In the world of Japanese light novels, few can compare to Asaura’s “Ben-To” for its unique blend of action, humor, and everyday life. Published by Shueisha under their Super Dash Bunko imprint, the series ran from February 2008 to February 2014.
“Ben-To” tells the story of You Satou, an ordinary high school student who finds himself drawn into the thrilling, high-stakes world of “Bento Brawls.” These brawls occur at supermarkets across Japan at the end of each day when discounted bento boxes go on sale. Participants, known as “Wolves,” battle each other for the chance to claim these highly sought-after meals.
Satou’s life takes a turn for the chaotic when he unknowingly stumbles into one of these brawls and gets knocked out. After being revived by Sen Yarizui, the infamous “Ice Witch” and top wolf at his school, Satou joins the Half-Priced Food Lovers Club and begins his journey as a wolf.
The light novel’s charm lies in its portrayal of an ordinary daily event like buying bento as an epic battle, blending the mundane with the extraordinary to create a unique and engaging narrative.
Ben-To TV Series Summary: An Action-Packed Adaptation by David Production
In October 2011, David Production brought Asaura’s light novel to the small screen with the “Ben-To” anime series. The series spans 12 episodes, each one packed with exhilarating fight scenes, laugh-out-loud moments, and a fair share of fan service.
The TV series closely follows the light novel’s plot, chronicling Satou’s adventures as he navigates the world of Bento Brawls. Alongside Yarizui and other members of the Half-Priced Food Lovers Club, Satou learns the ropes of this unusual pastime, facing off against rival wolves and clubs.
The anime also delves into the backstory of the characters, adding depth to their personalities and motivations. With its high-quality animation, compelling character development, and well-choreographed action sequences, the “Ben-To” TV series is a must-watch for anime fans.
Parent Guide: Is ‘Ben-To’ Suitable for All Ages?
“Ben-To” is an action-packed series that features intense fight scenes, mature themes, and fan service, making it suitable for older teens and adults. The series is rated PG-13 for its depiction of violence, occasional use of strong language, and suggestive themes.
Given its mature content, parents and guardians should exercise discretion when deciding if “Ben-To” is appropriate for their children. However, for older viewers, the series offers a unique blend of action, comedy, and slice-of-life elements that make it a captivating watch.
Setting the Scene: When and Where ‘Ben-To’ Takes Place
“Ben-To” is set in modern-day Japan, primarily within the city where Satou attends high school. The series takes place in various supermarkets where Bento Brawls occur, each one having its unique layout and rules.
Each episode typically concludes at the end of the day, marking the start of the Bento Brawls when the discounted bento boxes are unveiled.
The setting effectively highlights the contrast between the ordinary world and the intense battlefield of the supermarket aisles, adding to the series’ unique charm.
The World of ‘Ben-To’: Key Locations and Their Significance
While the majority of “Ben-To” takes place within supermarkets, several other locations play a significant role in the series. These include Satou’s high school, where he first meets Yarizui and learns about the world of Bento Brawls, and the Half-Priced Food Lovers Club’s meeting place, where members strategize and bond.
Each supermarket in the series has its unique layout, contributing to the strategy and tactics employed in the Bento Brawls. These locations also add to the series’ atmosphere, transforming ordinary supermarkets into thrilling battlefields.
Meet the Characters of ‘Ben-To’
“Ben-To” boasts a colorful cast of characters, each bringing their unique flavor to the series. Here’s a rundown of the main players:
- You Satou : The protagonist of the series, Satou is an ordinary high school student who gets drawn into the world of Bento Brawls. Despite his initial reluctance, he proves to be a capable wolf.
- Sen Yarizui : Known as the “Ice Witch,” Yarizui is a top wolf at Satou’s school and the president of the Half-Priced Food Lovers Club. She becomes Satou’s mentor, guiding him through the rules and strategies of Bento Brawls.
- Hana Oshiroi : A classmate of Satou, Oshiroi is a budding novelist with a vivid (and often overactive) imagination. She joins the Half-Priced Food Lovers Club and becomes friends with Satou and Yarizui.
- Ume Shiraume : Oshiroi’s childhood friend and class representative, Shiraume has a strong (and often overly possessive) affection for Oshiroi. She disapproves of Oshiroi’s friendship with Satou and often resorts to violence to “protect” her.
- The Monarch : A mysterious and powerful wolf known for his butterfly mask, the Monarch becomes a formidable adversary for Satou and his friends.
Iconic Quotes from ‘Ben-To’
“Ben-To” is filled with memorable quotes that capture the essence of the series and its characters.
A few notable ones include:
- “There’s no rule that says an opponent has to be stronger or weaker than you. It’s not a comparison. Everyone fights at full strength, and either you win or you lose.” – Sen Yarizui
- “What is cheap is expensive.” – You Satou
- “The strong eat while the weak retreat. That is the rule of the supermarket battlefield.” – You Satou
Taku Iwasaki’s Soundtrack: Setting the Tone for ‘Ben-To’
Taku Iwasaki’s soundtrack for “Ben-To” plays a crucial role in setting the tone of the series. From intense battle themes to comedic tunes and sentimental pieces, the music enhances the viewing experience and complements the series’ unique blend of action, comedy, and slice-of-life elements.
Notable tracks include “Ben-To no Theme,” the series’ main theme that captures the exciting and chaotic nature of the Bento Brawls, and “Live for Life,” the series’ ending theme that adds a touch of sentimentality to the series.
Curiosities and Little-Known Facts about ‘Ben-To’
“Ben-To” has several interesting tidbits and trivia that fans might find fascinating:
- The series is based on a real-life phenomenon in Japan, where supermarkets often discount their bento boxes towards the end of the day.
