November 2025 Bento News
Itadakimasu
Konnichiwa, AnimeFanatiks! Our November 2025 Bento News is packed with a delicious mix of updates from the world of Anime, Manga, and Japan!
Looking for the best anime and manga news from September? We’ve done the digging for you!
This November 2025 Bento News is loaded with the latest anime releases, manga highlights, must-know game updates, and standout stories from Japan and beyond. Stay in the loop with everything trending in the world of anime and Japanese pop culture, served up fresh and fun, just for you. Itadakimasu!
Anime News
MPA Goes nuclear on Global Anime Piracy Hydra
The Motion Picture Association (MPA) has gone full-on nuclear, launching a massive clampdown on over 40 dodgy anime piracy sites, including the likes of HiAnime and AnimeKai. They’ve slapped Cloudflare and the .to registry with subpoenas, demanding the details of 46 sneaky domains, names like Fmovies, Aniwave, and Cuevana. HiAnime, which keeps popping up like a bad rash, pulls in more views than Disney+ and Crunchyroll combined.
The MPA’s not playing around this time, aiming to finally punish the hydra-style cloning of pirate brands that have been dodging shutdowns since the Gogoanime and Comick.io takedowns.
CyberAgent Drops Studio Kurm: A New Power Player in Anime
CyberAgent has just dropped a brand-new anime studio called Studio Kurm, and it’s looking ambitious. Headed by industry legend Maiko Okada (Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress, Ranking of Kings), the Tokyo-based studio plans to whip up both original works and adaptations. With Yoshimichi Kameda (Mob Psycho 100) joining as creative lead in 2026, this squad means business.
By bringing production in-house, CyberAgent’s aiming to take charge of quality, timing, and creative mojo, no more crooks slowing things down. It’s all about empowering creators, keeping things fair, and pushing the anime game to the next level.
Webtoon Piracy Booms as Korean Crackdown Battles to Keep Up
Webtoon piracy’s gone wild, china, takedown requests for dodgy overseas uploads have shot up from 48,000 in 2020 to a whopping 393,000 in 2024, according to Rep. Sol Son. But here’s the kicker: only 8.8% of those hits actually stuck, leaving most pirate copies chilling online.
Webtoons now make up 77% of Korea’s content takedowns, thanks to their massive global fan base and using slicker tricks. With just 28 staff handling global enforcement and budgets staying flat, lawmakers are calling for stronger international laws to protect Korea’s booming webtoon biz from getting into pirate hands.
Crunchyroll Faces Heat Over Alleged AI Subtitles, HIDIVE Throws Shade
Things are getting spicy in the anime streets! Crunchyroll’s catching flak after reports claimed its forcing staff to ditch Aegisub for an Israeli AI tool called OOONA. Fans reckon the move’s making subtitles look cheap and soulless, with many threatening to cancel their subs.
Crunchyroll denied using AI, blaming “system issues,” but peeps aren’t buying it. Meanwhile, rival HIDIVE took a quick jab, proudly saying all its subs are made by “humans who cry during finales.” The fandom’s buzzing, and it looks like this subtitling saga’s far from over, proper drama, anime-style.
Evangelion Mark.06 Collectible Drops, A Treat for Mecha Fans!
The Neon Genesis Evangelion franchise just levelled up again. At Prime 1 Studio’s NEXT LEVEL SHOWCASE XV, fans got a first look at the Ultimate Diorama Masterline – Evangelion Mark.06 (concept by Josh Nizzi). This beastly collectible from the Evangelion: New Theatrical Edition series shows the mecha towering over ruins, complete with a glowing halo, proper next-level stuff!
Also revealed was a 1/4-scale Kaworu Nagisa statue in his dark plugsuit, available in standard and bonus versions from ¥109,890 (~$750). Kaworu ships in 2026–2027, marking another banger year for Evangelion’s 30th anniversary!
Upcoming Anime 2025 Releases
A host of new anime series is in the works, most of which are set to premiere next year. Here’s a look at what’s coming:
New Series Premiering
Ghost Concert: Missing Songs
Original TV Anime ‘Ghost Concert: Missing Songs’ Announced for 2026
Tetsuryo! Meet with Tetsudou Musume (Tetsuryo! Meet with Railroad Girls)
Original TV Anime ‘Tetsuryou! Meet with Tetsudou Musume’ Announced for 2026
High School! Kimengumi (High School! Funny-face Club)
Manga ‘High School! Kimengumi’ Gets New TV Anime Adaptation in Winter 2026
Returning Anime based on Manga
Kimi no Koto ga Daidaidaidaidaisuki na 100-nin no Kanojo (The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, Really Love You)
The third season is scheduled to premiere in 2026.
