Bento Radio

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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.https://bento-box.ghost.io Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 #AnimeCultureBlueskyInstagramYouTubeWebtoon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Alex uses Brand New Animal to unpack powerful themes of race, identity, and discrimination—both in anime and real life. Drawing from his own experiences as a biracial and disabled individual, he explores how shows like BNA, Static Shock, and Mushoku Tensei reflect society’s struggles with belonging, bias, and the fight for acceptance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this raw and deeply personal episode of Bento Radio, Alex tackles one of the most divisive and emotionally complex anime of the last decade—Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation.What looks like a standard isekai power fantasy is anything but. Beneath the magic spells and sword fights lies a story about depression, trauma, and what it really means to start over after you’ve hit rock bottom. We unpack Rudeus Greyrat’s flawed, often uncomfortable journey and why his story might be more honest—and more human—than most anime dare to be.Alex explores:How the series deconstructs the isekai tropeWhy Rudeus’ character is intentionally hard to love—and why that mattersParallels to Yu Yu Hakusho, Evangelion, and real-world isolationHow trauma, grace, and small acts of kindness shape our ability to growThe beauty and messiness of imperfect charactersThis isn’t just an anime review—it’s a reflection on being different, being damaged, and daring to move forward anyway.🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.🔗 Don’t forget to follow @AlexHoltCohan for updates and bonus content.Let me know if you’d like a shorter version for platforms like Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Lunchbox Radio, Alex takes a deep dive into My Hero Academia: Vigilantes, the under-the-radar prequel that explores the grittier, street-level side of hero society. Set years before Deku’s rise, Vigilantes follows Koichi, Pop Step, and the quirkless Knuckle Duster as they patrol the rougher corners of Tokyo, fighting crime outside the law.Alex unpacks how this spin-off expands the MHA universe with grounded storytelling, darker themes, and compelling character dynamics—while still delivering that Studio Bones action flair. From X-Men parallels to social commentary and surprise cameos, this episode is a must-listen for any fan looking to dig deeper into the world of quirks.Whether you’re a seasoned My Hero fan or new to Vigilantes, this episode explores why this spin-off might just be one of the best stories in the franchise. Stay Plus Ultra!LinksInstagram BlueskyWebtoon YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Lunchbox Radio, Alex dives deep into Lazarus, the new cyberpunk anime from Shinichirō Watanabe (Cowboy Bebop, Space Dandy). Streaming on HBO Max and dripping with dystopian aesthetics, Lazarus follows a world reeling from the miracle drug Hapuna—a cure for pain that turns out to be a death sentence.Alex explores how Watanabe’s latest work channels themes of pharmaceutical greed, influencer toxicity, climate collapse, and humanity’s desperate need to feel again. We compare Lazarus to Terror in Resonance, Blue Submarine No. 6, and even the opioid crisis, highlighting why this show might be Watanabe’s most radical and uncomfortable work to date. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hey anime fans! Welcome back to Lunchbox Radio, hosted by Alex! In this episode, we dive deep into the world of Gundam gquuuux, a 2025 anime that’s flown under the radar—mostly because it’s streaming exclusively on Amazon Prime. But before we get into the mecha action, Alex shares some summer studio woes (it’s hot up here in the treetops, requiring AC due to his highly elevated studio!) and talks about a recent trip to NYC to see the Takashi Murakami exhibit at the Gagosian Art Gallery in Chelsea (24th St, not 21st—don’t make the same mistake!). The exhibit, running until July 11th if listening on release, features Murakami's "slavish and giant recreations of traditional Japanese ukiyo-e paintings" and collaborations with Louis Vuitton.Links:InstagramBlueskyWebtoon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the podcast, we’re diving into From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman—a new fantasy anime streaming on Amazon Prime. It’s not your average isekai, but it does play with familiar tropes in unexpected ways. We follow Beryl Garnet, a soft-spoken swordsman in his 30s who’s unknowingly trained an entire generation of elite warriors. As old students return and secrets unravel, the show offers a fresh spin on the mentor archetype, but not without some stumbles.Alex breaks down what makes this series worth watching—like its rare focus on an older protagonist