- The novel’s author, Asaura, reportedly got the idea for “Ben-To” after seeing a half-priced bento box at a supermarket.
- The series features parodies and references to various pop culture franchises, including “Dragon Ball,” “Gundam,” and “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure.”
Cosplay Tips: Recreating the Looks of ‘Ben-To’ Characters
Dressing up as your favorite characters from “Ben-To” for cosplay events can be a fun and exciting endeavor.
Here are some tips:
- You Satou : Opt for a typical high school uniform consisting of a white shirt, black pants, and a black blazer. Add a bandage to your head for added authenticity.
- Sen Yarizui : Yarizui’s outfit consists of a school uniform featuring a white blouse, red ribbon, and green plaid skirt. A long silver wig will complete her look.
- Hana Oshiroi : Dress in a school uniform like Yarizui’s and carry a notebook to showcase Oshiroi’s passion for writing. A short brown wig will help you achieve her look.
- Ume Shiraume : Similar to Yarizui and Oshiroi, Shiraume’s look can be achieved with a school uniform. A long purple wig will help you capture her distinctive hairstyle.
- The Monarch : This look requires a black suit, a white shirt, and a black butterfly mask. Carry a fan as an additional prop.
Asaura: Biography and Other Works
Asaura is a Japanese author best known for his “Ben-To” light novel series. Despite his popularity, Asaura tends to keep a low profile, and little is known about his personal life.
In addition to “Ben-To,” Asaura has penned other works, including “Shippuu Nijimarugumi,” a comedy series published under the Famitsu Bunko imprint, and “Okashina Tensei,” a fantasy series published under the Super Dash Bunko imprint.
‘Ben-To’ Ending Explained: An Epic Conclusion to a Unique Tale
The ending of “Ben-To” offers a satisfying conclusion to Satou’s journey. After numerous Bento Brawls, Satou emerges as a respected and formidable wolf. He continues his friendship with Yarizui and Oshiroi, and the Half-Priced Food Lovers Club remains active, ready for the next day’s battles.
While “Ben-To” does not shy away from fan service and comedic elements, it also delivers a meaningful message about determination, friendship, and the importance of fighting for what one values.
The Future of ‘Ben-To’: Remakes, Sequels, and Spin-offs
Despite the “Ben-To” light novel series concluding in 2014, the series’ unique premise and memorable characters have left a lasting impression on fans. While there are currently no official announcements about remakes, sequels, or spin-offs, the world of “Ben-To” holds plenty of potential for future explorations.
Fans can look forward to potential adaptations that delve into the backgrounds of popular characters, explore new Bento Brawls, or even introduce new characters to the exciting world of discounted bento hunting.
David Production: Other Media and Contributions
David Production, the studio behind the “Ben-To” anime series, is known for its work on several popular anime series. The studio’s most notable work includes the “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure” series, “Fire Force,” and “Cells at Work!”
David Production is renowned for its high-quality animation, attention to detail, and faithfulness to source material, making it a favorite among anime fans.
Similar Media to ‘Ben-To’
If you’re a fan of “Ben-To,” there are plenty of other books, movies, and TV shows that share similar themes, settings, or storytelling styles.
Some recommendations include:
- Light Novels: “Toradora!” by Yuyuko Takemiya, “No Game No Life” by Yuu Kamiya, and “Konosuba: God’s Blessing on This Wonderful World!” by Natsume Akatsuki.
- Anime: “Food Wars!: Shokugeki no Soma,” “Hataraku Maou-sama! (The Devil Is a Part-Timer!),” and “Baka to Test to Shoukanjuu (Baka & Test – Summon the Beasts).”
- Manga: “Dagashi Kashi” by Kotoyama, “Shokugeki no Soma (Food Wars!)” by YÅ«to Tsukuda and Shun Saeki, and “Gourmet Girl Graffiti” by Makoto Kawai.
Book Club Questions for ‘Ben-To’
If you’re hosting a book club discussion on “Ben-To,” here are some questions to guide your discussion:
- How does “Ben-To” blend action, comedy, and slice-of-life elements to create a unique narrative?
- How do the Bento Brawls reflect the characters’ personalities and motivations?
- What role does food play in the series, beyond being the object of the Bento Brawls?
- How does “Ben-To” explore themes of competition, camaraderie, and survival in a modern, urban setting?
- How do the characters of “Ben-To” evolve over the course of the series?
Video Games Inspired by ‘Ben-To’
While there are no official video games directly inspired by “Ben-To,” fans of the series can find similar themes and gameplay elements.
Titles such as “Yakuza: Like a Dragon,” which features intense street brawls and a deep appreciation for food, and “Battle Chef Brigade,” which combines cooking and combat in a unique and engaging way.
Travel Guide: Visit Iconic ‘Ben-To’ Locations
While “Ben-To” is set in a fictional city, fans visiting Japan can explore real-life supermarkets and convenience stores, where discounted bento boxes are a common sight.
Tokyo’s bustling shopping districts, such as Shibuya and Ginza, offer a variety of supermarkets and convenience stores for fans to explore. Remember to respect store rules and other shoppers while enjoying your own “Bento Brawl.”
Conclusion
“Ben-To” offers a unique blend of action, humor, and everyday life, presenting a tale of high-stakes battles over discounted bento boxes. Its engaging narrative, memorable characters, and unique premise make it a standout series in the world of light novels and anime.
Whether you’re a fan of the series or just discovering it, “Ben-To” offers a thrilling and entertaining journey into the world of Bento Brawls.
