May 2025 Bento News

Itadakimasu

Konnichiwa, AnimeFanatiks! Our May 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 April? We’ve done the digging for you!

This month’s 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

Anime Faces New Challenges Amid Censorship and Shifting Broadcast Trends

Anime’s worldwide popularity continues to soar, yet new challenges are emerging. As reported by Mantan Web, China has tightened censorship on televised anime, banning stories about government overthrow and even middle school romance. This impacts classic and modern titles alike, including Attack on Titan and Sailor Moon.

Meanwhile, Japan’s broadcast scene is in flux: TV Asahi and Fuji TV are adding prime-time anime slots for Spring 2025, even as others shift focus to live-action content. Rising production costs and streaming competition add pressure, but merchandise sales and growing international demand keep anime a strong force despite censorship hurdles.

From Niche to Mainstream: The Realities of Anime’s Rapid Growth

Anime has exploded in popularity over the past two decades, shifting from a niche to a mainstream entertainment medium. While growth brings benefits, serious challenges remain. A Mantan Web article highlights rising production costs, anime episodes can cost up to 50 million yen, far more than variety shows.

Securing investments is also tougher for anime. Productions take much longer, often over a year, and staff shortages, fuelled by low pay and long hours, remain a major concern. However, foreign investment and industry reforms are slowly improving conditions. Despite its hurdles, anime’s future remains bright and full of promise.

Future Boy Conan Lands on RetroCrush

Seven years before founding Studio Ghibli, Hayao Miyazaki directed Future Boy Conan (1978), a post-apocalyptic anime based on The Incredible Tide by Alexander Key. Now, the series is finally streaming in North America. Starting April 18, Future Boy Conan will be available on RetroCrush, with new episodes dropping weekly.

It will also feature during the “A Very Hayao Miyazaki Earth Day” marathon. Though lesser known than Miyazaki’s later works, the series showcases his signature themes of resilience, environmentalism, and wonder. Future Boy Conan remains a must-watch for anime fans, highlighting the early genius of a legendary creator.

The Late Akira Toriyama Once Caught His Editor Acting Like Master Roshi

In a recent KosoKoso podcast, a light-hearted story surfaced involving Akira Toriyama and his former editor, Kazuhiko Torishima. The panel, including Dragon Ball creatives like Katsuyoshi Nakatsuru and Kazuo Enokimoto, fondly shared memories of working with Toriyama, who passed away in March 2024. One hilarious anecdote revealed Toriyama catching Torishima browsing adult magazines in a public bookstore, a moment straight out of a Dragon Ball gag.

Mortified, Torishima reportedly avoided public outings for a while afterward. Torishima, known for his blunt honesty and critical eye, helped shape major Shonen Jump hits but often clashed with Toriyama’s laid-back style. Despite rough schedules and the burden of tight deadlines, Toriyama stubbornly stayed in his hometown, refusing to move closer to Tokyo, even at the cost of his health.

Meanwhile, Dragon Ball Super remains on hiatus following Toriyama’s death, aside from a special one-shot released earlier this year. His protégé, Toyotarou, honoured him with a touching tribute illustration featuring beloved characters like Goku and Arale. Though the future of Dragon Ball is uncertain, Toyotarou’s heartfelt message to fans: “Look forward to future developments!”, gives hope that Toriyama’s legacy will continue to thrive.

Watanabe’s Lazarus Brings a Dark, Melancholic Vision to Life

Shinichiro Watanabe, creator of Cowboy Bebop, returns with Lazarus, a post-apocalyptic anime that has officially launched. Set in a world devastated by a failed miracle drug, the story follows rogue agent Axel as he hunts down the drug’s creator to save humanity.

Although Lazarus carries Watanabe’s signature style, he emphasised in a Vulture interview that this is not a revival of past works, such as Cowboy Bebop but a bold new story. True to his tradition of fusing music and visuals, Watanabe brought in Bonobo, Floating Points, and Kamasi Washington, whose powerful opening theme, “Vortex,“ sets the tone for this haunting series.

In Memoriam: Voice Actor William Bassett, Known for Iconic Roles, Passes Away at 89

William Bassett, renowned voice actor, passed away on February 9, 2025, at the age of 89. Bassett’s versatile voice can be heard in Ah! My Goddess: The Movie, Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory, Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro, and Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex. He also voiced characters in Fallout 3, Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes, and Final Fantasy Type-0 HD.

Beyond voice work, Bassett appeared in films like The Karate Kid, House of 1000 Corpses, and Demon Hunter, with TV roles in Bewitched, Scrubs, and Arrested Development.

