Bento Radio

Winter 2026 anime is already shaping up to be something special.In this episode of Bento Radio, I walk through what I’m actually watching this season—and why this lineup feels like a real shift in the air for anime.I talk about returning heavy-hitters like Jujutsu Kaisen, Frieren, Hell’s Paradise, and My Hero Academia: Vigilantes, along with the one new adaptation that completely caught me off guard after seeing it at Anime NYC. This season feels confident in a way anime hasn’t always allowed itself to be lately—less interested in smoothing out rough edges, and more willing to embrace strong ideas, genre messiness, and point-of-view storytelling.We get into why horror-adjacent shonen works so well right now, how fantasy anime is quietly evolving, and why some shows hit harder when they stop trying to be for everyone. If you’re looking for a thoughtful seasonal watchlist, an old-head otaku perspective, or just want help figuring out what’s actually worth your time this winter, this episode’s for you.New episodes of Bento Radio drop every Thursday night.If you enjoy grounded anime discussion, convention coverage, and seasonal breakdowns with context, I’m glad you’re here.

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.

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.

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.

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-attackDecoder episode:https://www.theverge.com/2024/2/26/24081180/crunchyroll-president-purini-anime-funimation-shutdown-sony-merger-decoder-interview

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.