Ben Otsuka is a character who openly identifies as pansexual in Best Woman, a novel by Rose Dommu. He is a dentist in Florida and one of the Rosenberg family’s closest friends. The son of a Japanese-American father, he works alongside him at the family dental clinic and has maintained a strong friendship with Aiden Rosenberg, Julia’s brother, since adolescence.
Ben has a laid‑back, attractive appearance. He dresses simply — white T‑shirt and worn jeans. His hair is slightly tousled, his beard just beginning to grow, and he carries a calm presence that inspires trust and confidence.
Since his youth, He has been known for his kindness and empathy. Julia, the novel’s protagonist, recalls that when they were teenagers, he reached out to her during moments of isolation and always treated her with respect.
Ben tends to act with composure, listens before judging, and demonstrates remarkable emotional intelligence.
During the events of Best Woman, Ben has a casual relationship with Julia, marked by friendship, trust, and mutual affection. When Kim Cameron asks Julia if there’s something between them, she replies:
Yeah, we’re kind of… fuck buddies, I guess? Friends with benefits?
The novel also explores Ben’s sexual orientation. It recalls that years earlier, during a game of truth or dare, he told Aiden that gender wasn’t an important factor for him when it came to sex or relationships, and notes that he currently identifies as pansexual:
Ben had told Aiden he didn’t care about gender when it came to sex during a game of truth or dare — I think he currently identifies somewhere around pansexual.
This openness is also reflected at Aiden’s wedding, when Kim jokes that Ben might win over one of the bridesmaids. He responds that he could just as easily be interested in some of the groomsmen, before humorously pointing out that he has his eye on Rabbi Hoffman.
Throughout Best Woman, Ben Otsuka plays the role of friend, confidant, and emotional support for Julia.