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

Osananajimi to wa Love Comedy ni Naranai

The anime series, produced by Tezuka Productions, is scheduled to premiere in 2026.

Zombieland Saga Movie: Yumeginga Paradise

The anime movie is scheduled to premiere in Japanese theaters on October 24.

Seitokai ni mo Ana wa Aru!

Muchi began drawing the school comedy manga in Weekly Shounen Magazine in April 2022

Kusunoki no Bannin

After a failed act of revenge lands him in jail, Reito becomes the reluctant guardian of a camphor tree with secrets.

Tenkaichi: Nihon Saikyou Bugeisha Ketteisen

Tenkaichi has a cumulative 700,000 copies of its volumes in circulation.

Kanan-sama wa Akumade Choroi

A supernatural romcom about a lovestruck demon and the boy who was supposed to be her prey

Returning Series

Medalist

The 13th and final episode of Medalist ended with a second season announcement and we can’t wait.

Interesting Anime News

Gundam Wing Celebrates 30 Years With Fan-Favorite Gunpla Model Kits Finally Heading to North America

In celebration of the 30th anniversary of Gundam Wing, several High Grade Gunpla model kits will be released in North American storefronts.

Dandadan Anime Officially Adapting Cursed House & Evil Eye Arcs in Season 2

Dandadan Season 2 will be based on the “Cursed House” story arc and the “Evil Eye” arc.

TBATE's TurtleMe Responds to Anime Struggles - The Beginning After the End

Anime quality is always a concern

"This Is Bad": Fullmetal Alchemist Creator Reveals the Scary Incident That Forced Them Off Social Media

Fullmetal Alchemist creator Hiromu Arakawa left understandably frightened.

Manga News

Kodansha USA Announces Deluxe Edition of Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin Manga

Kodansha USA revealed that it will release a Deluxe Edition of Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin, the iconic manga by Yoshikazu Yasuhiko and Hajime Yatate. The hardcover edition will feature a faux leather debossed cover and a 7.5”x10” trim size. The first volume is slated for release in fall 2025, with Penguin Random House listing August 12.

Set in Universal Century 0079, the story follows Amuro Ray, a young teen caught in the chaos of war between the Earth Federation and Zeon. When the Federation’s RX-78 Gundam is attacked, Amuro takes control, despite never having piloted a machine before.

The Deluxe Edition reimagines the original Mobile Suit Gundam series, previously partially published by Viz and later fully released by Vertical.

Shinobu Seguchi's Hikuidori Ushūboro Tobigumi Manga Adaptation to Launch in Weekly Shōnen Champion

The 18th issue of Weekly Shōnen Champion announced on Thursday that Shinobu Seguchi’s manga adaptation of Shōgo Imamura’s historical novel Hikuidori Ushūboro Tobigumi will debut in the combined 21st and 22nd issue on April 24.

The anime adaptation of the manga is set for winter 2026. Imamura’s Ushūboro Tobigumi novel series, which began in 2017, has published 12 volumes, with a spinoff short story collection released in 2022.

The novel won the 2021 Yoshikawa Eiji Bunko Award. Imamura is also behind the Ikusagami novels, adapted into a manga and live-action series, Last Samurai Standing, coming to Netflix in November.

Nippon News

Fuji TV Report Labels Nakai's Actions as Sexual Violence, Criticizes Company Response

A third-party panel’s investigation into Fuji TV and former star Masahiro Nakai concluded that Nakai committed “sexual violence” against a woman, with heavy responsibility falling on the broadcaster’s executives. The panel detailed how Nakai, a former SMAP member, coerced a woman into a private dinner at his home, which led to sexual violence.

Despite being aware of the issue, Fuji TV executives failed to intervene, treating it as a “private matter” and allowing Nakai to continue appearing on TV. The report criticised Fuji TV’s lack of understanding of sexual violence, resulting in a major loss of public trust.

Japanese Ambassador Wins Hearts with Paddington Bear Diplomacy

Hiroshi Suzuki, Japan’s ambassador to the U.K., has charmed the world with his soft diplomacy. Since his posting in September, the 63-year-old Kyoto native has sung in Welsh, danced by Christmas trees, and shared joyful moments online. Nicknamed the “Paddington Bear of ambassadors” by The Telegraph, Suzuki embraced the comparison by bringing a Paddington plush on a trip to Japan.

His cheerful Twitter posts have warmed hearts globally, even earning him a teddy bear gift from the Speaker of the House of Commons. With his down-to-earth humour, Suzuki is redefining diplomacy with warmth, laughter, and genuine human connection.