Yaiba
The official website of the new television anime adaptation of Gosho Aoyama’s Yaiba manga announced a second season
Returning Anime based on Light Novel
Seishun Buta Yarou wa Santa Claus no Yume wo Minai (Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus)
‘Seishun Buta Yarou wa Dear Friend no Yume wo Minai’ Movie Sequel Announced for 2026
Interesting Anime News
Crunchyroll, AnimeJapan Partner to Offer New Award to Develop Young Anime Creators
Crunchyroll and AnimeJapan are teaming up. Their New Creator Awards aim to spotlight fresh anime talent in Japan. Winners score big yen prizes and global streaming exposure.
Solo Leveling: Arise Announces Official Crossover With Frieren
Anime fans are hyped! Solo Leveling: ARISE and Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End are joining forces this month, mixing action-packed monster slaying with deep, soulful magic, proper legendary stuff.
Alice in Borderland Season 3 Earns Rare Netflix Streaming Milestone
Yoh, Alice in Borderland season 3 is smashing it on Netflix! All three seasons hit the global Top 10, proof that Tokyo’s deadly games still have fans glued to their screens.
Yuri on Ice: Ice Adolescence: The Shocking Truth Behind the Cancellation
Ag no, Yuri on Ice: Ice Adolescence got dropped, not cause of money, but hectic creative clashes. Producer Hideo Katsumata confirmed artistic differences froze this long-awaited anime film solid.
1 Year Later, Hunter x Hunter Creator Updates Fans With New Killua Reveal
Yoshihiro Togashi just shared a fresh Killua drawing, giving Hunter x Hunter fans some long awaited hope. Though still on hiatus, this sketch shows the legend’s still grafting hard.
Manga News
Anime News Network Drops an epic Fall 2025 Manga Guide
Anime News Network is back, and this time they’re diving deep into the Fall 2025 Manga Guide! Instead of anime premieres, this guide checks out all the fresh manga series dropping over the next three months. Each review covers only Volume One, rated from 1 to 5, so no spoilers or drama in the forum.
The guide gets updated daily, with light novel, K-Comics, and even 18+ manga guides rolling out soon. Big shout-out to Yen Press for sponsoring, looks like manga fans are in for a proper feast this season!
Manga Planet to Shut Down Digital Service in 2026
Manga Planet is calling it quits on its digital manga service come March 31, 2026, citing new payment restrictions and a tricky online climate. The platform’s focusing its energy on print releases under the Manga Planet and futekiya labels. From October 31, fans can’t buy long-term Passes anymore, and by February 2026, even short ones are out.
Stripe already dropped them earlier this year over R18 content, forcing many users to switch to PayPal. The service launched in 2019, offering global fans English-translated manga, but it looks like the digital platform is sadly coming to an end.
Dragon Ball Box Set Delayed. Fans Feeling Proper Gatvol
2025 hasn’t been kind to Dragon Ball fans, hey. With Dragon Ball Super still on pause and DAIMA wrapped up, now even the hyped 42-Volume Double-Cover Box Set celebrating the series’ 40th anniversary has been delayed. Originally set for Feb 4, 2026, it’s now dropping April 3, 2026, thanks to a flood of pre-orders.
The set features fresh cover art from legends like Eiichiro Oda, Tite Kubo, Gege Akutami, and Tatsuki Fujimoto, as in proper Shonen royalty. No word yet on a global release, so for now, fans will just have to sit tight and power up their patience.
Shueisha Scores Big Win Against Manga Pirates, Cloudflare Can’t Hide the Skelms
This one’s a game-changer! Shueisha, the powerhouse behind One Piece, just won a massive U.S. court battle against Mangajikan, a major manga piracy site. The judge ruled in Shueisha’s favour, forcing Cloudflare to hand over the operator’s deets, no more hiding behind digital smoke and mirrors.
The case sets a strong precedent for future copyright crackdowns. Mangajikan, which once pulled a wild 185 million visits a month (more than Insta in Japan!), has already gone offline. With piracy still booming, this ruling shows that even the sneakiest bros behind these sites can’t dodge justice forever.
Witch Hat Atelier Bags Another Harvey Award Win, A Proper Manga Masterclass
Big ups to Witch Hat Atelier by Kamome Shirahama for snagging Best Manga at this year’s Harvey Awards at New York Comic Con, its second win after 2020, nogal! The beautifully illustrated series outshone contenders like The Guy She Was Interested In Wasn’t a Guy at All, Tokyo These Days, Wind Breaker, and The Summer Hikaru Died.
