July 2025 Bento Plus
Itadakimasu
Konnichiwa, AnimeFanatiks! In our August 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!!
August is the month for Obon, wrongly seen by some as the ‘Japanese Halloween’ but it is actually quite different. Obon is a traditional Japanese festival held in mid-August to honour the spirits of deceased ancestors, believed to return to the world of the living during this time. Families welcome them with lanterns, visit graves, and perform Bon Odori dances, creating a heartfelt celebration of remembrance and reunion.
Upcoming events
Events in Nippon
Here’s a list of notable events and festivals (matsuri) that take place in Japan during August.
August 13–16
Festival: Obon
Location: Nation-wide
Significance: Obon is a Buddhist event honouring the spirits of ancestors. It’s believed that during this time, ancestral spirits return to visit their living relatives.
Traditions: Families clean graves, light lanterns, and perform Bon Odori (folk dances) at local festivals. It’s a deeply spiritual time, and many people return to their hometowns, making it one of Japan’s busiest travel seasons.
Various Dates in Early August
Festival: Tanabata Festivals
Location: Nationwide
Meaning: Based on a romantic legend of star-crossed lovers Orihime and Hikoboshi, separated by the Milky Way.
Tradition: People write wishes on colourful paper strips and hang them on bamboo.
Notable Tanabata Events:
Sendai Tanabata (Miyagi) – Aug 6–8, featuring ornate streamers and parades.
Ichinomiya Tanabata (Aichi) – Early August, known for night illuminations.
August 2–7
Nebuta Matsuri
Location: Aomori
Highlight: Giant illuminated paper floats depicting gods, demons, and mythical warriors parading through Aomori City.
Features: Accompanied by musicians and dancers called haneto, it’s a visual feast with a dramatic flair. Fireworks on the last day add a sparkly finale.
August 12–15
Awa Odori
Location: Tokushima
Highlight: Japan’s most famous traditional dance festival, held in Tokushima on Shikoku Island.
What to Expect: Thousands of dancers, rhythmic taiko drumming, flutes, shamisen, and a carnival-like atmosphere.
Tip: The chant “Yatto sa, yatto yatto!” will be stuck in your head all week.
August 16
Festival: Daimonji Gozan Okuribi
Location : Kyoto
Event: Gigantic bonfires in the shape of kanji characters are lit on five mountains around Kyoto.
Purpose: To guide the spirits of the dead back to the spirit world, marking the end of Obon. It’s a moving sight, best viewed from a rooftop or hillside.
SA Events
AnimeFanatika Anime Day
August 23 - Discord
Starts: 09:00– Ends 18:00
Theme: Supernatural/Slice of Life
Join the WhatsApp Group to receive link
Game of the month
We Love Katamari REROLL + Royal Reverie
Introduction
We Love Katamari REROLL + Royal Reverie is a high-definition remaster of the 2005 sequel to Katamari Damacy, released
in June 2023 across modern platforms including Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, and P. You roll a magical katamari, starting tiny, to collect objects and grow into absurd, planet‑sized globes. The main campaign follows orders from “fan” requests, offering levels rich in bizarre creativity and quirkiness.
Overview
Pros:
Unique charm and visuals: The art style and soundtrack remain delightfully surreal, now polished in crisp HD with modern UI enhancements
Varied and clever level design: Classic size‑target missions are supplemented by inventive objectives, like racing, fire‑keeping, sumo‑feeding, that add freshness to the formula
Improved performance: Near‑elimination of loading times and smoother frame‑rates make this the cleanest way to experience the game today
Modern audiences welcome: For those who missed the PS2 era, this remaster serves as the definitive entry point, the best version of the sequel to date
Cons:
Limited innovation: The remaster makes only modest changes, no new levels beyond cosmetic tweaks and recycled layouts, and the core gameplay feels familiar rather than refreshed
Underwhelming bonus mode: Royal Reverie, where you control the young King, reuses levels with tighter objectives that many find dull or frustrating, and lacking satisfying feedback
Minor technical quirks: Some users report occasional bugs—mismatched audio, texture glitches, and clunky controls on handheld platforms
Conclusion:
If you’re already a fan of We Love Katamari, this remaster is a worthy next-gen update: it looks sharper, runs smoother, and preserves the silly, addictive chaos of the original. However, if you’re hoping for significant new content or mechanics, Royal Reverie delivers mixed results, and the core remains faithful to a nearly‑twenty‑year‑old design. Ultimately, We Love Katamari REROLL + Royal Reverie is a love letter to fans and an excellent introduction for newcomers, even if its new material doesn’t quite live up to the delight of its predecessor.