Man Arrested After Pouring Ramen into Train Ticket Machine

Japan’s train ticket gates are marvels of efficiency, but the ticket machines can be confusing. At Shin-Matsuda Station, a man vandalised a machine by pouring instant ramen into its coin slot late last year. Security footage caught him in the act, and after months of investigation, police arrested him for damaging property worth 1.5 million yen (about US$10,000).

The man gave a hazy denial, claiming he couldn’t recall specifics. Online commenters joked about the absurdity, noting similar incidents elsewhere. As IC cards and QR codes grow more common, these loyal, if clunky, machines deserve better send-offs.

Security Concerns Rise as U.S. Visitors Bring Guns to Japan

In recent weeks, two U.S. visitors have been caught bringing guns into Japan, raising concerns over airport security. On April 8, a Kansai International Airport customs agent discovered a handgun and knife in the suitcase of a 35-year-old U.S. passenger. This follows a similar incident in March, when an elderly American tourist smuggled a pistol and bullets into Japan.

The suspect claimed to have come to Japan for the World Expo, though his motives remain under investigation. Many are questioning airport security, fearing more lapses in safety, particularly ahead of large international events like the World Expo.

Tokyo Rice Prices Surge 90% in April Despite Government Stockpile Releases

Rice prices in Tokyo soared by 93.8% in April compared to the previous year, marking the largest year-on-year increase since 1971. This follows an 89.6% rise in March. Despite the government’s release of stockpiled rice to stabilise the market, logistical challenges hindered the impact on retail prices.

Only 0.3% of the 142,000 tons of stockpiled rice released between March 10-12 reached retail outlets due to delays in shipments caused by a shortage of delivery trucks. The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications reported that core consumer prices in Tokyo rose 3.4% in April. Soaring production costs and increased consumption from inbound tourism continue to push rice prices higher.

More Nippon News

Japanese bento chain slammed for 'no more rice' April Fool's joke

Given the current rice crisis in Japan, the joke is definitely in bad taste.

Yakuza mimic methods used by nasty new breed of thugs in Japan

Japan’s yakuza groups like Sumiyoshi-kai are going underground, ditching visible HQs and teaming up with anonymous tokuryu gangs online. As membership drops, these digital networks rise, making it harder for police to track or control their activities.

35 injured as buses carrying foreign visitors collide on suburban Tokyo expressway

Two sightseeing buses collided near the Kobotoke Tunnel on the Chuo Expressway in Hachioji on April 5, injuring 35 people, including foreign tourists, though all injuries are believed to be minor.

International News

A Wagyu Pioneer Expands to the Islamic World

Sugimoto-Honten Co., a Wagyu beef producer based in Uki, Kumamoto, has become a model for Japanese exports after rapidly expanding its halal-certified Kurohana Wagyu beef exports. Starting with shipments to Thailand and Macao in 2020, the company achieved halal certification in seven regions, including the UAE, Taiwan, and Singapore. Exports soared from six cattle in 2021 to 1.1 billion yen by 2024.

Now designated a “flagship exporter” by Japan’s agriculture ministry, Sugimoto-Honten aims to reach Indonesia and Malaysia next, growing its global footprint while maintaining high quality and price standards across religious and cultural markets.

New Logo Marks Authentic Japanese Whisky

With imitation “Japanese whiskies” flooding overseas markets, a new logo aims to set the record straight. The Japan Spirits and Liqueurs Makers Association (JSLMA) unveiled an official mark to distinguish genuine Japanese whisky, defined as being made entirely in Japan with strict production standards.

Only whiskies that meet criteria like using Japanese-extracted water, malted grains, and being aged three years in-country can display the “JW” seal. While not legally binding yet, this emblem helps consumers identify authentic bottles. The JSLMA hopes this mark will pave the way for full legal protection through future Geographical Indication (GI) status.

Chinese Man Executed for Deadly Bus Stop Stabbing

China has executed Zhou Jiasheng, who fatally stabbed Chinese bus attendant Hu Youping and injured a Japanese mother and child at a bus stop in Suzhou on June 24 last year. The Japanese Consulate General confirmed the execution, though details remain undisclosed. Zhou attacked the mother and child as they waited for a Japanese school bus, and Hu, 54, was killed trying to intervene.

The victims’ injuries were not severe. Zhou, said to be deeply in debt, was sentenced to death in January. He did not appeal, and no further hearings were held after sentencing.

