June 2026 Bento Plus
Itadakimasu
Konnichiwa, AnimeFanatiks! In our June 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
June in Japan may be rainy, but it is also one of the country’s most beautiful cultural seasons, filled with flowers, traditional festivals, and centuries-old rituals
Mid June (Tokyo)
Sanno Matsuri
One of Tokyo’s three great Shinto festivals, centred around Hie Shrine. Grand processions, traditional costumes, and religious ceremonies celebrate centuries-old traditions.
Second Saturday of June (Iwate)
Chagu Chagu Umakko
A colourful parade of beautifully decorated horses travels from Onikoshi Sozen Shrine to Morioka Hachimangu Shrine, celebrating the bond between people and working animals.
Late June (Hyogo)
Himeji Yukata Festival
Visitors dress in traditional summer yukata and enjoy food stalls, performances, and festivities around Osakabe Shrine.
June (Various Regions)
Otaue Rice Planting Festivals
Traditional rice-planting ceremonies featuring music, dance, and rituals praying for a successful harvest. Some of the most famous take place at Sumiyoshi Taisha.
June (Kyoto and Nara)
Takigi Noh
Classical Noh theatre performances held outdoors by torchlight, creating a magical atmosphere that combines Japanese performing arts with historical settings.
Game of the month
Coffee Talk Tokyo: A Relaxing Narrative Adventure Brews New Stories in Japan
Introduction
Coffee Talk Tokyo is the latest entry in the beloved Coffee Talk series, bringing the franchise’s signature blend of cosy storytelling and café management to the vibrant streets of Tokyo. Developed as a spiritual continuation of the original games, the title invites players to step behind the counter of a late-night coffee shop where customers share their hopes, struggles, and personal stories over warm drinks. With its charming pixel-art presentation and relaxing atmosphere, Coffee Talk Tokyo aims to deliver another comforting narrative experience for fans of visual novels and slice-of-life storytelling.
Overview
Setting: One of the game’s greatest strengths is its immersive setting. Tokyo provides a rich backdrop filled with cultural references, diverse characters, and modern urban charm. The writing remains a highlight, offering heartfelt conversations and character-driven narratives that encourage players to slow down and engage with the lives of their customers.
Soundcheck!: The soundtrack is another standout feature. Soft jazz-inspired melodies and ambient café sounds create a soothing environment that perfectly complements the game’s laid-back pace. Returning fans will also appreciate the familiar drink-making mechanics, which remain simple yet satisfying.
Passive caution: However, Coffee Talk Tokyo may not appeal to everyone. Players seeking action-packed gameplay or complex mechanics may find the experience too passive. Much of the game revolves around reading dialogue and making beverages, meaning the narrative carries most of the experience. Some players may also feel that the formula is very similar to previous entries, with limited innovation beyond the new setting and cast.
Pros:
Beautiful pixel-art visuals
Relaxing soundtrack and atmosphere
Strong character writing
Authentic Tokyo-inspired setting
Accessible gameplay
Cons:
Limited gameplay depth
Slow pacing may not suit all players
Few major changes from earlier games
Conclusion:
Coffee Talk Tokyo successfully captures the cosy charm that made the series popular. While it doesn’t reinvent the formula, its engaging characters, relaxing ambience, and Tokyo setting make it a worthwhile experience for fans of narrative-driven games and anyone looking for a comforting digital escape.
Itadakimasu Eats
Coffee Jelly
Coffee is a part of our daily lives. Most of us claim that we cannot function without having, at least, one cup of it in the morning. It is interesting what you can make with coffee too – milkshakes, cakes, cookies, drinks, some people even add a spoonful of coffee to their curry!!!! Coffee is a fun-filled ingredient to many recipes.
We found an interesting recipe from Japan, a coffee jelly dessert. Coffee jelly seems like the perfect treat to give that caffeine-junky friend of relative, as a dessert.
More Coffee
We know that Cleopatra liked to bathe in milk to keep her skin beautiful but in Japan, there is a Spa Theme Park that takes that idea to the next level. It has the normal spa themed attractions such as traditional hot springs, and a waterpark but imagine bathing in (water-diluted) sake, coffee or wine! We share a video where you can see these activities and more from where else than only in Japan.
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 FEUERSCHWANZ – KNIGHTCLUB with scenes from That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime. His second choice is ABOKAI – Call Me War with scenes from various anime and his third choice is ABOKAI – Cracks in the Colossus with scenes from various anime.
Ookami's Tunes
First choice is SABATON – 40:1 with scenes from 86 EIGHTY-SIX. His second choice is Euphonic Music – This is my Power with scenes from Tsue to Tsurugi no Wistoria and his third choice is NEFFEX – ARE YOU ENTERTAINED?! with scenes from Devil May Cry Season 2.
Daisuke Tunes
First AMV choice is NEFFEX – Destiny with scenes from Tsue to Tsurugi no Wistoria Season 2. His second choice is ABOKAI – Fault Lines in My Chest with scenes from Witch Hat Atelier. His last choice is HOODED – Khantrast, Flank, Crispy, Softwilly with scenes from various anime.
Kuroyuki Tunes
First AMV choice is A Thousand Years – John Michael Howell, JVKE & Zac Lawson with scenes from various anime. Her second choice is Lazora Origin – Villain with scenes from various anime. Her last choice is THE FIRE BENEATH (Original Song) with scenes from Hellsing Ultimate / Hellsing.
Retara's Tunes
Our correspondence from Japan shares with us this impressive Wotagei video.