Coral Island
Introduction
If We Love Katamari REROLL + Royal Reverie is not your cup of Macha, check this out. Coral Island, developed by Stairway Games and released in full in November 2023 (after early access began October 2022), is a vibrant tropical farming simulator published by Humble Games.
Taking clear inspiration from Stardew Valley, it adds its own flair: Southeast Asian cultural influences, mermaid encounters, environmental clean-up missions, and a lush underwater world to explore. Players take over an overgrown island farm, build relationships with a diverse cast of over 40 islanders, and gradually restore coral reefs and the town’s vitality
Conclusion
Coral Island is a solid entry in the cosy farming sim genre, offering a colourful island setting and meaningful ecological themes wrapped in charming gameplay. While early parts may feel familiar, the clean‑up of coral reefs, rich community cast, and cultural touches give it character.
Still, it shows signs of early release fatigue, bugs and unfinished dialogue occasionally pull you out of the experience. But for fans of farming sims seeking something with environmental purpose, diverse representation, and a warm island vibe, Coral Island is a worthy destination.
More games
Itadakimasu Eats
Summer Cold Noodles
In the Japanese summer nothing beats a refreshing cold dish. Summer Cold Noodles are especially well-loved because they are refreshing and hydrating, making them perfect for hot weather. The simple flavours also highlight the quality of the noodles and the subtle umami of the dipping sauce. Don’t think of cold spaghetti, let’s look at what is really on the menu in summer.
Dish 1 Zaru Soba
The noodles are made from buckwheat flour (soba), which is giving them a nutty flavour and brownish-grey colour. The dish is served on a bamboo tray called a zaru, which helps to drain the moisture. To eat the dish, you dip the chilled noodles into a small bowl of tsuyu (a soy sauce-based dipping sauce often mixed with dashi and mirin). Common toppings include chopped green onion, wasabi, and shredded nori (seaweed).
Dish 2 Zaru Udon
The noodles in this dish are made from wheat flour, thicker and chewier than soba, with a smooth texture and milky-white appearance. It is also served on a bamboo zaru tray. The dipping method is basically the same as Zaru Soba and often with the same garnishes.
Dish 3 hiyashi chuka
“Hiyashi” means chilled, and “chūka” refers to Chinese-style noodles. So, Hiyashi Chūka literally means “chilled Chinese-style noodles.”
The noodles in hiyashi chuka are typically ramen-style which are boiled and then chilled in ice water. The sauce is a tangy, savoury dressing made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and sometimes mustard or ginger. Some variations use a sesame-based sauce (goma dare).
The toppings, which are colourfully and beautifully arranged are Julienned egg omelette (kinshi tamago), Ham, shredded chicken, or sometimes shrimp, Cucumber, Tomato slices, Pickled ginger, Seaweed, or occasionally corn and boiled bean sprouts. Hiyashi Chūka is cool, light, and refreshing, perfect for Japan’s humid summers. It’s a delightful balance of sweet, salty, and tangy flavours with a variety of textures.
Dish 4 Hiyayakko
For an extra touch we have a fourth dish which is not a noodle dish. Sometimes you crave cold tofu instead of noodles and for that Hiyayakko is perfect. It is a traditional Japanese chilled tofu dish, often enjoyed as a refreshing appetiser or side dish, especially in summer. “Hiya” means cold, and “yakko” is an old term for servant but here it just refers to the cut of the tofu, So Hiyayakko is essentially cold, sliced tofu served with tasty toppings.
Hiyayakko’s ingredients include Silken tofu (kinugoshi tofu) which is served straight from the fridge, soft and creamy. The toppings vary by region and preference, but often include Grated ginger, Chopped green onions (negi),
Katsuobushi (bonito flakes), and Soy sauce (drizzled on top or served on the side). Optional shiso leaves, myoga, wasabi, or umeboshi are added to the dish.
Hiyayakko is light, healthy, and easy to prepare, making it a favourite during Japan’s hot and humid summer months. Its simple flavours highlight the natural taste of tofu, enhanced by the umami-rich toppings. Also, some say to enjoy it with a splash of ponzu (citrusy soy sauce) for a zesty twist!
