February 2026 Bento Plus
Itadakimasu
Konnichiwa, AnimeFanatiks! In our February 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 February.
February 11
National Foundation Day (建国記念の日
Kenkoku Kinen no Hi)
Significance:
it celebrates the legendary founding of Japan and the accession of Emperor Jimmu.
A public holiday since 1966, it is often marked with flags, ceremonies, and shrine visits
February 23
Emperor’s Birthday (天皇誕生日 – Tennō Tanjōbi)
Significance:
it celebrates the birthday of the reigning Emperor (Emperor Naruhito)
A public holiday with ceremonies at the Imperial Palace, citizens can sometimes enter normally restricted palace grounds
Usually February 3 (date can shift slightly)
Setsubun (節分)
It marks the seasonal change from winter to spring and is famous for mamemaki (throwing roasted soybeans).
Not a national holiday, but widely celebrated
Early–late February
Plum Blossom Festivals (梅まつり – Ume Matsuri)
Popular locations: Tokyo, Kyoto, Mito, Atami
Symbolises renewal, perseverance, and early spring
Early February
Otaru Snow Light Path Festival (小樽雪あかりの路)
Location : Hokkaido
Event: Snow lanterns and candlelit streets, quiet and romantic
SA Events
Japanese Film Festival Africa - Online
Jan 15 - Apr 15, 2026
The festival line up will be updated periodically.
“JFF Theater (Streaming platform)” is operated by the Japan Foundation, an incorporated administrative agency under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.
Game of the month
ReStory: Chill Electronics Repairs – Nostalgic Repair Shop Simulator Preview
Introduction
ReStory: Chill Electronics Repairs is an upcoming simulation game that lets players run a cosy electronics repair shop in mid-2000s Tokyo, restoring iconic gadgets like phones, consoles, cameras and handhelds. The title combines satisfying hands-on repair mechanics with shop management and branching stories that evolve based on how you treat your customers. As of January 2026 the game is still in it’s Beta phase.
Overview
Pros:
Relaxing, immersive gameplay: Carefully unscrewing, cleaning and rebuilding electronics creates a soothing, meditative play loop ideal for fans of cosy simulators.
Rich nostalgia: Fixing Y2K-era tech evokes memories of classic devices, including officially licensed Atari hardware.
Narrative depth: Customer interactions impact story outcomes, adding emotional weight to your repairs.
Detailed mechanics: In-game web browsing for parts and thoughtful inventory choices add strategic layers while you manage finances.
Cons:
Slow pace: The relaxed tempo may feel too calm for players seeking dynamic action.
Repetitive tasks: Repairing many similar devices can become repetitive over time.
Conclusion:
Overall, ReStory: Chill Electronics Repairs promises a uniquely nostalgic and calming experience for simulation fans. Its blend of tactile repair work, emotional storytelling and Y2K charm makes it a standout cosy title to watch for in 2026.
Itadakimasu Eats: The Setsubun Festival and Setsubun food
Setsubun: Japan’s Bean-Throwing Festival That Welcomes Spring and Chases Away Evil
Setsubun is not a national holiday, but a traditional festival celebrated at shrines and temples across Japan on February 3 or 4, the day before the start of spring. Historically, it was regarded as a type of New Year’s Day, and for centuries the Japanese have marked it with rituals meant to drive away evil spirits and invite good fortune.
The most well-known ritual is mamemaki (literally “bean throwing”). Traditionally, roasted soybeans are thrown either out the front door or at a family member wearing an oni (demon) mask, while participants chant, “Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!” (“Demons out! Luck in!”) before slamming the door shut. This role is often performed by the toshiotoko, the man born in the year’s corresponding Chinese zodiac animal, or the male head of the household.
Soybeans play a central role in Setsubun, as they are believed to purify the home by driving away negative energy associated with illness, misfortune, and misery. After the ritual, the beans are eaten to welcome good luck for the year ahead.
