The Benza

"The Benza" began as a Japanese short film that was partially inspired by true events.[2] Pre-production began in early 2018 and the short film premiered in Tokyo, Japan on April 6 of the same year.[3] After receiving several awards from various film festivals around the world including Best Comedy at Mediterranean Film Festival in Italy, Rising Star for main cast Christopher McCombs and Best Pilot at Seoul Web Fest in 2018, Tokyo Cowboys received an offer from Korean mobile service KT mobile to create a series based on the short film.[4]

The series began shooting in September 2018 and wrapped filming in mid-December. Post production continued into mid-January 2019.[5]

Producer Christopher McCombs said on UK news site Otaku News, ""The Benza" has been in the works for over a year and I am so happy we can finally sit back and enjoy it with everyone. It's so important to take a step back and laugh so that we can get back to the important things in life. "The Benza" is the perfect way to take a break, smile, and refresh." Lead actress Haku Inko added, "We set out to make an outrageous comedy and I think we did, but it's not finished until we hear your laughter. It's such a lovely idea that people all over the world might be laughing together about "The Benza.""[6]

Chris and Kyle are two Americans who share an apartment in Tokyo. They lived in peace and happiness until the day their toilet seat broke. This leaves them with questions such as What happened to their toilet seat? How does one say 'toilet seat' in Japanese? Where does one buy a toilet seat in Japan? These questions are explored by Chris and Kyle on their journey for answers.[7]

Filming of episode 2: left to right: Kyle Card and Christopher McCombs

• Kyle Card as Kyle, journeys with Chris in search of the benza. The hero who is strong of heart but weak to seduction.[8]
• Christopher McCombs as Chris, journeys with Kyle in search of the benza. The thoughtful leader who jumps at the sight of danger.
• Haku Inko as Inko-sensei, the sexy Japanese teacher. Special attack: whip.
• Michiko Noguchi as Noguchi, a seemingly normal Japanese woman who has a difficult time communicating with the heroes.
• Masahito Kawahata as Tamura, the DIY store clerk.
• Janni Olsson as Alena, the charismatic treasure hunter.
• Lee Min Kuk as Lee, Kyle and Chris's roommate.
• Alexander Hunter as David, a student with a warrior spirit aka the samurai.
• Hannah Grace as Stephanie, an anime loving student aka the otaku.

The Benza has been over all well received and maintains an over 4 point score on Amazon Prime Video in America, Germany, Japan, and U.K.

Sora News24 writer Master Blaster wrote, “Full of literal toilet humor and heart, this Amazon Prime series is a breath of fresh air.” Master Blaster continues, "But what really stands out about The Benza is that it depicts foreigners in Japan as normal people rather than the stereotypes we are used to seeing on Japanese TV." Speaking about the international cast he says, "With a nice balance of Japanese and foreign performers, the result is a series that is able to poke fun at each other without ever being demeaning."[9]

In 2019, it was announced that "The Benza" receive a spin-off series called "Benza English".[10] Production began in late 2019, and the series was released in April 2020.[11] The series features minor characters from "The Benza" appearing in larger roles along with the original series' main cast, and is set in an English learning television show that takes place in the world of "The Benza".[12]

In 2020, a spin-off retro rpg video game called “The Benza RPG” was announced.[13] It was initially released for iOS platforms in October 2020 and takes place between “Benza English” and series two of “The Benza”. The player primarily plays as Chris and Kyle as they try to save Higashi Nakano from Inko Sensei and save Lee who has been kidnapped.[14]

The following are nominations and awards that have been earned by the cast and crew of The Benza web series 1 in 2019:

The following are awards that have been earned by the cast and crew of The Benza during its short film iteration in 2018:

• The Benza at Tokyo Cowboys Official Website
• The Benza at IMDb