TV-Series
Description
Benkei Hanawa, also known as The Masked Blader or The Masked Bull, is a character who first appears in the anime Beyblade: Metal Fusion and continues to play a significant role in Beyblade: Metal Masters. In Metal Masters, he adopts a secret identity as a masked wrestler to become a member of Team Wild Fang, the African representative team in the World Championships.
Benkei has a large, physically imposing build with a big stomach, short purple hair usually covered by a white beanie featuring a red bull skull, and reddish-brown eyes. As The Masked Blader, he wears a white wrestler's outfit with red fabric near the shoulders and orange stripes, a brown leather belt with a golden bull symbol, grey and dark brown gloves, and a white and red mask adorned with a red bull symbol that resembles the face bolt of his bey, Dark Bull.
Benkei's background is that of a former bully and second-in-command of the Face Hunters gang under Kyoya Tategami, where he engaged in ruthless activities like stealing Beypoints from weaker bladers. His transformation begins when he receives his bey, Dark Bull H145SD, from the villainous Doji, who intended to use him as a tool. After failing to defeat the protagonist Gingka, Benkei starts to change, befriending Kenta Yumiya and Gingka. His inherent kindness and good heart emerge, though he often tries to cover up his softer side, not wanting others to think of him as weak.
Benkei's personality is loud, boisterous, and enthusiastic, matching the bull spirit of his beyblade. He is extremely loyal, particularly to his best friend Kyoya, whom he admires deeply, often to the point of tears. He stubbornly follows Kyoya, forgiving him no matter how harshly he is treated. Despite his tough exterior and occasional naivete, he is a determined blader who does not give up easily and cannot hold a grudge for long. As The Masked Blader, he becomes even louder and more determined, acting tough to intimidate opponents and make winning easier.
In Metal Masters, Benkei's primary motivation is to support Kyoya and stand by his side when it counts. He joins Team Wild Fang as the fourth, substitute blader alongside Kyoya, Nile, and Demure. He adopts his masked persona to be anonymous, but his true identity is known to the audience. In the World Championships, Team Wild Fang wins the first round and ties the second before losing to the main characters' team, Gan Gan Galaxy. Benkei participates in a tag team battle with Demure against Tsubasa and Yu, a match they ultimately lose. Later, he joins the fight to destroy the Spiral Force at Hades City alongside other teams, having by then removed his mask and acting as himself again.
Key relationships define Benkei. His bond with Kyoya Tategami is the most important, as he evolves from Kyoya's underling to his trusted partner and best friend. He also develops a close friendship with Kenta, whom he mentors and trains, marking a significant turning point in his moral development. He forms a brotherly bond with his Wild Fang teammates Nile and Demure, fighting alongside them. Despite being a former antagonist, he becomes a loyal ally to Gingka and his group.
Benkei shows development from a cruel gang member to a kind-hearted and loyal friend. In Metal Fusion, he struggles with his identity and seeks Kyoya's approval. By Metal Masters, he has matured enough to support Kyoya as an equal partner, even if he must hide behind a mask to do so. His journey continues into later series, where he eventually retires from active blading and opens a fast-food restaurant called Bull Burger, while still coaching for the World Beyblade Battle Association.
Benkei's notable abilities include his physical toughness and his energetic fighting style that matches his bey, Dark Bull. He is a determined blader who uses his bey, a Balance Type known for its strength in defense, to its full potential. His signature special moves include Bull Upper, Red Horn Upper, and Tornado Bull Upper. As a character, he brings emotional support, comic relief, and unwavering loyalty to his team, even if his competitive record includes more losses than wins.
Benkei has a large, physically imposing build with a big stomach, short purple hair usually covered by a white beanie featuring a red bull skull, and reddish-brown eyes. As The Masked Blader, he wears a white wrestler's outfit with red fabric near the shoulders and orange stripes, a brown leather belt with a golden bull symbol, grey and dark brown gloves, and a white and red mask adorned with a red bull symbol that resembles the face bolt of his bey, Dark Bull.
Benkei's background is that of a former bully and second-in-command of the Face Hunters gang under Kyoya Tategami, where he engaged in ruthless activities like stealing Beypoints from weaker bladers. His transformation begins when he receives his bey, Dark Bull H145SD, from the villainous Doji, who intended to use him as a tool. After failing to defeat the protagonist Gingka, Benkei starts to change, befriending Kenta Yumiya and Gingka. His inherent kindness and good heart emerge, though he often tries to cover up his softer side, not wanting others to think of him as weak.
Benkei's personality is loud, boisterous, and enthusiastic, matching the bull spirit of his beyblade. He is extremely loyal, particularly to his best friend Kyoya, whom he admires deeply, often to the point of tears. He stubbornly follows Kyoya, forgiving him no matter how harshly he is treated. Despite his tough exterior and occasional naivete, he is a determined blader who does not give up easily and cannot hold a grudge for long. As The Masked Blader, he becomes even louder and more determined, acting tough to intimidate opponents and make winning easier.
In Metal Masters, Benkei's primary motivation is to support Kyoya and stand by his side when it counts. He joins Team Wild Fang as the fourth, substitute blader alongside Kyoya, Nile, and Demure. He adopts his masked persona to be anonymous, but his true identity is known to the audience. In the World Championships, Team Wild Fang wins the first round and ties the second before losing to the main characters' team, Gan Gan Galaxy. Benkei participates in a tag team battle with Demure against Tsubasa and Yu, a match they ultimately lose. Later, he joins the fight to destroy the Spiral Force at Hades City alongside other teams, having by then removed his mask and acting as himself again.
Key relationships define Benkei. His bond with Kyoya Tategami is the most important, as he evolves from Kyoya's underling to his trusted partner and best friend. He also develops a close friendship with Kenta, whom he mentors and trains, marking a significant turning point in his moral development. He forms a brotherly bond with his Wild Fang teammates Nile and Demure, fighting alongside them. Despite being a former antagonist, he becomes a loyal ally to Gingka and his group.
Benkei shows development from a cruel gang member to a kind-hearted and loyal friend. In Metal Fusion, he struggles with his identity and seeks Kyoya's approval. By Metal Masters, he has matured enough to support Kyoya as an equal partner, even if he must hide behind a mask to do so. His journey continues into later series, where he eventually retires from active blading and opens a fast-food restaurant called Bull Burger, while still coaching for the World Beyblade Battle Association.
Benkei's notable abilities include his physical toughness and his energetic fighting style that matches his bey, Dark Bull. He is a determined blader who uses his bey, a Balance Type known for its strength in defense, to its full potential. His signature special moves include Bull Upper, Red Horn Upper, and Tornado Bull Upper. As a character, he brings emotional support, comic relief, and unwavering loyalty to his team, even if his competitive record includes more losses than wins.