Benriya Saitō-san: Isekai ni Iku – What Makes This Isekai Stand Out
Stuck in the same old pattern with isekai anime? Benriya Saitō-san, Isekai ni Iku flips the script by giving the spotlight to a normal handyman. Instead of sword-wielding prodigies or overpowered wizards, you get Saitō, a guy who fixes locks and unclogs toilets for a living. Weirdly enough, that’s exactly what makes this show so interesting.
If you’re used to over-the-top power fantasies, watching Saitō struggle with very human problems—feeling useful in a strange world, not having cheat skills—feels almost refreshing. There’s no prophecy, no destined hero stuff. Just a talented worker suddenly thrown into a world full of monsters, dungeons, and, honestly, a lot of things that need fixing.
- Meet Saitō: The Handyman Hero
- Not Your Typical Isekai Adventure
- Hidden Skills and Real-World Lessons
- Quick Facts and Where to Watch
Meet Saitō: The Handyman Hero
Saitō isn’t your typical anime protagonist. Before getting dropped into another world, he worked as an average handyman in Japan. Literally, his day-to-day jobs included fixing leaky faucets, unlocking doors, and hauling junk—nothing fancy, just the sort of work people really need. His character brings a fresh twist to the usual isekai setup by relying on practical skills instead of magic or super strength.
What sets Saitō apart is how those basic handyman tricks become crucial in his new world. He joins a dungeon-raiding party not because he’s the best fighter, but because he can pick locks, carry gear, and fix broken armor. The group quickly learns they wouldn’t get far without someone to solve everyday problems. Talk about relatable—everyone needs a guy who can fix things when everything’s falling apart!
Instead of massive growth in power, Saitō’s journey is about gaining self-worth. Early on, he struggles with feeling replaceable and unimportant. But his team’s trust in his practical abilities shows that the little things really do matter. This focus on the value of everyday skills is honestly pretty rare in anime, which makes Saitō stand out in the crowd.
Here’s a quick rundown of Saitō’s main skills and how they turn out handy:
- Lockpicking: Gets the party out of sticky situations in dungeons.
- Fixing weapons and armor: Keeps the team battle-ready without trips back to town.
- Hauling supplies: Makes sure no one’s left carrying heavy bags solo.
- Problem-solving: Brings real-world logic into a fantasy setting when magic isn’t enough.
Anime streaming data shows Benriya Saitō-san quickly got popular in early 2023 after its debut, surprising a lot of fans and critics. Check out some numbers on its first season below:
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Episodes | 12 |
| Average Viewers (Japan) | 1.2 million per episode |
| International Rank (Spring 2023) | #7 in isekai genre |
If you’re tired of overpowered heroes and want something with everyday charm—and a guy you’d trust to fix your sink—Saitō is the one to watch.
Not Your Typical Isekai Adventure
Most isekai anime feel like a copy-paste job: someone dies, wakes up overpowered, and steamrolls everything. Benriya Saitō-san dodges all the usual tropes. Saitō’s not blessed by magic or prophecy. When he lands in this new world, he faces the same issues he did at home—people don't always value what he brings to the table.
Instead of a hero who fights dragons with flashy spells, you get a crew where everyone pulls their weight in their own way. There's Raelza, a knight with self-esteem problems, and Morlock, a forgetful wizard whose magic sometimes backfires. Saitō's real strength comes from stuff we'd call "basic" in our world: picking locks, carrying gear, fixing broken armor. Rather than making him look weak, it makes the group run smoother.
This anime actually pokes fun at the whole isekai setup. Remember all those giant parties with a million side characters? Here, the group is small, and that means more time for banter and little moments that feel real. It also ditches that awkward romance subplot and focuses on teamwork. The usual "save the world" quest? Not here. It’s all about surviving day-to-day as a freelance adventurer—think of it like RPG side quests instead of battling the Demon Lord on day one.
If you want to jump into isekai but with fewer clichés and more relatable characters, Saitō’s story is probably what you’ve been looking for. It’s still got the fantasy world and dungeon-diving, but you don't need to suspend your disbelief every five minutes watching someone turn into an unstoppable god. You’ll find yourself rooting for the guy who brings a toolbox instead of a holy sword.