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 YOUTH NEVER DIES – Time Of Dying (THREE DAYS GRACE cover) (feat. HALOCENE) with scenes from Ordeal. His second choice is $UICIDEBOY$ – Now and at the Hour of Our Death (Feat. Bones) with scenes from the anime Hellsing, Vampire Hunter D, and Castlevania
Ookami's Tunes
First choice is ONLAP – Everywhere I Go with scenes from Kaiju No. 8 Season 2. His second choice is NEFFEX – Ready To Kill with scenes from Tougen Anki.
Shiro Tunes
First AMV choice is Josh A – ONE MAN ARMY with scenes from SAKAMOTO DAYS. His second choice is Unroyal – Monster with scenes from Tougen Anki.
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
Tomoe frm Kamisama Kiss
Tomoe, the fox yokai from Kamisama Kiss, is a complex and captivating character. Fierce, loyal, and initially cold, he serves as the familiar of the land god and later becomes bound to Nanami, the new deity. His sharp tongue and pride mask a deep well of emotion and a tragic past.
As the story unfolds, Tomoe transforms, learning to open his heart, protect with compassion, and even love. His journey from detached guardian to devoted companion makes him unforgettable. With his silver hair, violet eyes, and tsundere charm, Tomoe is a fan-favourite who embodies both supernatural allure and touching humanity. He celebrates his birthday on August the 19th.
He shares his birth month with:
Aqua (August 1) Konosuba!
Lady Tsunade (August 2) Naruto
Anime Challenge August 2025
Summertime Render
Summertime Render is a gripping supernatural thriller that blends time loops, horror, and mystery into a tightly woven narrative. The story follows Shinpei Ajiro, who returns to his hometown on Hitogashima Island after the death of his childhood friend Ushio. What begins as a simple farewell spirals into a chilling conspiracy when Shinpei discovers that Ushio’s death may not have been an accident, and that the island is plagued by shadowy doppelgängers known as “Shadows.”
As Shinpei gains the ability to loop through time every time he dies, he becomes determined to uncover the truth and protect those he loves. The anime’s clever pacing and layered storytelling keeps you on edge because each loop reveals new secrets, shifts alliances, and Shipei has to make heart-wrenching decisions. The suspense and action will keep you on edge from beginning to end.
If you add the haunting animation, mixed especially with tense or eerie scenes, you can appreciate the beauty of this anime. The anime deals with philosophical undertones about fate, identity, and the meaning of life and loss. Summertime Render is more than just a time-travel story. It’s a meditation on memory, love, and sacrifice wrapped in an elegantly eerie mystery. A hidden gem for fans of intelligent, emotional thrillers.
Light novel of the Month
Free Life Fantasy Online: Immortal Princess
Free Life Fantasy Online: Immortal Princess (by Akisuzu Nenohi, illustrated by Sherry) is a light-hearted and imaginative VRMMO-style fantasy that follows Kotone Tsukishiro, a gamer girl who dives into the virtual world of Free Life Fantasy Online (FLFO). Upon entering FLFO, Kotone chooses the Zombie race, one of the inhuman races deemed difficult to master. She quickly gains unique powers and evolves into Anastasia the Immortal Princess after completing a hidden quest.
The series follows her adventures across multiple volumes, including events like island survival, Halloween raids, and powerful NPC encounters. The tone is playful and slice‑of‑life, sacrificing heavy drama for gaming excitement, world‑building, and quirky character interactions. Kotone’s evolution in the game is amazing, she goes from a humble zombie (sounds weird, right) to a powerful presence in that game world. Meanwhile, her real‑world personality, her sister’s support, family life, and school responsibilities, grounds the story in relatable experiences
If you like anime or Light Novels like Bofuri this series may appeal to you. In all, Immortal Princess is a fun, immersive read, especially for fans of cosy yet adventurous virtual game worlds with undead twists.
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
Azeret Seir: The Rising Fantasy VTuber Queen
Azeret Seir (often called “Aze”) is an independent English‑language VTuber who debuted on March 20, 2025. She blends fantasy storytelling, roleplay, and immersive world‑building. Aze presents herself in‑character as a noble sorceress from the realm of Ammeadore, who crash‑landed on Earth and now navigates human life while learning to return home.