South Korea's President Removed After Martial Law Attempt

South Korea’s Constitutional Court has unanimously upheld the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, officially removing him from office following his shocking attempt to impose martial law in December. The ruling was met with mixed reactions on the streets, celebration from critics and defiance from loyalists.

Though the decision restores constitutional order and is seen as a victory for democracy, it also deepens existing political rifts. Many South Koreans remain distrustful of institutions, and far-right extremism continues to grow. A new leader must be elected by 3 June, but healing the nation will take much longer.

YouTuber Vitaly Zdorovetskiy Faces Justice in the Philippines

Russian YouTuber and Kick streamer Vitaly Zdorovetskiy has been arrested in the Philippines for disruptive and illegal acts, including attempted theft, harassment, and unauthorised filming. Authorities confirmed he will not be deported, but will face local justice.

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla stated that creating content does not excuse harmful behaviour. Zdorovetskiy allegedly harassed residents, tried to grab a service firearm, and vlogged without permits. Charges like “unjust vexation” and “alarm and scandal” could lead to up to 24 years in prison. President Marcos even called him “crazy” after watching footage from his controversial livestreams.

The Vtuber scene and its antics

Gawr Gura has officially announced her graduation.

VTuber Gawr Gura has officially announced her graduation from Hololive, set for May 1, 2025, due to differences in creative direction with the company. Debuting in 2020 with little prior experience, she expressed deep gratitude to her fans for helping her overcome intense pressure and self-doubt. Their support transformed her from a timid girl into a beloved performer.

Gura reflected warmly on her journey, cherishing fan interactions, creativity, and shared memories. Though her time as “your little shark” is ending, she promised one final project before leaving and encouraged fans to remain hopeful and kind as they move forward.

From The World of Gaming

Dragami Games Appoints New CEO, Shōhei Satō

Dragami Games announced that Shōhei Satō will take over as CEO from Yoshimi Yasuda, who will remain on the board until the June shareholders meeting. Satō, CEO of Dragami’s parent company Extreme, has held executive roles since July 2022.

His experience includes work at Sammy, Masaya (Nippon Computer Systems), and X-nauts. Yasuda, who co-founded Dragami in 2022 after 14 years at Kadokawa Games, led the company’s acquisition of the Lollipop Chainsaw IP. Under his leadership, Dragami began work on Lollipop Chainsaw RePOP, a remaster of the cult hit supported by Warner Bros.

Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade Coming to Switch 2

During a Nintendo Direct livestream, Nintendo confirmed that Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is heading to the upcoming Switch 2. Originally released for PS4 in April 2020, the remake was a timed exclusive until 2021. Its enhanced Intergrade version, with improved visuals and extra content, launched on PS5 in June 2021, followed by PC releases via Epic Games and Steam.

This marks the first time the remake will be playable on a Nintendo system. Square Enix originally announced the remake in 2015, reviving the iconic 1997 Final Fantasy VII for a new generation of gamers.

Gamer’s Charm: Japan’s Morishio Gets a Horror-Game Twist

In Japan, you’ll often spot small salt pyramids called morishio at shop entrances, used to ward off evil spirits and attract good fortune. Rooted in Shinto beliefs, salt also purifies in sumo and funerals. Now, Shizuoka Mokko and game developer Dai 4 Kyokai have created Kyofu Kokufuku Morishio, a blue-hued “Fear-Overcoming” salt kit for gamers struggling through horror games.

For ¥1,650, it includes mould and dish, helping purify your space while keeping your gear clean. While some netizens are intrigued, others joke it might attract ghosts instead. Real salt or not, it’s the perfect quirky charm for brave players.

Google and Pokémon Team Up for Adorable Search Easter Egg Game

Pokémon and Google have launched a charming Easter egg mini-game for fans of the original 151 Pokémon. When users search for a Kanto Pokémon on mobile, a Pokéball icon appears, tap it to “catch” that Pokémon in a fun animation. Logged-in users can collect and track their captures, aiming to complete the full Pokédex.

Legendary Pokémon require Master Balls, unlocked after catching five regular ones. While not tied to any event or release, the game offers nostalgic fun for fans and mirrors past collaborations like Pokémon GO on Google Maps. Try it now by searching your favourite Kanto Pokémon!

Nintendo Switch 2 Launches June 5 with New Donkey Kong Game

Nintendo has finally confirmed the release date for the long-awaited Switch successor: June 5. Revealed during the latest Nintendo Direct, the new console brings major upgrades, including magnetic Joy-Cons with mouse functionality and GameChat, a video chat feature.