Since adding the manga category in 2018, the Harveys have crowned icons like My Hero Academia, Chainsaw Man, and Delicious in Dungeon. Unlike other awards, these winners are chosen by comic book pros themselves, real deal stuff.
Nippon News
Japan’s Baby Boom Gets a Global Twist, More Foreign Births Than Ever
Things are changing fast in Japan! In 2024, over 20,000 babies born in Japan were non-Japanese, making up more than 3% of all births, the highest ever recorded. In some Tokyo wards like Ota and Katsushika, the numbers are even higher, with over one in ten newborns being from foreign families. Cities like Warabi and Kani also showed big spikes.
It’s a clear sign that Japan’s becoming more international, even if citizenship laws and school costs still make life tricky for expat families raising their kids there. Change is definitely in the air!
Japan Faces Heartbreaking Record in Youth Suicides, A Wake-Up Call
Heavy news from Japan, 529 schoolkids took their own lives in 2024, the highest since records began. The White Paper on Suicide Countermeasures (2025) revealed over 3,000 youth suicides for the fifth year running, despite an overall national drop. Many young adults, especially 21-year-old students, faced pressure over studies and finding work.
The report also found female suicides on the rise, often linked to depression. The Ministry of Health says stronger mental health support is urgently needed. Japan’s facing a tough lesson, success means little if the youth can’t find hope.
If you or someone you know in Japan are having suicidal thoughts, help is available.
If you or someone you know in South Africa are having suicidal thoughts, help is available.
Japan’s Teachers Working Overtime, Eish! OECD 2024 Survey Reveals Gruelling Hours
Japan’s teachers are seriously grafting. According to the OECD’s 2024 Teaching and Learning Survey, junior high teachers clock about 55.1 hours a week, while primary school teachers hit 52.1 hours, the longest among all member countries. Even with a slight drop since 2018, they’re still working over 10 hours more than the international average.
Turns out, it’s not all chalk and talk, they spend hectic time on paperwork, club activities, and lesson prep. Only 17% use AI in class, well below average. Clearly, Japan’s educators are burning the midnight oil, hard.
Mercari Madness: They’re Even Selling Free Bank Envelopes Now!
Only in Japan. Folks on Mercari, the online flea market, are now selling those free cash envelopes you grab next to ATMs, and they’re even getting sold out! Some sellers flog 150 envelopes for 300 yen, which nets them like 30 yen profit after postage, proper skelm behaviour.
Thing is, these envelopes are meant for free use, not hustling online. Japan Post confirmed large-scale envelope thefts, leaving banks empty-handed. Some people really need a reality check. Mercari’s likely to ban these listings soon, you can’t just flip free stuff and call it business. That seriously leaves a bad taste in the mouth.
Japan Goes Digital: Internet News Beats TV for the First Time
Times are changing in Japan! According to the Japan Press Research Institute, the internet has officially overtaken TV as the main news source, with 46.5% of folks getting their daily updates online, just edging past commercial television’s 46.1%. NHK and newspapers lag behind at 35.8% and 33.4% respectively, while radio barely cracks 9.2%.
Newspaper subscriptions have dropped hard from 88.6% in 2008 to 50.1% today. Younger peeps, especially those in their 20s, now trust short-form social media like X over old-school news. Japan’s clearly vibing with the digital age.
More News From Nippon
U.S. embassy in Japan suspends Twitter accounts during government shutdown, visa and passport services to continue “as situation permits”
The American embassy in Tokyo’s gone a bit quiet, due to the U.S. government shutdown, tweets and updates are paused, though passport and visa services continue… for now.
Bus and taxi firms look to retiring SDF members to fill driver shortage
With bus and taxi drivers in short supply, Aomori’s turning to retired Self-Defense Force members, ouens with heavy vehicle licences, to keep transport rolling smooth again.
Updates on previous stories
Bears on the Rampage: Akita’s Wild Mornings Turn Proper Hairy
Talk about a mad start to your day! A 27-year-old in Akita got the fright of his life when a bear ambushed him outside his home as he was heading to his farm. He fought it off, but still landed up in hospital with bite marks on his elbows and bottom. It didn’t stop there: two more bear attacks followed within days, including an 82-year-old woman who was scratched near a train station.
Japan’s seeing record-breaking bear drama, over nine deaths this year already! Experts blame climate change and shrinking human populations, with hungry bears wandering into towns, even near schools and shops. More Japanese folks are renting anti-bear gear like bells, whistles, and sprays. A Takasaki outdoor shop says pepper sprays are nearly booked out, with even elderly woman and forestry workers joining the bear-defence craze!
