Watch Ben To

Ben-To is a Japanese anime series that originally aired between 2005 and 2008. The show was produced by David Production and distributed by FUNimation in North America. It is based on a light novel series written by Asaura and illustrated by Kaito Shibano. The story of Ben-To revolves around a high school student named Sato Yo, who is frequently struggling to make ends meet. One day, he discovers the world of "half-price bento battles," where people fight over discounted bento boxes at the local supermarket. Sato soon becomes involved in these battles, and finds himself among a group of bento fighters known as the Wolves.

The Wolves, led by a girl named Sen Yarizui, battle against other groups such as the Orthros and the Destructive Wolves to claim the coveted half-price bento. Along the way, Sato learns new fighting techniques and becomes friends with his fellow Wolves, including the shy Hana Oshiroi and the abrasive Ayame Shaga.

Despite its unusual premise, Ben-To is a surprisingly compelling series with solid character development and entertaining action scenes. The show combines elements of comedy, drama, and action to create a unique viewing experience that is both engaging and fun.

One of the strengths of Ben-To is its well-developed cast of characters. Each member of the Wolves has their own distinct personality and backstory, which adds depth to the series. Sato, for instance, is a relatable protagonist who is trying to find his place in the world. He is initially drawn to bento battles because of the cheap food, but he soon discovers that there is a sense of camaraderie among the Wolves that he has been missing in his life.

Similarly, Sen Yarizui is a compelling leader who is beloved by her fellow Wolves. She is stoic and strong-willed, but also has a softer side that is revealed in her interactions with Sato and the others.

The action scenes in Ben-To are also well-executed and exciting. The bento battles themselves are intense and often humorous, as the fighters employ a variety of techniques to claim the half-price bento. These battles are a highlight of the series and showcase the creativity of the show's creators.

Another strength of Ben-To is its ability to balance comedy and drama. The show is frequently funny, with humorous moments that range from slapstick to witty banter. However, despite its lighthearted moments, Ben-To also explores more serious themes such as friendship, loyalty, and self-discovery. This combination of humor and drama makes the show both entertaining and emotionally resonant.

Visually, Ben-To is a well-animated series with vibrant colors and engaging character designs. The fight scenes are fluid and dynamic, and the attention to detail in the character animation adds to the overall viewing experience.

The soundtrack of Ben-To is also worth noting, as it features a variety of catchy and memorable tunes. The opening theme, "LIVE for LIFE ~Ookamitachi no Yoru~" by Aimi, is a particular highlight and sets the tone for the series.

In conclusion, Ben-To is a must-watch anime series for fans of action, comedy, or just good storytelling in general. The show is well-written, well-animated, and features a cast of memorable characters. Its unique and quirky premise may be off-putting to some, but those willing to give it a chance will be rewarded with a series that is both entertaining and heartfelt.

Ben To is a series that ran for 1 seasons (12 episodes) between July 8, 2014 and on FUNimation