrace incremental growth—whether 3D printing, coding, hunting opals, or meteorite sleuthing—and enjoy the journey as much as the destination.
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In this episode of Bento Radio, I take an in-depth look at Secrets of the Silent Witch, one of the most underrated fantasy anime of the year. If you’re searching for anime analysis, anime reviews, best fantasy anime, or hidden gem anime recommendations, this episode breaks down why Secrets of the Silent Witch deserves a spot on your watchlist.
I explore Monica Everett as a protagonist, the Seven Sages, and how the series handles genius, trauma, social anxiety, and character growth in ways that set it apart from other light novel adaptations. I also discuss how Secrets of the Silent Witch compares to other fantasy series in the current season and why its storytelling, worldbuilding, and emotional themes make it a standout.
This episode is perfect for listeners looking for:
• Secrets of the Silent Witch review
• Fantasy anime recommendations
• Light novel adaptation analysis
• Underrated anime 2025
• Character-driven anime breakdowns
• Deep-dive anime commentary
• Thoughtful anime criticism and media analysis
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I talk with Andrewcockroach, a brilliant concept artist and illustrator whose work blends anime-inspired design, experimental color, and raw emotion. We dive deep into his journey — from studying music and sound engineering to becoming a full-time artist working with major studios like Supercell.
Andrew opens up about how he found his artistic voice, what it’s really like building a career in concept art, and the mental side of being a creator in the social media era. We also talk about art books, process, burnout, and how to stay creative when algorithms keep changing the rules.
If you’ve ever wondered how artists keep evolving, how to turn your passion into a career, or how to stay authentic online — this episode is for you.
Find mor of his work with the link in the post on the blog
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n this episode, Alex dives into Paradise Kiss as a stylish, shoujo romance rooted in the pressures and possibilities of creative life. He frames the series through the lens of fashion education and modeling craft, tracing Yukari Hayasaka’s transformation from drifting student to professional model under the influence of George Koizumi, Miwako, Arashi, and Isabella. Drawing parallels to art school ecosystems and magnet programs, Alex explores how high standards can normalize “weird” behavior in creative industries—connecting fashion studios to professional kitchens and media mythologies that reward intensity, even when it veers toxic. He examines George’s curated persona, complex family dynamics, and leadership within the Paradise Kiss crew, alongside the grounded, punk-tinged studio setting that gives the series its sense of place. Pulling from personal artist interviews—including shout-outs to illustrator Jessica Luna and broader creative communities—Alex discusses the difference between talent and craft, highlighting modeling’s professional disciplines and the idea that talent is a pursued interest. He contrasts Yukari and George’s turbulent relationship with Miwako and Arashi’s more communicative bond, and situates Paradise Kiss within Ai Yazawa’s wider universe through Happy Berry, Neighborhood Stories, and Nana. By the end, Alex celebrates Paradise Kiss as a story about agency, style, and choosing a nontraditional path—showing how romance becomes a gateway to creative identity.
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n this episode of Bento Radio, Alex kicks off Season 3 with a brand-new video setup and a deep dive into the Winter 2025 anime lineup. From the nostalgic return of Ranma ½ and the surprising depth of Digimon Beat Break to the elegant supernatural mystery Shabake and the fiery chaos of May I Ask for One Final Thing, Alex breaks down what’s worth watching this season — and why.
Expect sharp insights, a bit of nostalgia, and plenty of anime love as Bento Radio enters a new era of on-camera episodes and personal recommendations. Whether you’re here for the analysis, the vibes, or just to find your next binge, this one’s for you.
https://bento-box.ghost.io/anime-im-keeping-my-eye-on-this-winter/
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In this episode, host Alex is joined by Filipino artist Philtomato for a deep, honest conversation about what it means to be an artist in a rapidly changing, tech-driven world. Celebrated for his vibrant, nostalgic mashups of beloved 90s and 2000s cartoon characters, Phil shares his artistic journey, creative philosophy, and the hard realities behind the art grind. Together, Alex and Phil reminisce about Samurai Jack and Johnny Bravo while tackling one of today’s biggest creative debates—the rise of AI art and why true creativity requires human intent and soul. Phil also opens up about building his career from the ground up, from social media hustle to the unexpected success of furry commissions that helped him literally build his studio. Blending art talk, nostalgia, and real-world insight, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about creativity, authenticity, and the future of art.
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Episode Title: Anime NYC 2025: Cosplay, Press Access, and the Heart of Fandom
Episode Summary:
Alex takes you inside Anime NYC 2025 with a full press recap—cosplay highlights, panel deep-dives, screenings, and the communal magic of one of the East Coast’s biggest anime conventions. From the Netflix showcase to underground AMV contests, hear why 140,000+ fans made the trip and why conventions like this matter more than ever.
What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
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This week on Bento Radio, we dive into Genshiken—the cult-favorite anime that pulls back the curtain on otaku life. From shy newcomers like Sasahara to die-hard veterans like Madarame, Genshiken isn’t just about anime, manga, and cosplay—it’s about the friendships, struggles, and self-discovery that come with being part of fandom.
Host Alex explores how the series reflects the rise and fall of the “anime bubble,” why its honest take on fandom still resonates today, and what Genshiken reveals about the meaning of being an anime fan for life.
If you’ve ever built model kits, stayed up all night watching shows, or argued about which anime character deserves more love, this episode is for you.
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In this episode of Bento Radio, Alex explores Shimoneta: A Boring World Where the Concept of Dirty Jokes Doesn’t Exist, the outrageous ecchi comedy that hides a sharp commentary on censorship, free expression, and society’s relationship with sexuality. From its over-the-top humor to its surprisingly relevant social critique, Shimoneta offers more than just dirty jokes—it’s a satire on how restricting language and ideas can harm culture and personal understanding.
Alex connects Shimoneta to other provocative anime like Interspecies Reviewers and Nukatashi, examines real-world parallels like AlgoSpeak, ID verification laws, and online content restrictions, and discusses the importance of open conversations about intimacy and sexual health. Whether you love raunchy anime or care about free speech in media, this episode delivers a thought-provoking, unfiltered discussion on why these taboo-breaking shows matter.
#Shimoneta #AnimePodcast #AnimeReview #Censorship #EcchiAnime #AnimeDiscussion #FreeSpeech #InterspeciesReviewers #Nukatashi #AnimeCulture
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