Ben-To (2011)
The wildly entertaining anime where broke students throw punches — and pride — into the nightly battle for half-priced bento boxes.
Ben-To - Series Information
- Original Title: ベン・トー
- First Air Year: 2011
- Last Air Year: 2011
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Comedy, Action, Adventure, Animation
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 24 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 12
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- First Air Date: October 4, 2011 (United States - TV-14), October 4, 2011 (Australia - M)
- Networks: MBS
- Alternative Titles: Ben-To (JP), ХАВЧИК (RU), Bento (US)
- Production Companies: David Production
- Production Countries: Japan
Ben-To - Plot
Every day an epic struggle rages in grocery stores across Japan - the battle for half-priced bento boxes! Once the discount stickers go on, ravenous brawlers start throwing punches in a knockdown, drag-out war over who gets to take home the cheap eats. When a young, broke high school student named Sato joins the Half-Priced Food Lovers Club, he proves to be a rising talent in the world of insane food fights. But does he have what it takes to become the king of clearance cuisine?
Ben-To - Trailer
See the chaos unfold and get a taste of the brawling action:
Where to Watch Ben-To
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Ben-To - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Hiro Shimono
- Mariya Ise
- Emiri Kato
- Aoi Yuuki
- Ai Kayano
- Mamoru Miyano
- Ayana Taketatsu
- Kazuyuki Okitsu
- Yukari Tamura
- Yui Horie
Ben-To - FAQs
What is the premise of Ben-To?
Ben-To follows broke high school student You Satou as he discovers a brutal underground subculture: nightly brawls in supermarkets over half-priced bento boxes. He joins the Half-Priced Food Lovers Club and rises through the ranks of these chaotic, surprisingly honorable food fights.
Is Ben-To based on a light novel?
Yes, Ben-To adapts a Japanese light novel series written by Asaura and illustrated by Kaito Shibano. The novels were published by ASCII Media Works under their Dengeki Bunko imprint, and the anime adaptation by David Production aired in 2011.
Who are the main voice actors in Ben-To?
The series features a strong cast of Japanese voice talent. Hiro Shimono voices protagonist You Satou, Mariya Ise plays the formidable Sen Yarizui, Emiri Kato voices Ayame Shaga, and Aoi Yuuki portrays Hana Oshiroi. Mamoru Miyano and Ayana Taketatsu round out the principal cast.
Where can you watch Ben-To online?
Streaming availability for Ben-To varies by region and changes over time. Check JustWatch for the most up-to-date viewing options in your country, including any subscription streaming, rental, or purchase platforms currently carrying the series.
How many episodes does Ben-To have?
Ben-To ran for 12 main episodes across its single season, which aired from October to December 2011 on MBS in Japan. There are also 6 additional special episodes, bringing the total content to 18 episodes for fans who want to experience everything the series has to offer.
Is Ben-To worth watching for action anime fans?
Absolutely, if you enjoy absurdist action comedy. Ben-To takes its ridiculous premise — supermarket brawls over discounted food — with surprising earnestness, delivering genuinely exciting fight choreography alongside sharp humor. It earned a cult following for blending over-the-top action with a warm sense of camaraderie.
What anime series are similar to Ben-To?
Fans of Ben-To tend to enjoy Food Wars! Shokugeki no Soma for its food-obsessed intensity, Fighting Spirit for its underdog action spirit, and Tenjho Tenge for its school-based martial arts chaos. Haganai: I Don't Have Many Friends also shares a similar school-club dynamic and comedic tone.
What content rating does Ben-To carry?
Ben-To is rated TV-14 in the United States, indicating content suitable for viewers aged 14 and older. The series contains comedic violence, mild ecchi humor, and action sequences that make it appropriate for older teens and adult anime fans rather than younger audiences.
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