March 2026 Bento News
Itadakimasu
Konnichiwa, AnimeFanatiks! Our March 2026 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 February? We’ve done the digging for you!
This March 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
Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX Wins Special Prize at 45th Nihon SF Taishō Awards
Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX has won a Special Prize at Japan’s top sci-fi awards. The show is made by Studio Khara and Sunrise. The prize is called the Nihon SF Taishō Award. It is like the Nebula Awards in the US.
This was the 45th time the award has been given. The group that runs it is called the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of Japan. The top prize went to a book of essays by Norio Itō. The book is called Itō Norito Hyōron Shūsei.
A late writer named Junichirō Kida also got an award for his life’s work. You can watch the event live on April 11. It will stream from Tsutaya Books in Tokyo.
Kunihiko Ikuhara Explains Why Sailor Moon Is Not a Magical Girl Anime
Director Kunihiko Ikuhara has a podcast, called Ikuni to Unmei no Cinema Snack. On it, he talked about magical girl anime. He worked on Sailor Moon and Revolutionary Girl Utena. But he says he has never made a true magical girl show. This may shock many anime fans. Most of us think of Sailor Moon as a magical girl anime!
He says the genre started with shows like Bewitched and Sally the Witch. These were fun, light shows made for girls. He thinks darker shows like Puella Magi Madoka Magica are closer to what magic first meant in stories.
So how does he see Sailor Moon? He thinks it is more like Kamen Rider. That is a show where a hero transforms to fight evil. This is a big change from how most fans label these shows.
Hello Kitty Lead Designer Yuko Yamaguchi Steps Down After 46 Years
Hello Kitty is getting a new look and a new leader. Yuko Yamaguchi is stepping down in 2026. She has been the lead designer for 46 years. This is a big change for Sanrio, the company behind Hello Kitty.
Hello Kitty was first created in 1974 by Yuko Shimizu. Yamaguchi took over in 1980. Since then she has helped make Hello Kitty famous all over the world. She worked on big deals with many groups, including the Japan Sumo Association. She isknown for being behind the design process behind Yoshikitty, the Hello Kitty version that blends Hello Kitty with J-rock icon Yoshiki.
Sanrio shared the news in a magazine called Ichigo Shimbun. A designer named Aya will be the next lead. She will be the fourth person to hold the role. Yamaguchi will stay on as an advisor. This will help make the change go smoothly for one of Japan’s most loved brands.
Crunchyroll Subscription Price Increase 2026: New Monthly Rates and Annual Plan Explained
Crunchyroll is raising its prices. The changes start after March 4, 2026. All plans will cost more each month. The Fan plan goes from $7.99 to $9.99. The Mega Fan plan goes from $11.99 to $13.99. The Ultimate Fan plan goes from $15.99 to $17.99.
The company says costs have gone up. Making and licensing anime is more expensive now. As a result, prices have had to rise too.There is some good news. The base plan now includes offline downloads. This means you can watch shows without the internet. Crunchyroll has also launched a yearly Fan plan for $66.99. This could save you money if you pay all at once.
In the end, it is up to you. Is the price worth it? Or is it time to look for other options that better fit your budget?
Boruto: Two Blue Vortex Anime Adopts Seasonal Format, Ending Naruto’s Filler Era
A new Boruto anime is coming. It is called Boruto: Two Blue Vortex. It will change how the show is made and released. Instead of coming out every week, it will use a seasonal model. This means shorter runs with fewer episodes at a time.
Old shows like Naruto: Shippuden and the first Boruto series came out weekly. This often led to filler episodes. These are episodes that add nothing to the main story. Two Blue Vortex aims to fix that.
The show is based on a manga by Mikio Ikemoto. It follows an older Boruto after a big time skip. The head of Studio Pierrot, Michiyuki Honma, confirmed the new format. He says it will allow for better quality and will stay closer to the manga.
The anime is expected to arrive between 2026 and 2027. Fans can look forward to a tighter story and a fresh start for this long-running ninja series. Now is a great time to rewatch the Boruto series to make us ready for the new show!
Upcoming Anime Announcements
A host of new anime series is in the works. Here are anime that were announced in February.
Manga Adaptations
Cheat Fuyo
P.A. Works, the animation studio behind Skip to Loafer (Skip and Loafer), Paripi Koumei (Ya Boy Kongming!), and Shirobako, is producing the anime series.
Kimi wo Aisuru Ki wa Nai
The anime series will premiere on TV Asahi and BS Asahi in July 2026.
