Ben-to is about a boy named Yo that starts competing in the competitive world of fighting for half priced bento.
In the very beginning of Ben-to we learn that Yo has had an pretty boring life. Not much is very exciting about him. Until one day he wakes up with no memories after going to get a bento. When he gets out of the hospital he is told to stay away from the store he went to and away from the girl that he was at the store with. When he goes back to that store out of necessity, Yo finds out about the competitive bento scene. Yo tries to play it safe the next time he comes to the store, but things don’t go as planned.
I did not expect much from a show about fighting over bento when I first saw what the show was about. This show has surprised me though. The concept of an organized competition over groceries is pretty fresh and the way they handle it is amusing. The show doesn’t take itself too seriously like a lot of the ridiculous competition shows seem to. There is also a little bit of ecchi in it which sweetens the deal for me.
The main character is pretty clueless in the first episode, but he should be since he doesn’t remember what is going on. Not sure if he will stay that way over the course of the show. He isn’t really the shining star of this anime so far. The girls are a bigger part of the draw of the show. Sen is a sempai to Yo that warns him off of the store. She seems like the quiet emotionless type so far. Hana at the beginning just seems hyper, but later she shows more of her true colors. I don’t want to spoil more.
The show uses music very well, which is very unexpected.
Overall this is definitely one of the better shows I have seen this season. Music, interesting, new concept, and ecchi to round it out.
Status: Watching for certain.
Update: Review of full show is now up here.