and grounded combat style—and where it falls flat, including stiff CGI, awkward English dialogue, and rushed emotional beats. We also compare it to other genre-bending anime like Kaiju No. 8 and The Executioner and Her Way of Life.Is Country Bumpkin a hidden gem or just another mid-season miss? Let’s talk about it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we're diving headfirst into the absolute visual feast that is Redline! This 2009 anime film, directed by Takeshi Koike, isn't just a movie; it's an experience. Imagine hyper-stylized, high-octane, interplanetary racing where every frame is a work of art.Follow Sweet JP, a charismatic and reckless racer with a love for old-school cars and an aversion to using weapons or dirty tricks, as he navigates underworld connections that sometimes force his hand. He competes in a series of high-stakes races across the galaxy with the ultimate goal of qualifying for the legendary Redline, the most dangerous and prestigious race in the universe. This race only happens every five years and is notorious for being held on hostile planets, with this year's event set on RoboWorld, a militarized planet whose government has outlawed the race and threatens to annihilate any participants who dare enter, naturally adding to the excitement.If you're looking for high-octane action, a heartwarming romance, or simply one of the most beautifully animated films ever made, Redline delivers in spades. Its incredible soundtrack, which even blends character theme songs to indicate on-screen action and character relationships, enhances the experience. It's available for free on Tubi and Plex, so there's no excuse not to experience this absolute gem. Trust me, your eyes (and ears!) will thank you.#RedlineAnime #AnimePodcast #LunchboxRadio #TakeshiKoike #AnimeFilm #SciFiAnime #RacingAnime #AnimeReview #MustWatchAnime #VTuber #AnimationArt #SweetJP #SonoshiMcLaren #RoboWorld #AnimeLoveStory #ActionAnime #HandDrawnAnimation #IntoTheSpiderVerse #Akira #PrincessMononoke #Tubi #Plex #OtakuLife #AnimeCommunity #PodcastNotesLinks:YoutubeInstagramBlueskyWebtoon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hey everyone, it's Alex here and welcome to another episode of Bento Radio! Thanks for listening.In this episode, we dive into the fantasy action anime, Inuyasha. Set across two time periods—modern-day Japan and the Sengoku, Warring States period of feudal Japan—this iconic series blends historical intrigue with supernatural adventure.What’s the Story?The story follows Kagome Higurashi, a 15-year-old girl from present-day Tokyo, who is transported to the past after falling into a well at her family’s shrine.In the past, she meets Inuyasha, a half-demon (Hanyo), sealed to a sacred tree.Kagome soon learns she is the reincarnation of a powerful priestess, Kikyo, and possesses the mystical Shikon Jewel (Shikon no Tama)—a mystical artifact with the power to grant immense power to those who possess it.After the jewel is accidentally shattered, its shards scatter across the land, and Kagome teams up with Inuyasha to recover them.Engagement & Updates:If you like the show, be sure to like it and leave a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform.Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode when it comes out every Thursday!If you want to hear from me in between episodes, you can check me out over on Blue Sky Instagram. I've also got a YouTube channel, although I'm not doing anything with it currently. I've also got a webcomic coming out over on Webtoons. The links to all of that are in the description of the podcast proper, so go check it out.Stay Connected:Until next time, I have been Alex, and this has been Bento Radio.SEO Hashtags#Inuyasha #AnimePodcast #BentoRadio #ActionAnime #FantasyAnime #Kagome #AnimeReview #SengokuEra #JapaneseHistory #PodcastUpdatesLinks:BlueskyInstagramYouTubeWebtoon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Bento Radio, we unpack the wild, time-traveling world of Tokyo Revengers—a series that’s more than just gang fights and high-stakes drama. We follow Takemichi Hanagaki as he’s thrust 12 years into the past with one goal: save his childhood love and rewrite fate. But beneath the punches and plot twists lies a deeper exploration of Japan’s youth, social exclusion, and the cultural roots of gang life.We break down how the series uses time travel to explore trauma, redemption, and the ripple effects of choice. Then we zoom out—connecting the show to real Japanese subcultures like the Bosozoku biker gangs and Tsukiban girl gangs, and drawing parallels to anime like Great Teacher Onizuka, Yu Yu Hakusho, and Tenjo Tenge.Join us as we explore:The psychology of second chancesThe rise and fall of Japan’s gang cultureHow tattoos, social class, and misfit identity shape the narrativeAnd why Tokyo Revengers resonates so strongly with a generation that feels left behindIf you love anime that hits hard and makes you think, this one’s for you.Socials:instagramBlueskyYoutubeWebtoon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🔥 SEASON 2 UPGRADES! WE MOVIN' TO YOUTUBE! 