Odebu Akujo ni Tensei shitara, Nazeka Last Boss Oujisama ni Shuuchaku sareteimasu
Japanese Title: The Final-Boss Prince Is Somehow Obsessed with the Chubby Villainess: Reincarnated Me
Voice actors Haruka Shiraishi (Clevatess) and Takeo Ootsuka (Kusuriya no Hitorigoto) are starring as Celine and Wilfred, respectively.
Thunder 3
The anime series will begin airing on Fuji TV’s +Ultra programming block and other networks in July 2026.
Light Novel Adaptations
Kyouran Reijou Nia Liston: Byoujaku Reijou ni Tensei shita Kamigoroshi no Bujin no Karei naru Musouroku
Japanese Title: Nia Liston: The Merciless Maiden
The anime series will premiere in October 2026.
Doko Yori mo Tooi Basho ni Iru Kimi e
Japanese Title: To You in the Beyond
Abe wrote the mystery romance novel under Shueisha’s Orange Bunko imprint in October 2017, featuring illustrations by syo5.
Returning Anime based on Anime Franchise
New 'Evangelion' Anime Series Announced
The final program of the Evangelion: 30+; 30th Anniversary of Evangelion event announced a new anime series for the franchise, revealing the main staff and an announcement promo.
Sixth Season of 'Dungeon ni Deai wo Motomeru no wa Machigatteiru Darou ka' Announced
The 10th year anniversary event for the Dungeon ni Deai wo Motomeru no wa Machigatteiru Darou ka (Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?) anime series announced a sixth season, revealing an announcement video.
In Memoriam
Hideki Sato
Hideki Sato, the ex-president of Sega Corp. and a key architect behind its flagship consoles, has died at 75. A Hokkaido native, Sato joined Sega in 1971 after studying electronic engineering in Tokyo. He led development of the SC-3000 and played a vital role in consoles like the Mega Drive and Sega Saturn. Becoming president in 2001, he guided Sega’s transition from hardware to software, later serving as chairman.
Masaru Ikeda
The anime world mourns the passing of veteran voice actor Masaru Ikeda, who died on January 31. He was celebrated for roles such as Jamitov Hyman in Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam, Gelsadora in Gatchaman II, and Master Nekomamushi in One Piece. He also appeared in Death Note and Sakura Wars. His performances deeply touched creators and fans alike.
Interesting Anime News
Netflix & Crunchyroll's New Streaming Rival Is the Biggest Threat to Anime Yet
Prime Video is taking on Netflix and Crunchyroll with big anime exclusives. But its library is still small, and fans are pushing back over its use of AI dubbing, which could hold it back from becoming the top anime streaming platform.
Netflix’s Terminator Series Quietly Cancelled As Creator Breaks Long Silence After Season 1
Netflix has cancelled Terminator Zero after one season due to low viewership, despite strong reviews and planned future arcs, creator Mattson Tomlin confirmed.
One Piece Creator Admits Netflix’s Live-Action Plans Are Way Bigger Than Fans Think
Eiichiro Oda aims for One Piece Season 2 to surpass its global Top 10 success on Netflix, targeting worldwide dominance ahead of its March 10, 2026 premiere.
It's Finally the End of an Era for Gundam After 12 Years
Bandai will shut down the Gundam Fan Club on March 31, 2027, ending over a decade of exclusive content and services for Mobile Suit Gundam fans.
Manga News
Absolute Batman #18 Variant Pays Tribute to Chainsaw Man in Surprise Anime-Inspired Crossover
Batman has teamed up with many heroes outside of DC. Some of these include the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Judge Dredd from 2000 AD. But sometimes Batman is used in a different way. He appears as a tribute to other stories and styles.
DC Comics has done just that with Absolute Batman. Issue 18 will have a special cover. It is a nod to the manga Chainsaw Man. That manga was created by Tatsuki Fujimoto.
Absolute Batman is written by Scott Snyder. It tells bold new stories about the Dark Knight. The cover is drawn by Clay Mann. It shows Batman with chainsaw-like arms. He fights enemies controlled by plants. The look and colors echo the iconic orange cover of Chainsaw Man.
Chainsaw Man first appeared in Weekly Shōnen Jump in 2018. It later got an anime made by MAPPA. You can watch it on Crunchyroll. DC has shown a growing love for manga art and style. Projects like Batman Ninja prove this. Fans can hope this means more exciting crossovers for Batman in the future.
Oh and Batman fanatiks, Absolute Batman #18 from DC Comics is available to read on March 11, 2026!
