After more than two decades of devouring every shonen, shojo, seinen, and josei anime he could find, this seasoned oldtaku is still watching—week to week, episode by episode—and he’s not stopping anytime soon. Join him every week for fresh takes on your favorite series, hidden gems you’ve never heard of, and the kind of anime reflections only years of obsession can bring.
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After more than two decades of devouring every shonen, shojo, seinen, and josei anime he could find, this seasoned oldtaku is still watching—week to week, episode by episode—and he’s not stopping anytime soon. Join him every week for fresh takes on your favorite series, hidden gems you’ve never heard of, and the kind of anime reflections only years of obsession can bring.
Follow the host here:
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n this episode, Alex dives into Paradise Kiss as a stylish, shoujo romance rooted in the pressures and possibilities of creative life. He frames the series through the lens of fashion education and modeling craft, tracing Yukari Hayasaka’s transformation from drifting student to professional model under the influence of George Koizumi, Miwako, Arashi, and Isabella. Drawing parallels to art school ecosystems and magnet programs, Alex explores how high standards can normalize “weird” behavior in creative industries—connecting fashion studios to professional kitchens and media mythologies that reward intensity, even when it veers toxic. He examines George’s curated persona, complex family dynamics, and leadership within the Paradise Kiss crew, alongside the grounded, punk-tinged studio setting that gives the series its sense of place. Pulling from personal artist interviews—including shout-outs to illustrator Jessica Luna and broader creative communities—Alex discusses the difference between talent and craft, highlighting modeling’s professional disciplines and the idea that talent is a pursued interest. He contrasts Yukari and George’s turbulent relationship with Miwako and Arashi’s more communicative bond, and situates Paradise Kiss within Ai Yazawa’s wider universe through Happy Berry, Neighborhood Stories, and Nana. By the end, Alex celebrates Paradise Kiss as a story about agency, style, and choosing a nontraditional path—showing how romance becomes a gateway to creative identity.
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n this episode of Bento Radio, Alex kicks off Season 3 with a brand-new video setup and a deep dive into the Winter 2025 anime lineup. From the nostalgic return of Ranma ½ and the surprising depth of Digimon Beat Break to the elegant supernatural mystery Shabake and the fiery chaos of May I Ask for One Final Thing, Alex breaks down what’s worth watching this season — and why.
Expect sharp insights, a bit of nostalgia, and plenty of anime love as Bento Radio enters a new era of on-camera episodes and personal recommendations. Whether you’re here for the analysis, the vibes, or just to find your next binge, this one’s for you.
https://bento-box.ghost.io/anime-im-keeping-my-eye-on-this-winter/
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In this episode, host Alex is joined by Filipino artist Philtomato for a deep, honest conversation about what it means to be an artist in a rapidly changing, tech-driven world. Celebrated for his vibrant, nostalgic mashups of beloved 90s and 2000s cartoon characters, Phil shares his artistic journey, creative philosophy, and the hard realities behind the art grind. Together, Alex and Phil reminisce about Samurai Jack and Johnny Bravo while tackling one of today’s biggest creative debates—the rise of AI art and why true creativity requires human intent and soul. Phil also opens up about building his career from the ground up, from social media hustle to the unexpected success of furry commissions that helped him literally build his studio. Blending art talk, nostalgia, and real-world insight, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about creativity, authenticity, and the future of art.
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Episode Title: Anime NYC 2025: Cosplay, Press Access, and the Heart of Fandom
Episode Summary:
Alex takes you inside Anime NYC 2025 with a full press recap—cosplay highlights, panel deep-dives, screenings, and the communal magic of one of the East Coast’s biggest anime conventions. From the Netflix showcase to underground AMV contests, hear why 140,000+ fans made the trip and why conventions like this matter more than ever.
What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
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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.
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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 #AnimeCulture
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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:
This isn’t just an anime review—it’s a reflection on being different, being damaged, and daring to move forward anyway.
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🔗 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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 #PodcastNotes
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