Cleansing negative energy with soybeans may sound unusual, but it’s not so different from Western traditions, after all, throwing rice at newlyweds carries a similar symbolic wish for happiness and prosperity.
Setsubun Food Traditions: Lucky Beans, Ehomaki, and Seasonal Customs in Japan
Setsubun is closely tied to food rituals believed to ward off bad luck and invite good fortune. One of the most iconic practices is eating roasted soybeans after mamemaki (bean-throwing). Traditionally, people eat the number of beans equal to their age for health and luck. That can be a whole meal, depending on your age). To keep things sanitary at public events, beans are often distributed in packets, and in some regions peanuts in shells are used instead.
Another Setsubun food with demon-repelling symbolism is sardines. Dating back to the 13th century, sardine heads were burned or displayed to drive away evil spirits. This evolved into Hiiragi Iwashi, where a cooked sardine head is skewered on a holly branch and hung near entrances. Many families still eat sardines on Setsubun night.
Ehomaki, or “lucky direction sushi rolls,” are now a nationwide Setsubun staple. These uncut sushi rolls traditionally contain seven fillings representing the Seven Deities of Good Fortune and must be eaten silently while facing the year’s lucky direction. A newer trend, ehonomi, follows the same rule but involves drinking sake instead, celebrating both Setsubun and Japan’s seasonal food culture.
Together, these Setsubun food customs reflect Japan’s deep connection between cuisine, tradition, and spiritual wellbeing.
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 ABOKAI – Over the Barricades with scenes from Jigokuraku 2nd Season. His second choice is I Prevail – Bow Down with scenes from various anime and games and his third choice is ABOKAI – Warpaint for the Morning with scenes from Yuusha-kei ni Shosu: Choubatsu Yuusha 9004-tai Keimu Kiroku.
Ookami's Tunes
First choice is ABOKAI – Concrete Halo with scenes from Jujutsu Kaisen. His second choice is Royal Tracks – Brave Waters with scenes from Pokemon Horizons. As for his third choice, Ookami chose ABOKAI – The Forgotten Code with scenes from various anime.
Daisuke Tunes
First AMV choice is The Chemical Brothers – Go with scenes from The Castle of Cagliostro. His second choice is Boney M – Rasputin with scenes from The Mighty Nein.
Kuroyuki Tunes
First AMV choice is Ava Max – Kings & Queens with scenes from The Villainess Is Adored by the Prince of the Neighbor Kingdom. Her second choice is Xano – Thrones In Our Chest with scenes from various anime. Kuroyuki’s last choice is Down Bad by Taylor Swift with scenes from Vanitas no Carte
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
Sadaharu: Gintama’s Giant Dog with an Even Bigger Heart
Sadaharu is one of Gintama’s most beloved characters, instantly recognisable as the massive white dog who lives with Kagura, Gintoki, and the Yorozuya. Despite the adorable pooch’s intimidating size and habit of biting Gintoki’s head at every opportunity, Sadaharu is gentle, loyal, and deeply affectionate toward those he loves, especially Kagura, his original caretaker.
Sadaharu’s birthday is January 3, a fitting detail for a character whose name comes from legendary baseball player Sadaharu Oh. Introduced early in Gintama, Sadaharu initially appears as comic relief, but he gradually proves himself to be far more than a gag character. As the series progresses, it’s revealed that he is an Inugami, a powerful guardian spirit capable of absorbing Altana energy, which gives him immense strength and an important role in several major story arcs.
What makes Sadaharu so endearing is the contrast between his fearsome power and his pure-hearted personality. He loves walks, food, and Kagura’s company, and his loyalty never wavers, even in the most dangerous situations. He is one of the most endearing and memorable canines in anime.