Nippon News
What Does “Baishun” Mean? Japan Considers Tougher Prostitution Laws
There is an interesting Japanese word called baishun (売春). It is written with two kanji characters. They mean “selling spring.” But the word actually means prostitution.
In Japan, it is illegal to receive money for sex. This is covered by the Prostitution Prevention Law. But there is a catch. Only the person selling sex can be punished. The person paying faces no legal trouble unless another crime takes place.
That may soon change. On February 10, Japan’s Ministry of Justice said it plans to review the law. One big change being looked at is punishing those who pay for sex. Officials say the public is growing more concerned. People have noticed more street solicitation. There are also loopholes in Japan’s adult service industry that many feel need to be closed.
Japan Urges South Africa to Approve Traditional Sake Bottle Sizes
Sake comes in many bottle sizes in Japan. South Africans have seen this in movies and online videos. But they have not been able to buy sake in those same sizes locally. That could be about to change.
Japanese trade officials want South Africa to allow sake in its traditional bottle sizes. The Japan External Trade Organization, known as JETRO, held a sake seminar in Cape Town. The event showed that more South Africans are becoming interested in Japanese food and drink.
Right now, South Africa does not allow standard Japanese sake bottle sizes. These include the 1.8 litre “sho” and the 720ml “go.” The reason given is that these sizes may confuse consumers. But JETRO disagrees. They say these sizes have been used for a long time. They also help brewers keep quality high and costs low.
Officials from nine Japanese regions came to the event. JETRO feels hopeful about the future. South Africa has a strong wine culture. This could help sake grow in popularity, especially among younger drinkers.
Tokyo Court Sentences Crime Ring Member in “Luffy” Robbery Case
A Japanese court has sentenced a man to life in prison. His name is Toshiya Fujita and he is 41 years old. He was part of a robbery gang, led by suspects based in the Philippines. These leaders were known by the name “Luffy.”
Fujita took part in seven robberies. They happened between October 2022 and January 2023. One of the worst attacks was on a 90-year-old woman in Komae, Tokyo. Sadly, she did not survive.
The case was heard at the Tokyo District Court. Judge Sakon Togari said Fujita played a key role in the gang. He helped the group make money from their crimes. The court did not accept Fujita’s defence.
The judge also made a wider point. He said this case represents a new kind of crime. It is organised and controlled from far away. This type of crime has caused a lot of fear among the public in Japan.
Kyoto University Study Links FGF-21 Hormone to Alcohol Satisfaction and Addiction
A team of researchers from Kyoto University has made an interesting find. They say that people may drink too much alcohol because it stops giving them the same good feeling over time. When the satisfaction fades, they drink more to chase that feeling.
The study was published in a US science journal. It looked at a hormone made by the liver called FGF-21. This hormone sends signals to the brain and creates a sense of reward after drinking.
The researchers tested this on mice. Mice that were dependent on alcohol showed weaker reward signals. As a result, they drank more. But when the mice were given allulose, things changed. Allulose is a rare type of sugar. It helps the body produce more FGF-21. The mice drank less alcohol after taking it. The effect lasted for up to a week.
Professor Tsutomu Sasaki led the research. He says these findings could lead to new treatments. They may also help with the development of drugs to fight alcohol addiction.
Bus Driver Apologises After Yelling at Autistic Passenger in Tsu, Mie Prefecture
A bus driver in Tsu, Mie Prefecture, has apologised after yelling at an autistic passenger who raised safety concerns. The incident occurred on the Gurutto Tsu Bus operated by Mie Kotsu Co..
The passenger, a man in his 50s wearing a Help Mark disability tag, warned the driver about repeated sudden stops that caused passengers to lose balance. After confronting the driver, he disembarked early and later sought assistance from police.
Following a review of dashcam footage, the company issued a formal apology, gave the driver a strict warning, and pledged further training to prevent similar incidents in the future.
More News From Nippon
Japan cherry blossom festival cancelled because of unruly tourist ‘crisis’
Authorities scrap Arakurayama Sengen park cherry blossom festival near Mount Fuji because of tourists trespassing, littering and ‘defecating in private yards’
Overtourism halts sakura festival with Mt. Fuji view
The cherry blossom festival at Arakurayama Sengen Park in Fujiyoshida is cancelled due to overtourism, congestion, and resident complaints, though safety measures remain in place during peak bloom season.
Tokyo real estate worker allegedly ordered arson attack to chase out resident
Tokyo police arrested real estate employee Hiroki Naito for allegedly ordering arson attacks in Shinagawa Ward to pressure a resident into selling property; five accomplices were also detained.