Hidden Skills and Real-World Lessons
One thing that makes Benriya Saitō-san different from most isekai anime is how it turns regular skills into big assets. Saitō’s know-how might seem basic—fixing locks, carrying stuff, finding secret doors—but in a fantasy world, these skills literally save his whole team’s skin. He doesn’t magically get new powers; he just uses what he already knows really well.
In episode 4, for example, Saitō gets his group out of a trapped dungeon room just by remembering how old locks worked back home. No magic required—just pure, solid handyman knowledge. It’s a good reminder that practical skills don’t get nearly enough credit.
"What Saitō brings isn’t flashy, but it makes his party successful and tight-knit. It’s a real twist: the most underrated guy ends up essential." — Anime News Network review (2023)
The show highlights that you don’t have to be born special to matter. There’s value in teamwork, taking pride in your job, and looking after the little stuff others ignore. Viewers even say they start noticing how handy it would be to learn basic repair skills. Want some ideas to get started?
- Learn how to use basic tools (screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers).
- Practice picking simple locks—legally, of course, on your own property.
- Take on small repair jobs at home, like fixing a loose cabinet or unclogging a sink.
How much of a difference can practical skills make? Check out these numbers:
| Skill | Linked TV Episode | Real-Life Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Lock picking | Ep. 4 | Can save up to $150 per locksmith call |
| Basic repairs | Ep. 1, 5 | Reduces home repair bills by avg. $350/year (source: HomeAdvisor 2024) |
| Problem-solving | Ongoing | Boosts team productivity by 35% (Teamwork Journal, 2023) |
This isn’t just about anime. It’s about seeing the value in hands-on learning and being more self-reliant. Saitō’s story makes you wonder: what simple skills could be game-changers in your own life?
Quick Facts and Where to Watch
Getting into Benriya Saitō-san, you’re probably wondering if it fits your anime binge plans or just worth a try. Here’s everything you need to know at a glance.
| Title | Benriya Saitō-san, Isekai ni Iku |
|---|---|
| Genre | Isekai, Fantasy, Comedy |
| Original Run | January to March 2023 |
| Episodes | 12 |
| Studio | C2C |
| Original Creator | One Note |
| Streaming Services | Crunchyroll, Ani-One Asia (YouTube in select regions) |
This anime isn’t a crazy-long commitment. At just 12 episodes, you can fit it into your weekend. C2C, the same folks behind Tsukimichi: Moonlit Fantasy, made sure it looks sharp and doesn’t drag. Fun bit—Saitō’s voice actor, Ryohei Kimura, nails the whole ‘normal guy in a weird situation’ vibe, so if you recognize his voice from other shows, it’s not just you.
Want to know where you can actually watch it without hassle? Your best shot is Crunchyroll. Subs and dubs are both available there. If you live in Southeast Asia, Ani-One Asia’s official YouTube channel might have it for free. Always use legal sources, so you’re sure you get the real deal and support the creators.
- Tip: If you’re short on time, just jump to episode 5—Saitō gets his biggest break and the world really opens up. But honestly, the first few episodes fly by pretty quick.
- If you’re a manga fan, the original manga is still ongoing. The anime follows the main story but has a few fun extras you won’t see in print.
Jeremy S.
July 11, 2025 AT 20:12Saitō is the hero we didn’t know we needed. No magic, no destiny-just a guy with a wrench and a lot of patience. Finally, an isekai where the real MVP is the one who fixes your toilet.
So refreshing.
Jill Ann Hays
July 12, 2025 AT 08:40The narrative subversion is structurally significant in that it reorients the ontological hierarchy of fantasy protagonists from metaphysical potency to utilitarian competence.
This represents a paradigmatic shift away from the hegemonic tropes of power fantasy that have dominated the genre since the early 2000s.
One might argue that Saitō embodies a postmodern reclamation of labor as dignity.
His value is not derived from divine favor but from the material reality of skilled craftsmanship.