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
Hikaru and Kaoru Hitachiin: The Mischievous Twins of Ouran High School Host Club
Hikaru Hitachiin and Kaoru Hitachiin, celebrating their birthday on June 9, are among the most beloved characters in the hit anime and manga series Ouran High School Host Club. Known for their striking red hair, identical appearance, and playful personalities, the Hitachiin twins are members of the prestigious Ouran Host Club, where they entertain guests with their famous “forbidden brotherly love” act.
Although they appear nearly identical, fans quickly learn that Hikaru and Kaoru have distinct personalities. Hikaru is often more impulsive, emotional, and competitive, while Kaoru tends to be calmer, more observant, and mature. Their close bond stems from years of being misunderstood by others, leading them to rely heavily on each other.
A major part of their character development revolves around learning to form individual identities and relationships outside their twin dynamic. Their growing friendship with protagonist Haruhi Fujioka helps them mature emotionally and better understand themselves.
Created by manga artist Bisco Hatori, the twins have become fan favourites thanks to their humour, emotional depth, and memorable chemistry.
They share their birth month with:
June Anime Challenge
Megami no Café Terrace: A Charming Romantic Comedy Anime Filled with Heart
Megami no Café Terrace (The Café Terrace and Its Goddesses) is a popular romantic comedy anime based on the manga by Kōji Seo. The story follows Hayato Kasukabe, a university student who returns to his late grandmother’s seaside café, Familia Café, intending to sell it. However, he discovers five young women living and working there, each with their own dreams, personalities, and connection to the café.
As Hayato decides to revive the struggling establishment, he forms deep bonds with the five heroines, leading to heartfelt moments, comedy, and romance. The series blends classic harem elements with strong character development and an engaging coastal setting.
Praised for its vibrant cast, emotional storytelling, and light-hearted humour, The Café Terrace and Its Goddesses has become a favourite among romance anime fans looking for a mix of comedy, drama, and wholesome character interactions.
Light novel of the Month
Is the Order a Rabbit? – The Adorable Slice-of-Life Series That Captivated Anime Fans
Is the Order a Rabbit? (Gochūmon wa Usagi Desu ka?) is a beloved Japanese slice-of-life franchise known for its charming characters, relaxing atmosphere, and heartwarming humour. Created by Koi, the series follows Cocoa Hoto, a cheerful young girl who moves to a new town and begins working at the Rabbit House café. There she befriends Chino Kafū, Rize Tedeza, Chiya Ujimatsu, and Syaro Kirima, forming a close-knit group whose everyday adventures drive the story.
The franchise has gained a dedicated global fanbase thanks to its cosy setting, cute character designs, and emphasis on friendship. Rather than focusing on dramatic conflicts, the series celebrates everyday moments, making it a perfect comfort read and watch. Its successful anime adaptations further boosted its popularity, establishing Is the Order a Rabbit? as one of the most iconic “cute girls doing cute things” series in modern Japanese pop culture.
Manga Challenge June 2026
Megami no Café Terrace Manga vs Anime: Key Differences Explained
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 its 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
First up is LVL UP EXPO, a 3-day gaming and anime convention held at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Nevada. It brings together anime fans, gamers, cosplayers, and creators from around the world. Expect a huge dealers hall, celebrity guests, esports tournaments, and nonstop cosplay highlights from across the weekend.
Next is Sakura-Con, a major 3-day anime convention held at the Seattle Convention Center in Washington. It’s the largest anime event in the Pacific Northwest, celebrating anime, cosplay, gaming, and Asian culture. Featuring industry guests, international appearances, and a packed exhibitor hall, this is a personal 5th-year return and showcasing an incredible cosplay compilation from the PNW scene.
Japanese Art Forms
Sumo Wrestling in Japan: Tradition, Ritual, and the Culture of the Rikishi
Sumo wrestling is Japan’s national sport and one of the world’s oldest surviving athletic traditions. More than just a competitive combat sport, sumo is deeply connected to Japanese culture, Shinto religion, and centuries of ceremonial practice. Its origins date back over 1,000 years, when sumo was performed as a ritual offering to the gods to ensure good harvests and prosperity. Today, it remains a powerful symbol of Japanese heritage and discipline.
At the centre of sumo culture is the dohyō, the sacred ring where matches take place. Every aspect of the ring is treated with reverence. Before each bout, wrestlers perform purification rituals such as throwing salt into the ring and stomping their feet to ward off evil spirits. These actions highlight sumo’s spiritual roots, where respect, purity, and tradition are as important as physical strength.
Professional sumo wrestlers are known as rikishi. They live in training stables called heya, where daily life is highly structured and hierarchical. Junior wrestlers take on household duties while training under strict supervision, while senior rikishi focus on refining technique and maintaining peak physical condition. Their diet is centred around chankonabe, a high-protein stew designed to build mass and endurance.
Sumo wrestlers are also instantly recognisable due to their traditional appearance. The chonmage topknot hairstyle and ornate kesho-mawashi ceremonial aprons signify rank and achievement within the sumo world. These elements reinforce the importance of identity and tradition in sumo wrestling culture.
Professional tournaments, known as basho, are held six times a year in cities across Japan, including Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya. Rankings are crucial, and wrestlers strive for promotion through consistent performance and discipline.
Sumo wrestling in Japan is not only a sport but also a living cultural heritage. It reflects values of respect, humility, discipline, and ritual that continue to shape Japanese society and attract global interest.
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!
Sugoi Shorts
We share fun YouTube shorts about anime, cosplay, music and everything inbetween!
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