Foreigners accounting for over 80 percent of off-course skiers needing rescue in Japan’s Hokkaido
In Hokkaido, over 80% of rescued off-piste skiers this season were foreign tourists, sparking backlash over costly rescue operations and concerns about taxpayer burdens amid Japan’s tourism boom.
Friendship Marriage in Reiwa Japan
In Japan’s Reiwa era, marriage is diversifying, from “friendship marriages” without romance to AI spouses, as individuals prioritise trust, stability, and companionship over traditional expectations of love and family.
VTuber News
Virtual Cram School Wish High Launches in Japan With All-VTuber Teachers
Japanese education company Luminaris has announced the launch of Virtual Cram School Wish High, an online academy where all instructors are VTubers. Set to open on March 1, the platform targets high school students across Japan, especially those in rural areas or not attending traditional school.
Unlike standard online tutors, Wish High’s teachers are active VTubers with their own streaming channels. Subjects include math, English, physics, history, and more. Monthly tuition costs about ¥9,900 ($65). The school will also host special livestream events and share content on YouTube to introduce its virtual faculty.
hololive VTuber Hakui Koyori Guest Starred in Digimon Beatbreak Episode 19
hololive VTuber Hakui Koyori appeared as a guest voice actress on Digimon Beatbreak’s 19th episode on the 15th of February.
Koyori, a member of hololive’s sixth-generation unit Secret Society holoX, debuted in 2021 and now has over 1.35 million YouTube subscribers. She voiced Yume Ikuhara, a captive girl set to be auctioned, and her partner Digimon, Tinkermon. Tinkermon uses the hallucinogenic “Speed Nightmare” and “Fairy Powder” to send opponents into terrifying dream states and mental regression.
Brave Group Reaches Settlement Over NSFW Content Targeting VSPO! VTubers
Brave Group announced on February 16 that it reached a legal settlement with an individual who created and sold sexually explicit illustrations of talents from VSPO!. The images were posted on platforms including X, Pixiv, Discord, and Patreon.
VSPO! prohibits sexual depictions and monetization of its streamers. Brave Group sought 10 million JPY in damages but agreed to waive 6 million JPY if 4 million JPY was paid immediately. The company cited the individual’s apology and full revenue disclosure as reasons for leniency. Brave Group confirmed it will continue pursuing copyright and NSFW violations.
Gaming News
Naver WEBTOON Announces Mobile RPG Game Based on The Stellar Swordmaster
Naver WEBTOON’s game studio, Studio RICO, is making a new mobile game based on the hit series The Stellar Swordmaster. The action RPG is being built with Korean developer CodeDragon and will launch worldwide. No release date has been set yet.
The story was first written as a web novel by Q10. It follows Vlad, a poor boy who works hard to become a great swordmaster. The web comic has now been read over 250 million times across 10 languages. Fans also have a cartoon series to look forward to, which is being made with Warner Bros. Animation.
Realforce x Mobile Suit Gundam Keyboards Launch Ahead of Zeta Gundam Anniversary
Gundam fans can now get keyboards inspired by their favorite giant robots. Keyboard maker Topre has launched a new range of Realforce keyboards based on the Gundam series. The designs are taken from four famous robots: the Zeta Gundam and Hyaku-Shiki from Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam, and the Nu Gundam and Sazabi from Char’s Counterattack.
Each keyboard uses the same colors as its robot and comes with themed packaging and a wrist rest. Prices run from ¥54,780 to ¥65,780, which is roughly $360 to $435. You can pre-order until March 6, 2026, with shipping later that month. Will our wallets survive this?
Genshin Impact Luna V Update Brings Varka and Mondstadt Return on Feb. 25, 2026
Genshin Impact is heading back to Mondstadt in Version Luna V, “Song of the Welkin Moon: Variation – Homeward, He Who Caught the Wind,” launching Feb. 25, 2026. Developer HoYoverse confirmed the update will introduce Varka, a 5-star Anemo character and Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius.
The update also revives the popular Chronicled Wish event featuring Mondstadt characters. New combat and gliding challenges, story events, and limited-time weapon skins will be available. Genshin Impact remains free to download on mobile, PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
Highguard Studio Layoffs Follow Player Drop as Hero Shooter Struggles After Launch
Hero shooter Highguard has suffered major setbacks after most staff at developer Wildlight were laid off just weeks after launch. The free-to-play PvP shooter reportedly lost around 95% of its players within two weeks, raising concerns about its future.