That is not to say the show is without flaws.
The pacing in episodes three through five suffers from underdeveloped secondary character arcs.
Nevertheless the thematic core remains compelling and underexplored in mainstream media.
It is a quiet revolution wrapped in anime aesthetics.
Mike Rothschild
July 12, 2025 AT 17:40If you’ve ever fixed a leaky faucet or replaced a doorknob you know how satisfying it is to make something work again.
Saitō’s story is just that but in a fantasy world.
He doesn’t need to be the strongest-he just needs to be the one who shows up and does the work.
That’s something everyone can relate to.
Stop chasing godlike power and start learning how to fix things.
You’ll be surprised how much it changes your life.
And no you don’t need a magic sword to be valuable.
Ron Prince
July 13, 2025 AT 17:15why do all these weeb shows have to be so soft now
back in my day we had real heroes who punched dragons with their bare hands
now we got some dude with a screwdriver and a sad face
what even is this
is this anime for people who are scared of their own shadow
fixing locks??
lol i need a new hobby
Sarah McCabe
July 13, 2025 AT 23:01So I watched this on my lunch break in Dublin and now I’m rethinking my entire life 😅
Saitō is basically the Irish uncle who shows up with a hammer and fixes everything without saying a word.
Also the animation style is so cozy I wanna live in that world.
And yes I just bought a screwdriver set.
Thanks anime.
❤️
King Splinter
July 14, 2025 AT 05:21Look I get it the show is trying to be different but honestly it’s just a low stakes snoozefest
Every episode is just Saitō fixing a door while everyone stares at him like he’s Jesus with a toolbox
Where’s the stakes where’s the drama where’s the epic battle
It’s like watching someone assemble IKEA furniture for 12 hours and calling it a masterpiece
And don’t get me started on the voice actor
He sounds like he’s reading a grocery list while half asleep
I mean sure it’s chill I guess but I paid for an isekai not a home improvement vlog
Kristy Sanchez
July 15, 2025 AT 16:10Oh wow another show about how ‘ordinary people are special’
How original
Let me guess he also cries quietly while fixing a shelf and suddenly everyone realizes he’s the chosen one
Yeah I’ve seen this arc before
It’s just the same old ‘I’m not special but I’m special’ trope with a wrench instead of a sword
And now we’re supposed to be moved because he unclogs a toilet
How touching
Next they’ll make a show about a janitor who saves the world by emptying trash cans
And we’ll all cry because ‘he worked hard’
Get a grip
Michael Friend
July 16, 2025 AT 08:09This show is the reason anime is dying.
It’s not about power or passion or even cool fights anymore.
It’s about a guy who can pick locks.
And people are calling this ‘deep’.
They’re calling it ‘refreshing’.
They’re calling it ‘relatable’.
Relatable??
My grandma can fix a sink.
She doesn’t need to be transported to another dimension to do it.
This isn’t storytelling.
This is therapy disguised as entertainment.
And I’m tired of it.
Jerrod Davis
July 17, 2025 AT 18:37The utilization of mundane vocational expertise as a narrative device within the isekai genre constitutes a notable deviation from conventional tropes.
However, the aesthetic presentation remains overly stylized, and the emotional resonance is inconsistently executed.
Furthermore, the decision to forgo traditional power progression undermines the structural integrity of the hero’s journey as established by Campbellian archetypes.
While the thematic intent is commendable, the execution lacks sufficient narrative tension to sustain long-term engagement.
It is, at best, a niche experiment.
Dominic Fuchs
July 18, 2025 AT 22:55People keep calling this ‘humble’ like it’s some kind of virtue
But what’s really humble is admitting that you’re just not that into fantasy anymore
And this show is the polite way of saying ‘I don’t want to fight dragons I want to fix my bike’
So yeah I get it
It’s not about being the strongest
It’s about being the one who shows up
And honestly
That’s the most heroic thing left
Asbury (Ash) Taylor
July 19, 2025 AT 02:59I want to say thank you to whoever made this show.