Sadaharu shares his birth month with:
04 February
Haruhi Fujioka (Ouran High School Host Club)
28 February
Light Yagami (Death Note)
Anime Challenge February 2026
Inuyasha: A Timeless Fantasy Anime That Defined a Generation
Our anime challenge is a classic! Inuyasha is a fantasy anime that remains beloved by fans around the world decades after its debut. Created by legendary mangaka Rumiko Takahashi (known for being the mangaka behind the dark ad epic Mermaid Saga), the series first aired in 2000 and quickly became one of the most influential anime of its era. Blending action, romance, mythology, and adventure, Inuyasha helped introduce many Western viewers to Japanese anime.
The anime series is about a 15 years old girl named Kagome Higurashi that falls into a well at her family shrine only to be transported to the Sengoku Era where she meets the half demon Inuyasha and after a few events are set in motion they travel across Japan to seek pieces of the Shikon Jewel before the powerful evil demon Naraku finds all the shards. Along the way, they are joined by memorable allies such as Miroku, Sango, and Shippo, while facing the long-standing threat of the villain Naraku.
What sets Inuyasha apart is its balance of emotional storytelling and fast-paced combat. Themes of love, loss, identity, and redemption are woven into its supernatural battles and character arcs. It is a dark anime series with a cult following. With iconic music, unforgettable characters, and a sequel series (Yashahime), Inuyasha remains a cornerstone of fantasy anime and a must-watch for newcomers and longtime fans alike.
Light novel of the Month
Now I’m a Demon Lord! Happily Ever After with Monster Girls in My Dungeon
Now I’m a Demon Lord! Happily Ever After with Monster Girls in My Dungeon is a light novel that blends classic isekai fantasy with harem comedy and dungeon-building narratives. The story follows an ordinary man who is reincarnated into another world and unexpectedly becomes a Demon Lord. Rather than ruling through fear and destruction, he chooses a more relaxed path, focusing on creating a peaceful dungeon filled with loyal and affectionate monster girls.
What sets this light novel apart is its light-hearted approach to the Demon Lord genre. Instead of epic wars and constant conflict, the narrative leans into slice-of-life moments, romantic comedy, and character interactions. The monster girls are more than simple archetypes, each bringing their own personality, charm, and quirks that add warmth and humour to the story.
Fans of isekai light novels will appreciate the familiar elements of overpowered abilities, dungeon management, and fantasy world-building, while newcomers can enjoy its easygoing tone and accessible storytelling. The series embraces the idea of a “happily ever after,” focusing on comfort, companionship, and personal fulfilment rather than grim battles.
With its mix of fantasy, romance, and comedy, Now I’m a Demon Lord! Happily Ever After with Monster Girls in My Dungeon is an enjoyable read for fans looking for a cosy, escapist light novel experience with plenty of charm.
Manga Challenge February 2026
Teenage Mercenary: A Hard-Hitting Action Manga About Survival and Strength
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.
Cosplay
We look at a stunning Frieren cosplay tutorial! How to make Frieren’s dress! We also have a cosplay exposai from Colossalcon and Anime Los Angeles 2026.
Japanese Art Forms
Sadō (the Way of Tea)
In Japan, drinking tea is not merely a matter of enjoyment; it is also deeply rooted in tradition and spirituality. One of the most well-known customs is the Japanese tea ceremony, called Sadō (the Way of Tea), also known as Chanoyu or Ocha. This ceremonial practice is strongly influenced by Zen Buddhism and emphasises mindfulness, harmony, and respect.
Today, the tea ceremony remains a popular cultural hobby. Many Japanese people who wish to reconnect with their heritage take Sadō lessons, which are often held in community cultural centres or private homes. The ceremony has even appeared in popular media, such as the anime Ranma ½, helping introduce it to wider audiences.
Sadō consists of carefully memorised rituals, with every movement precisely choreographed. Even the placement of tea utensils is considered from the guest’s point of view. The tea used is matcha, a powdered green tea, traditionally served alongside Japanese sweets to balance its bitterness. The host prepares the tea with complete focus and care, offering it to guests as an expression of sincerity.
Ultimately, the tea ceremony is not about drinking tea, but about sharing a moment of calm, intention, and heartfelt hospitality, a beautiful, time-honoured tradition still cherished today.
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!
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