Government officials are now tightening control, training hunters and wildlife officers to protect residents. Whether in Akita or beyond, locals are being warned: keep your eyes peeled, the bears are coming closer than ever! And yes, this problem is a global problem, not just Japan. Is a bear apocalypse in the cards, or is global warming the culprit?
Osaka Expo 2025: From “Waste of the Century” to Surprise Profit, Hey!
Everyone thought the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025 would flop, politicians called it a disaster-in-the-making after gas explosions and swarms of flies made headlines. But guess what? Attendance boomed, and the event’s now raking in over 23 billion yen in profit! Most of the cash came from ticket and merch sales, even after hectic cost hikes.
Still, critics reckon the massive construction bill of 235 billion yen means it’s technically deep in the red. But with a massive casino resort already rising next door, Osaka’s long game might just turn this so-called failure into a future jackpot.
VTuber News
Our own Shiro, a.k.a Akira The Jeweller, has just made Twitch Affiliate
AnimeFanatika’s own admin Shiro also known as the vtuber Akira The Jeweller just leveled up! He is now a Twitch Affiliate! Congrats Shiro! Minna, show your support to Shiro by checking out his Youtube and Twitch. To find out when he is streaming, why not join our WhatsApp group, as he announces his streams in our group.
Ironmouse Speaks Out on TwitchCon 2025 Drama
TwitchCon 2025 turned sour when streamer Emiru was assaulted during a meet-and-greet, and Ironmouse, Twitch’s top VTuber, isn’t keeping quiet. The pink-haired legend slammed Twitch for failing to protect its creators, saying she’s “mad at Twitch right now.” Despite Twitch donating R1.8 million ($100,000) to the Immune Deficiency Foundation, Ironmouse voiced frustration over poor safety and disorganisation.
She also confirmed she won’t ever attend live events, citing safety fears. Many fans backed her online, saying Twitch must step up its game. Yoh, looks like the platform’s got some serious introspection to do if it wants to regain trust.
Nijisanji Harassment Case Ends in Powerful Lesson
This one’s heavy. Anycolor, the company behind Nijisanji, settled with a woman who went full-on toxic online, harassing VTuber Haru Kaida with threats, spam, and fake posts. But here’s the kicker, part of the deal was publishing a written interview with her, exposing her twisted need for attention and her later regret.
She admitted stress and loneliness drove her actions, calling it a “craving for validation.” Anycolor hopes her story warns others about the dangers of cyberbullying. Proper hectic stuff, turning one fan’s downfall into a hard-hitting reminder about online decency.
Gaming News
Square Enix Teases New Dissidia Final Fantasy Mobile Game, Fans Are Ampt!
Square Enix just dropped a epic teaser for a brand-new Dissidia Final Fantasy game coming to iOS and Android, calling it a “Team Boss Battle Arena.” Fans are already buzzing. The last mobile title, Opera Omnia, wrapped up service earlier in 2024, leaving gamers hungry for more.
From the classic PSP brawlers to Dissidia NT on PS4, this franchise has always brought epic Final Fantasy hero clashes. Now, with a fresh mobile entry on the horizon, fans are ready to dive back into battle, chocobo-style!
Razer Drops Cinnamoroll Gaming Gear, Kawaii Meets Power
Gamers are losing their minds. Razer just teamed up with Sanrio’s floppy-eared legend, Cinnamoroll, for a fresh line up of cute yet hardcore gaming gear. The new range includes headphones, keyboards, a mouse, and a mousepad, all rocking the pup’s blue-and-white aesthetic. There’s even Switch 2 console skins, the first Sanrio ones ever!
From the Ornata V3 Tenkeyless to the Kraken V4 X headset, this range proves gaming can be both kawaii and killer. Prices range from $19.99 to $119.99, making it a proper score for collectors and gamers who want their setup looking sweet!
Only in Japan
Shibuya’s Halloween Crackdown and Party Drop: From Chaos to Chill Vibes
Halloween in Shibuya, Tokyo used to be the party, wild street parties, boozy chaos, and epic costumes. But after years of mayhem, theft, and rowdy crowds, the ward’s gone strict again this year with its “Stop Troublesome Halloweens” campaign. Cops, security, and booze bans kept things in check around Hachiko Square.
The crackdown seems to be working, locals now rather grab a dop in Shinjuku or Ginza, with Shibuya dropping to 12th place in Japan’s nightlife rankings. Locals reckon it’s lost its vibe, too touristy, too mixed-up, and no real identity. Shibuya’s still famous, but for many Tokyoites, the party’s moved on, my china.