Aze streams frequently across multiple platforms, Twitch, YouTube, Kick, X, TikTok, and Instagram. She calls her followers “Earthlings” and runs a Discord community named Chaos Cult. Her content includes fantasy roleplay, lore sessions, ASMR, and creative chat. Growth has been steady, with solid watch counts and subscriber numbers in her first months.
Azeret’s streams are focused on community engagement. She stays in character and invites her viewers into her magical world. She champions collaborative storytelling and interactive events. Her aesthetic is L2D fantasy art and immersive voice acting.
Though new, she has built a loyal niche audience. Her charm lies in deep roleplay meets personal warmth. Fans praise her dedication to world‑building and character consistency. Azeret Seir shows promise as a fantasy‑focused VTuber who balances lore, ASMR, and stream interactivity. She aims to enchant Earthlings, and beyond, with her mythical journey.
Cosplay
We look at a few cosplay videos from various anime expos bringing beloved Anime, Manga, game and even tv series characters to life!
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
Go: The Ancient Strategy Game Loved Across Asia, And Why You Should Try It
Go has travelled far and wide and is known by different names. In China, it is called Weiqi, In Japan Igo, and in Korea it is baduk. Go is an abstract strategy two-player board game with the aim to surround more territory than the opponent. It is known as the Surrounding Game.
Its origins lie in China, and it was invented there more than 5,000 years ago, one of the oldest (perhaps the oldest) board game that is still played today. Some believe that the Chinese emperor had one of his counsellors design a game to teach his son the skills of discipline, focus and balance, and that is how the game started. The earliest written reference to the game dates back to the 4th century. When it was imported to Japan, it became a game of the noblemen and the samurai.
The rules of Go are very simple, yet the game is complex, filled with possibilities. The board is larger than a chessboard, and the moves have far more possibilities than chess. The game is played with pieces called ‘stones’. One player uses white stones and the other black. These stones are played on the board, which has a 19 x 19 grid of lines. Don’t let that scare you, as beginners usually start on 9 x 9 and 13 x 13 boards. The game’s objective is simple; you use your stones to surround a larger area of the board than your opponent’s.
Unlike chess, where your pieces have the opportunity to move ever turn, in Go your stone may not be moved once it is placed on the board, but when a stone is captured (surrounded by stones of the opposite colour) it is removed from the board. The game continues until neither player wishes to continue a move or when a player resigns, then at the conclusion the territory captured is counted on each side, as well as the captured stones and komi (which are points added to the score of the ‘white stone’ player as a compensation for playing second) to determine who won the game. Go (or Igo) can be seen as a battle, two warriors of the stone playing their ‘men’ or stones in a battle to surround each other and conquer territory. It truly is a Game of Stones.
Hikaru no Go
There are more than one fun way to learn the amazing board game of Go. One of them is the Anime (Japanese Animation) series called Hikaru No Go.
In Hikaru No Go a young boy discovers an old Go board while clearing old stuff in storage. He plans to sell the board for pocket money but then discovers that the ghost of a man named Fujiwarano Sai, a man that taught the emperor of Japan Go during the Heian Era, inhabits the board. At first, Hikaru decides to help the ghost to play his beloved Go game as a kindness and also to get tips for his history homework, but Hikaru gets interested in the game and he and Sai also become great friends.
The anime has a great storyline, and it teaches you about Go episode for episode while keeping you interested in the plots as the tale unfolds. Lots of nice tips for beginners are learned, like in episode 2 they show you all about the Go board rule of Atari where you are in Atari when surrounded by three sides of the opponent’s stones.
Also in the episodes after the end credits there is a small extra series called Go, Go, Igo – a live action series where Teacher Yakari and her helpers Mai-chan and Yuuki-chan teaches us about moves and rules of the game. Example: In Episode 2 Teacher Yukari shows how easy it is to surround one stone in GO and in Episode 5 you are taught moves that are forbidden in Go like placing a stone in the middle of an opponent’s “eye” on the board. You should definitely watch this anime, it is fun and educating.
We leave you with these words…
“This is the universe, and I am placing stones one by one on that. Like I am increasing the number of stars one by one. I’m making the universe. It’s like I’m a god. I am going to become a god on this Go Board” Hikaru said that in episode 5 which shows you that you are master of your game’s destiny, you are part of the flow and outcome of the game.
Whether you’re a curious beginner or a lifelong learner, Go offers a journey unlike any other. Try it today, you might find yourself hooked for life.
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