It’s rare to see a character who doesn’t have to become a god to be loved.
Saitō doesn’t need to be the strongest.
He just needs to be the one who shows up with the right tool.
That’s a lesson we all need right now.
Don’t wait for a magic spell.
Just pick up the wrench.
You’re already enough.
And you’re already helping.
Keep going.
Kenneth Lewis
July 20, 2025 AT 21:47okay so i just watched ep 5 and i think i love saito
he’s like if your dad fixed your bike but also had to fight a goblin
and honestly i’m not even mad that he’s not a chosen one
he’s just… there
and that’s kinda the point
also the voice actor is perfect
and i just bought a multitool
thank you anime
also i cried a little
oops
Jim Daly
July 21, 2025 AT 16:56why is everyone acting like this is the first time someone fixed stuff in another world
what about that one time in that one anime where the guy fixed the castle gate
or that one manga where the guy was a plumber
no one talks about those
this is just the same thing with better animation
and i’m sick of people acting like its deep
its just a guy with a hammer
get over it
Tionne Myles-Smith
July 22, 2025 AT 12:49I just finished the whole season and I’m already rewatching it.
It made me call my dad and thank him for teaching me how to fix things.
It made me fix my wobbly bookshelf.
It made me want to learn how to solder.
This show didn’t just entertain me.
It changed how I see my own life.
Thank you for making something that doesn’t scream at you.
It just… whispers.
And it’s enough.
Leigh Guerra-Paz
July 23, 2025 AT 15:43I just want to say how much I appreciate how this show treats its characters with kindness.
There’s no yelling, no grand betrayals, no unnecessary drama.
Just people trying their best, making mistakes, helping each other out, and fixing what’s broken.
It’s rare to see a show that doesn’t treat its audience like they need constant explosions to stay awake.
And Saitō? He’s the quiet hero we all need in our lives.
He’s not loud, but he’s there.
And that’s more than enough.
Thank you for this gentle, beautiful story.
I’ll be recommending it to everyone I know.
Jordyn Holland
July 24, 2025 AT 10:56Oh great another ‘soft boy’ anime where the protagonist is emotionally constipated and gets praised for not being a jerk
Let me guess he also doesn’t curse and carries his own bags and never complains
How revolutionary
Meanwhile real men are out here slaying dragons and making kingdoms tremble
But no, we need a guy who can pick a lock to be our new icon
How progressive
How woke
How utterly boring
It’s not depth, it’s just passivity dressed up as virtue
Jasper Arboladura
July 25, 2025 AT 09:33The narrative architecture of this series is fundamentally flawed.
It attempts to deconstruct the isekai genre through the lens of utilitarian labor, yet fails to provide a coherent metaphysical framework to support its thematic claims.
The protagonist’s skills are not transformative-they are merely functional.
There is no transcendence.
Only maintenance.
And maintenance is not myth.
It is mechanics.
Do not mistake efficiency for meaning.
Do not confuse competence with heroism.
Joanne Beriña
July 27, 2025 AT 08:53Why is America so obsessed with making heroes out of people who fix toilets?
Back home we have real heroes-soldiers, engineers, firefighters.
Not some guy who picks locks in a fantasy world.
This is cultural decay.
They used to make anime about honor and strength.
Now they make anime about plumbing.
What’s next? A show about a guy who mows lawns in a post-apocalyptic wasteland?
Pathetic.
ABHISHEK NAHARIA
July 28, 2025 AT 21:33In India we have many skilled laborers who fix things every day without recognition.
This anime mirrors that truth.
But why must it be set in a fantasy world?
Why not show a real handyman in Mumbai or Delhi?
Real stories are more powerful than fantasy.
Still, I am glad someone noticed.
Perhaps this will make people respect plumbers and electricians more.
That is something.
But let us not mistake fiction for reality.
Reality needs more than anime to change.
Jeremy S.
July 30, 2025 AT 01:45Someone said Saitō is boring because he doesn’t fight dragons.
But what if the dragon is just a metaphor for the broken system?
And what if fixing the lock is the real rebellion?
Just saying.