The first exclusive title is Super Mario Kart World, an open-world racer, and Donkey Kong Bananza, a new 3D/2D adventure, also joins the line-up. Other confirmed titles include Elden Ring, Hades II, and The Duskbloods by Miyazaki. Interestingly, Japan will get two language-specific versions, with the multi-language model sold exclusively via Nintendo’s online store. Pricing details are still pending.

Our Japanese correspondent Retara gave his opinion on The Switch 2 Japan/Japanese version

“The Switch 2 Japan/Japanese version is not as bad as some make it out to be. The main thing of this unit is that you can only use it with the operating system set to Japanese, and it can only connect to a Nintendo account that’s connected to the Japanese online store. That being said, you can always try to get a multi-language one instead.

All you need is a Japanese Nintendo account, 12 months of Nintendo online before April and still active afterwards on said account, and minimum 50hrs of gameplay racked up on a non-free game.

Personally, I think I’ll go for the Japanese version just because I have all of those things already in place.”

Only in Japan

Flying Car Demonstrations Suspended at Osaka Expo After Incident

Flying car demonstrations at the Osaka World Expo have been suspended after a part fell mid-flight from a Hexa single-seater electric aircraft. Developed by U.S. firm Lift Aircraft Inc. and operated by Marubeni Corp., the vehicle landed safely with no injuries reported.

The Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition announced that flights will remain suspended until thorough safety checks are completed. Initially, four operators planned to offer flying taxi services at the event, but all abandoned passenger flights due to safety concerns. The expo, held on Yumeshima Island, runs until October 13.

First Arrest at Osaka Kansai Expo: 83-Year-Old Caught Stealing Honey

On April 16, Osaka prefectural police arrested an 83-year-old man for stealing a jar of honey from the Kyrgyzstan booth at the Osaka Kansai Expo, marking the first arrest inside the event’s pavilions. The incident occurred around 1:30 p.m. in the Commons A pavilion, where 29 countries exhibit together.

A security guard witnessed the man, a Tondabayashi resident of unknown occupation, placing the ¥6,800 ($48) jar into his bag and promptly apprehended him. The man admitted to the theft. The Osaka Expo continues to draw large crowds despite the surprising incident.

Japan’s Unique Solution to Mountain Toilets: Gacha Machines

Japan’s beautiful mountains offer a paradise for hikers, until nature calls. Setting up and maintaining toilets in remote areas is costly, but Yamanashi-based company Spring has a clever solution: Gacha Toilets. Instead of traditional pay toilets, hikers can support maintenance by buying capsule toys from gacha machines placed next to porta-potties.

The first setup, near Iwadonosan Park, offers acrylic buttons or omamori charms made from upcycled COVID-19 partitions. Although payment isn’t mandatory, it’s encouraged. If successful, Gacha Toilets could soon appear across Japan, blending quirky fun with practical environmental care for popular climbing routes.

Momuri Helps Japanese Workers Quit Toxic Jobs—Even on Day One

Momuri, a Japanese company that assists people in quitting their jobs, recently revealed that four new employees contacted them to quit on 1 April, the very morning of their first workday. While some may think these individuals were impatient, stories shared by Momuri paint a different picture: toxic training camps, verbal abuse, broken promises about work conditions, and distrust in management.

Online reactions were divided, but many sympathised. With Japan’s labour shortage worsening, it’s telling that companies still cling to outdated practices, while younger workers increasingly recognise their worth and demand better treatment in today’s job market.

Tonight’s Wristbands Make Bar-Hopping Easier in Yokohama’s Noge

With over 600 bars and pubs, Noge can be overwhelming for newcomers. To make things easier, Tonight’s Wristbands were created, colour-coded bands that display your mood for the night in English and Japanese. Green signals you’re up for chatting, yellow means you’re open to advice or light conversation, and red politely indicates you’d prefer to drink alone.

Developed by a sake-loving local and an American expat, the project aims to enhance bar experiences. Sets of six will be sold for 500 yen this summer, with limited free samples available via See You in Noge’s social media accounts.

Cosplay News

Exploring WonderCon: Anaheim & Los Angeles

WonderCon is a fan-favourite convention celebrating comics, anime, movies, and pop culture. Originally held in the Bay Area, it moved to Anaheim in 2012 and has become a vibrant Southern California event hosted by the same team behind San Diego Comic-Con.

WonderCon Anaheim draws tens of thousands each spring with panels, cosplay, artist alleys, and exclusive previews. WonderCon Los Angeles, while smaller and less frequent, offers a more intimate experience for local fans. Both events highlight industry talent, indie creators, and fan communities, making WonderCon a must-visit celebration of creativity and geek culture on the West Coast.

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