November 2025 Bento Plus
Itadakimasu
Konnichiwa, AnimeFanatiks! In our November 2025 Bento Plus we have our monthly anime and manga challenges, we talk about delicious Japanese food, have great AMVs and a variety of yummy content for you to sink your teeth in. We are your monthly source of anime and Japanese news. Itadakimasu!!
Upcoming events
Events in Nippon
Here’s a list of notable events and festivals (matsuri) that take place in Japan during November.
November 3, 2025
Culture Day (Bunka no Hi)
Location: Nation-wide
Significance: A national holiday dedicated to celebrating culture, the arts and academic achievement. Expect parades, exhibitions and free museum entry in many cities.
Early November (Nov 2-4)
Karatsu Kunchi
Location: Saga Prefecture
Meaning: Held in Saga Prefecture, this festival features massive, ornate floats paraded through the streets in a high-energy harvest celebration.
Multiple rooster-days in November (e.g., Nov 5, 17, 29)
Tori‑no‑Ichi
Location: Tokyo
Tokyo’s traditional fair where you can buy lucky bamboo rakes (“kumade”) at open-air markets around temples and shrines to “rake in” good fortune.
November 15
Shichi‑Go‑San
Location: Nationwide
A rite of passage for kids aged 3, 5 and 7. Children dress up in kimono and visit shrines to pray for healthy growth. Heartwarming and full of kawaii moments.
November 23
Labor Thanksgiving Day (Kinrō Kansha no Hi)
Location : NNationwide
Event: A national holiday giving thanks for work, production and each other. Celebrations include harvest rituals and civic events.
SA Events
AnimeFanatika Anime Day
22nd November
Starts: 09:00– Ends 16:00
Theme: Autumn In Japan
Join the WhatsApp Group to receive link
Gundam Card Game Newtype Challenge
8th November
Attention Gundum Pilots of Jozi: Come and battle it out at Nexus Hub – Retail with
GUNPLA South Africa at their Gundam Card Game Newtype Challenge and stand the chance to not only be crowned champion but also walk away with some amazing prizes such as booster packs and Gunpla kits, as well as some amazing spot prizes!
Nerdnitiative will be at the tournament, so bring your trade binders along!
Game of the month
Harvest Moon®: Home Sweet Home Special Edition – A Heartwarming Return to the Farm
Introduction
The beloved Harvest Moon® series is back with Home Sweet Home Special Edition, and fans are properly stoked! This latest instalment lets players return to their roots (wink, wink) as they manage a cosy farm, connect with villagers, and grow crops with that signature feel-good charm the franchise is known for. It’s a wholesome mix of nostalgia and new mechanics that’ll keep both old-school and fresh fans hooked.
Overview
Pros:
Classic Harvest Moon, bruh: Classic Harvest Moon farming gameplay, now refined and smoother than ever.
Heartfelt Interaction: Meaningful relationships and storylines that give proper heart to every interaction.
View and beats to die for: Beautiful graphics and chill music, it’s the perfect game to unwind after a long day, hey.
Fresh content: Fresh events and seasonal content that make your farming life feel alive year-round.
Cons:
Repeat, repeat, repeat: Some repetitive farming tasks might make you feel like you’re grinding a bit too hard.
The Limit Factor: Limited customisation compared to newer farm sims.
Conclusion:
Harvest Moon®: Home Sweet Home Special Edition is like coming back to your childhood town, familiar, warm, and full of good vibes. It’s not flashy, but it’s got heart, bro. If you’re after a relaxing farming sim that captures the essence of the classics while adding a dash of modern flair, this one’s worth a go. A must-play for fans who miss the simple joys of tilling soil and growing dreams!
Teddy’s Haven – A Fantasy-Inspired Shop Simulator
Jump into a comfy fantasy shop simulator set in the magical land of Ursa, where you run your own enchanted store, stock magical goods, and explore a whimsical world. Build your shop at your own pace, decorate it to reflect your vibe, and meet quirky adventurers, mages, and mythical critters. With tasks like harvesting, crafting, and managing inventory, the game’s easy-going yet addictively charming.
It’s currently in Early Access (released May 6 2025), and community feedback is a proper big part of its development. The visuals are beautuful, the mood is relaxed, and there’s no pressure, it’s ideal for anyone keen on cosy sim games. If you’re after an indie sim that blends fantasy, shop-keeping, and chill exploration, Teddy’s Haven is a solid pick, my china. Grab your apron, stock those shelves, and let the magic flow!
