n this episode of Bento Radio, I’m revisiting Kekkaishi, a mid-2000s supernatural shonen that aired on Toonami and somehow became one of anime’s most overlooked gems. It’s a series I didn’t fully appreciate the first time around—but on rewatch, it surprised me in all the best ways.

I dig into what makes Kekkaishi feel so different from its contemporaries: its tight 50-episode runtime, its focus on a single haunted location, and its refusal to bloat itself into endless arcs. We talk about spiritual barriers, inherited responsibility, and how the relationship between Yoshimori and Tokine grows in a way that feels more natural—and more emotionally grounded—than a lot of shonen romance.

I also connect Kekkaishi to the broader shonen lineage, touching on its similarities to Yu Yu Hakusho, Bleach, and even how its restraint foreshadows modern anime storytelling. From its music and visual framing to its quiet confidence as a “smaller” series, this is a show that knew exactly what it wanted to be.

If you’re into underrated anime, forgotten Toonami-era shows, or thoughtful conversations about how shonen has evolved, this episode is for you.

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