Despite an initial surge of roughly 100,000 concurrent players on Steam, engagement quickly declined. Debate has since erupted over whether marketing, internal expectations, or player reception caused the collapse.
While harassment of developers has been condemned, critics argue that player drop-off reflects gameplay issues rather than online negativity. A small team remains to support Highguard with updates.
Only in Japan
Aging Farmers in Hiroshima and Shimane Struggle as Japan’s Rice Communities Decline
Takeyuki Satokawa is 81 years old. He lives in Higashihiroshima with his wife. In 2024, they stopped growing rice for the first time. Age and rising costs made it too hard to carry on. For the first time in their lives, they had to buy rice instead of growing their own.
Their story reflects a bigger problem across rural Japan. Farming costs have gone up sharply. A period known as the “Reiwa rice crisis” made things even worse. Their farm ended up losing money.
The same struggles can be seen across the Chugoku region. In Shimane Prefecture, a farming cooperative in Onan had to shut down. It had been dealing with a lack of workers and money problems for years.
Japan’s farming population is getting older and smaller. Families and cooperatives do not know what the future holds. These changes put local food production at risk. They also threaten farming traditions that have been part of Japanese life for a very long time.
Iga City Hall Transforms Into “Ninja City Hall” to Celebrate Ninja Day in Japan
Before Ninja Day on Feb. 22, the city of Iga turned its city hall into “Ninja City Hall.” From Feb. 2 to 6, workers at the front desks wore ninja costumes and greeted visitors. Iga became a “Ninja City” in 2017. This year marks its 10th Ninja Day. The city is known as the birthplace of Iga-style ninja.
Mayor Toshinao Inamori also wore a ninja costume to join the event. Local banks, a hotel, and a kindergarten are taking part. The city calls February “Ninja City Month” and is holding fun events for the whole community.
Kobe Man Arrested After Leaving Car in Coin Parking Lot for Six Years
A 47-year-old man in Kobe has been arrested after leaving his car in a coin parking lot since April 2019. The vehicle remained in the automated lot in Nada Ward for more than six years, during which parking fees rose to over ¥3 million ($19,000).
On Feb. 4, Hyogo Prefectural Police announced his arrest. Because payment is required only when exiting, he was charged with forcible obstruction of business, not theft. Police said his long-term parking blocked other customers and caused financial losses for the lot owner.
Study Finds Japanese Hit Songs Getting Shorter as Streaming Changes Music Trends
A study by 22-year-old Yuito Hayasaka of Nara University shows that hit songs in Japan are getting shorter. The intro is shorter, and the chorus starts sooner.
Hayasaka studied 500 top songs from 1975 to 2024 using Oricon and Billboard Japan charts. He found that songs were longest in the late 1990s. They averaged 4 minutes and 54 seconds. In the early 2020s, they fell to about 4 minutes.
Intros are now much shorter. Streaming may be the reason. But some people ask: does this hurt creativity? Many long songs still tell deep stories and have strong guitar riffs and emotional solos.
Interesting articles from Japan
Cute coffins now available at Tokyo’s coffin relaxation salon
Take a look at some cute coffins! It is interesting to note than in Japan no one is buried. When you die, you are cremated.
Poop is in full bloom at the Unko Museums for cherry blossom season
Japan’s Unko Museum celebrates poop and cherry blossoms with the 2026 “Super Full Bloom!!! Unko Sakura” event, featuring blooming poop volcanoes, sakura-themed exhibits, and quirky, festive photo opportunities.
A look back on 40 years of Japanese schools banning stuff
Japanese schools are banning kids’ puffy sticker trends, continuing a long tradition of strict rules on personal items, hairstyles, and stationery to maintain order and uniformity in classrooms.
The 10 most annoying things foreign tourists do on Japanese trains, according to locals
A Japan Private Railway survey reveals foreign tourists most annoy locals by loud conversations, improper luggage placement, and encroaching seating, while minor issues include strong scents, door-blocking, and trash.
In Other News
Discord Drops Persona After Data Breach and Age Verification Backlash
Discord is facing criticism following an October data breach and the rollout of its new “Teen-By-Default” age verification policy. The policy requires some users to upload government-issued ID, sparking privacy concerns. Much of the backlash centered on Discord’s partnership with Persona, an age assurance firm partially funded by investor Peter Thiel.
After scrutiny over alleged surveillance links, Discord confirmed it ended its short-term UK partnership with Persona. While Persona denied ties to government agencies, debate over online age verification and digital privacy continues to grow worldwide.
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