Itadakimasu Eats
Ginkgo Nuts – Japan’s Ancient Autumn Snack
In Japan, ginkgo nuts, known as ginnan (銀杏), are a cherished autumn delicacy with roots stretching back centuries. Harvested from the golden-leaved ginkgo tree, these small, jade-coloured nuts are often roasted, skewered, or added to traditional dishes such as chawanmushi (steamed egg custard) and dobin mushi (teapot soup). Their slightly bitter, nutty flavour and soft, chewy texture make them a unique treat, especially enjoyed with sake during the cooler months.
You’ll spot vendors roasting ginnan over open flames at autumn festivals, their aroma drifting through the air and tempting passers-by. The nuts are typically served lightly salted, and while delicious, they must be eaten in moderation, too many can cause stomach discomfort due to natural toxins.
Ginkgo nuts also hold cultural significance in Japan. The ginkgo tree itself, often called a “living fossil,” symbolises endurance and longevity, having survived since prehistoric times and even regrown after the Hiroshima bombing. Eating ginnan in autumn is thus seen as partaking in nature’s resilience and renewal.
Our correspondent in Japan Retana tried it out and this is his take on Ginkgo Nuts: “I ate ginkgo nuts and it was like eating a gummy fruit…. Closer to wine gums though…
And it has a slight natural sweetness to it…. Would be devastating with a bit of salt as a snack for sake.”
So, whether you’re strolling through Tokyo’s ginkgo-lined avenues or chilling at a local izakaya, a handful of roasted ginnan is a lekker way to taste Japan’s seasonal soul, nutty, ancient, and unforgettable.
New AMV's & Wotagei
Every month, the AnimeFanatika team dives headfirst into the YouTube universe, hunting for the hottest, most rocking AMVs to blow your mind, as well as Wotagei videos.
Takeshi's Tunes
First choice is Zahna – Underneath with scenes from Kaijuu 8-gou 2nd Season. His second choice is RIELL – In Retrospect with scenes from various anime and his third choice is Thousand Foot Krutch: Be Somebody with scenes from Love, Chuunibyo and Other Delusions
Ookami's Tunes
First choice is NEFFEX – Control with scenes from Gachiakuta. His second choice is QMIIR ~ SEMPERO [BRAZILIAN FUNK] (PHONK) with scenes from To be Hero X. As for his third choice, Ookami chose Society of Villains ft. Sam Tinnesz – Sweeter Than Revenge with scenes from various anime.
Shiro Tunes
First AMV choice is Perfect Picture [ABOKAI Release] with scenes from Boku no Hero Academia: Final Season. His second choice is NEFFEX – One of a Kind with scenes from Tojima Wants to Be a Kamen Rider. Shiro’s last choice is Unroyal – BANG with scenes from Gachiakuta
Retara's Tunes
Our correspondence from Japan shares with us two impressive Wotagei videos.
Please support the original music artists by looking them up on YouTube, Spotify and other media and give them your appreciation and support!
Birthday of the Month
Chrollo Lucilfer – The Charismatic Leader of the Phantom Troupe
Chrollo Lucilfer, the enigmatic leader of the Phantom Troupe in Hunter x Hunter, is one of anime’s most captivating villains. Known for his calm demeanour, intelligence, and deadly charisma, Chrollo commands loyalty from his fellow Spiders while striking fear into his enemies. He wields the Skill Hunter, a unique ability that allows him to steal and use the Nen abilities of others, making him both unpredictable and formidable.
Despite his ruthless actions, fans admire his philosophical nature and mysterious aura. Chrollo Lucilfer remains a fan-favourite Hunter x Hunter character for his complex personality and strategic brilliance. Chrollo celebrates his birthday on November 15th.
Armin Arlert Anime: Attack on Titan Birthday: November 03
Kagura Anime: Gintama Birthday: November 03
ChiChi Anime: Dragon Ball Z Birthday: November 05
Anime Challenge November 2025
Flying Witch, A Heartwarming Slice-of-Life Anime with a Touch of Magic
Flying Witch is a charming slice-of-life anime that follows Makoto Kowata, a young witch who moves to the peaceful countryside of Aomori to continue her magical training. Accompanied by her black cat familiar, Chito, Makoto learns to balance everyday life with the quiet wonders of witchcraft. The anime beautifully captures rural Japan’s serene landscapes, blending ordinary moments with gentle doses of magic and whimsy.
The anime treats us to a soothing, feel-good experience that celebrates nature, family, and discovery. Known for its calming tone and light humour, Flying Witch is perfect for fans of relaxing anime like Natsume’s Book of Friends and Non Non Biyori.