🔥That's right, you heard it! You can NOW WATCH this podcast over on YouTube! If you're seeing my glorious (and slightly experimental) avatar right now, HELLO! 👋 If you're listening to the audio, no worries, the OG feed ain't going anywhere. Links to everything will be in the descriptions, so you can catch the vibes wherever you prefer!Why the video, you ask?Visuals for a Visual Medium: Anime is pretty, right? So, let's get some visuals up in here!Dodging Copyright Ninjas: YouTube can be a minefield with copyright strikes, even with fair use. This new format with my cool AI-generated (and sometimes personally designed!) avatar and backgrounds is my creative workaround.Still Experimenting: The look, the avatar (yeah, I ditched the rope, wasn't feeling it), the backgrounds – it's all a work in progress! I'm tweaking things to make it awesome, so bear with me and let me know what you think! My AI assistant, Synopsis, even gets her own cool setup for trailers!So, if you've always wanted a YouTube way to hang with the show, IT'S HERE! New listeners, dive into the back catalog to catch up!Alright, enough announcements! Let's dive into the ANIME that's been on my mind! This week, we're talking about a seriously underrated gem from last season (Winter 2024, to be exact!) that you MIGHT have missed...✨ ANIME SPOTLIGHT: Magilumiere Co. Ltd. (AKA Magical Girls INC.) ✨Yo, let me tell you, this show, Magilumiere Co. Ltd., is something special. My lovely AI assistant, iSynopsis, dropped the plot lowdown, but here's the gist:Our girl Kana Sakuragi is fresh outta college, deep in the job-hunting trenches. She stumbles into a monster attack (these baddies are called "Phantoms," btw, born from negative vibes), helps a pro magical girl, and BAM! Gets offered a job at a private magical girl company, Magilumiere Co. Ltd. The series then follows Kana learning the ropes, bonding with her quirky-but-awesome colleagues (especially her skilled partner Koshigaya), and tackling both monster battles AND corporate headaches. Think magical girl action meets The Office, but way cooler. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Welcome back, anime fans and cinephiles! In this episode of Bento Radio, Alex explores the notorious 2009 live-action adaptation, Dragon Ball Evolution. The episode opens with a reminder to catch up on previous episodes—especially the ones on Speed Racer and Ghost in the Shell—and teases the official start of Season 2, which will bring the podcast to more platforms, including a YouTube version where you can watch past episodes.InstagramBlueskyWebtoon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back, Speed Racer fans and anime lovers! In today’s episode of Bento Radio hosted by Alex, we dive into the vibrant and unconventional world of the 2008 film "Speed Racer" directed by the Wachowski sisters. Get ready for an in-depth exploration as we break down the film’s high-octane action, visually striking style, and its layered commentary on legacy, artistry, and the commercialization of racing culture.BlueskyInstagramWebtoon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we dive deep into the 2017 live-action adaptation of Ghost in the Shell, a film that sparked intense debate and widespread controversy from the moment it was announced. We explore how the movie attempts to reimagine the iconic anime for a Western audience, the complexities of its casting choices—especially the backlash surrounding Scarlett Johansson’s role—and whether the film succeeds in capturing the philosophical and cyberpunk essence of the original. Join us as we dissect the visual style, narrative structure, and cultural implications of this polarizing adaptation.socialInstagram BlueskyWebtoon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the first episode of Movie May! Today, we’re diving deep into the decades-long journey that brought Alita: Battle Angel to the big screen. Whether you’re an anime fan, a James Cameron devotee, or just love a good underdog story, this episode unpacks the fascinating history and production of this unique adaptation.Follow me!InstagramBlueskyWebtoonYoutube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hey there, anime fans! This week on Bento Radio, I’m Alex bringing you an epic rundown of Air Gear with all the insight, sass, and deep-dive analysis you expect from your favorite anime podcast. Whether you’re a die-hard Otaku or new to the world of high-speed AT battles, this episode is packed with hot takes, behind-the-scenes tidbits, and a ton of nostalgic energy.InstagramBlueskyyoutube#AirGear #AnimeReview #BentoRadio #AnimePodcast #Airtreks #JetSetRadio #ExtremeSportsAnime #Ograte #AnimeCulture #MangaVsAnime Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.