Hokkaido Tops Japan’s Prefecture Rankings Again
Japan may look small on a map, but its 47 prefectures each pack their own flavour. In the 2025 Prefectural Attractiveness Ranking, Hokkaido snagged first place for the 17th year running, thanks to its jaw-dropping scenery, lekker food, and laid-back vibe. Kyoto came in second with its historic charm, while sunny Okinawa grabbed third for beaches and culture.
Kanagawa and Tokyo rounded out the top five, offering world-class living and entertainment. Hokkaido also ruled the foodie list with its crab, cheese, and ice cream. So while folks might not all move there, Hokkaido remains the spot that steals Japan’s heart every year.
Japan Unveils ‘Human Washing Machine’ for Next-Level Relaxation
Bath time in Japan just went full sci-fi! Osaka-based company Science has revealed the Mirai Ningen Sentakki, or Human Washer in the Future, a high-tech pod that literally washes you like a car. You hop in, chill in a reclined position, and let the pod fill with bubbly water while soothing tunes and visuals play.
After a blissful soak, jets rinse you clean, no scrubbing needed! The futuristic bath debuted at Expo 2025 Osaka, with over 98% of users raving about it. Hotels and spas have already ordered units, turning Japan’s famous bathing culture into a proper next-gen vibe.
Cherry Blossoms Bloom Early in Japan’s Autumn!
You read that right, cherry blossoms in autumn. Visitors to Garyu Park in Nagano got a surprise when sakura flowers popped up among the crimson leaves this October. Locals were stoked yet worried it might mess with the usual April bloom.
Experts say this out-of-season blossoming, called kuruizaki, happens when typhoon winds strip leaves early and warm weather tricks buds into blooming. While it’s rare, it’s not the apocalypse, just nature showing off! With 600 sakura trees in the park, next spring’s show should still be breathtaking. Japan truly keeps its four seasons full of surprises!
Osaka’s Doll Memorial Service – Saying Howzit and Goodbye to 50,000 Beloved Toys
In Osaka’s Yao town, monks from Shinguji Temple, founded back in the 1600s, nogal, hold an annual Doll Memorial Service that’s anything but ordinary. This touching ceremony, run by Hakkoden Funeral Services, honours over 50,000 dolls and stuffed toys, giving them a proper send-off instead of just throwing them away.
Each doll gets a farewell note and incense offering, with proceeds supporting local welfare projects. People from all over Japan send their childhood companions by post, proving that even in modern times, Japan’s got a beautiful way of blending heart, heritage, and a dash of nostalgia.
Interesting articles from Japan
Tokyo’s Shibuya ward sets up English information desk to help foreigners find nightlife options
Shibuya’s cracking down on Halloween parties but keeping the vibe alive. The new Shibuya Nightlife Guide helps tourists find awesome, law-abiding party spots after dark.
Japanese hotel chain’s new service: A bed and pajamas for otaku travelers’ plushies
This oshi travel extra isn’t free, but your Ryuk or Balbasaur plushie in it’s own bed? Kawaiiiiiiii
Japan Post 'punishment' sparks harassment debate
A Japan Post worker forced to pedal in 35°C heat has jaws dropping, reigniting Japan’s hot debate over workplace discipline versus straight-up abuse.
In Other News
Tokyo Crowned World’s Best Big City Again!
Tokyo’s done it again. Ranked No. 1 in Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 for “Best Big Cities.” It’s the second year running that the bustling metropolis has snagged the top spot. The win shows how the city’s mix of modern flair and deep-rooted tradition keeps travellers coming back for more.
Backed by public and private efforts to boost tourism, Tokyo’s charm just doesn’t quit. Kyoto came in second and Cape Town proudly snagged third. With this, Tokyo’s bagged the title seven times, proving it’s still the ultimate global hotspot for adventure and culture.
Sweet Victory! Japan Breaks World Record with Gingerbread Madness
Kainan City in Wakayama Prefecture just baked its way into the Guinness World Records. I October, 279 locals, from kids to grandpas, smashed the record for the most people decorating gingerbread houses at once. The event celebrated Kainan’s sweet legacy as the birthplace of Japanese confectionery and the ancestor of mikan mandarins.
Within 15 minutes, participants turned their mini houses into edible art using frosting, chocolate, and dried mikan. One young lass said it was tricky but fun. Organisers hope this sugary achievement helps promote Kainan as Japan’s ultimate city of sweets.
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