With its stunning visuals, warm storytelling, and subtle magical realism, Flying Witch continues to enchant audiences who seek comfort, peace, and a touch of everyday magic in their anime journeys. An anime that is perfect for a cosy mood, with a cup of ice tea and some lekker biltong snacks.
Light novel of the Month
Gosick
While both the Gosick light novel and manga tell the same core story of Victorique de Blois and Kazuya Kujo, there are notable differences in tone, pacing, and detail. The Gosick light novel, written by Kazuki Sakuraba, offers a deeper exploration of Victorique’s intellect, emotional struggles, and the world’s historical backdrop. It dives into intricate mysteries and character psychology, giving readers a more immersive literary experience.
The Gosick manga, illustrated by Sakuya Amano, condenses the narrative for visual storytelling, focusing on atmosphere and dramatic tension. Some subplots and world-building elements from the novels are trimmed or simplified, while the stunning gothic art style enhances the story’s mood. Fans who enjoy fast-paced visuals and expressive character designs will love the manga, but readers seeking deeper lore and emotional nuance will find the light novel more fulfilling. Together, they complement each other beautifully in the Gosick universe.
Manga Challenge November 2025
Gosick – A Gothic Mystery Manga with a Touch of Witchy Brilliance
All about Japan
All About Japan shows you interesting journeys, interviews or just trivia that teach us more about the Land of The Rising Sun and it’s people. Enjoy the videos as we take a deeper dive into what makes Japan such a beloved country for many from some of our favourite YouTubers.
VTuber Spotlight
Perlinna, The Cozy VTuber Bringing Chill Vibes and Cheeky Laughs
Perlinna, or “Pearl” as her fans fondly call her, is a rising VTuber and part-time streamer with a wickedly funny, slightly questionable sense of humour that keeps her audience grinning from ear to ear. Having recently started streaming as a hobby, she’s quickly made waves in the VTuber community with her warm energy and cosy vibe.
A true variety streamer, Perlinna enjoys playing chill, relaxing games that help viewers unwind and escape the daily grind. Her streams feel like hanging out with a good mate after a long day, laid-back, fun, and full of laughs. Whether she’s cracking jokes or vibing to the moment, Pearl’s wholesome yet mischievous personality makes her content an absolute jol to watch.
If you’re looking for a VTuber who blends charm, comfort, and comedy, Perlinna’s streams are the perfect digital hideaway.
Cosplay
We bring you fun cosplay tutorials that may inspire your next cosplay look!
Japanese Commercials
Japanese commercials are out of this world sometimes, strange and fun. We share with you a highly entertaining Japanese commercial video and we hope you enjoy it!
Japanese Art Forms
The Art of Japanese Knife Sharpening – Honing Like a True Blademaster
When it comes to blades, few things are as legendary as a Japanese knife. But here’s the thing, even the sharpest edge dulls over time. That’s where the art of Japanese knife sharpening comes in. It’s not just a chore; it’s a ritual, a proper craft that’s been refined over centuries, an ancient craft, a mindful dance between steel and stone. Known in Japan as hōchō togi (包丁研ぎ), this practice has been perfected for centuries by chefs and blade smiths who treat their knives like sacred tools.
The process starts with the toishi (砥石), or whetstone, the very heart of Japanese sharpening. These stones come in different grit levels: ara-to (rough stone) for repairing chips, naka-to (medium stone) for refining, and shiage-to (finishing stone) for that mirror-polished, razor-sharp edge. Before sharpening, the toishi is soaked in water, never oil, to awaken its surface, a crucial step for achieving that silky, controlled grind.
The angle is everything, hey. Most Japanese knives are honed around 12–15 degrees, compared to the chunkier Western 20 degrees. Holding the knife at just the right tilt, the sharpener moves it in rhythmic strokes, alternating sides to maintain symmetry. Each pass should feel fluid, almost meditative. The sound, a gentle hiss, is called togi no oto (the sound of sharpening), and for many, it’s pure therapy.
Some artisans finish with nagura (a smaller stone) to raise a slurry, giving the blade an extra refined polish. The final step is checking for the burr (that tiny fold of metal), ensuring the edge is perfectly honed before being stropped on soft leather or newspaper.
It’s not just about sharpness, it’s about kokoro (heart). Every stroke reflects patience, respect, and craftsmanship. So, whether you’re slicing sashimi or prepping for a braai, mastering hōchō togi connects you to an age-old Japanese tradition of precision and mindfulness.
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