Bento News August 2024
Itadakimasu
Konnichiwa fellow fanatiks. We bring you a fresh new Bento News filled with yummy content. We have a lot of Anime and Manga news, salivating game news as well as news from Japan as well as the world’s view on happenings in Japan. Itadakimasu!!
Anime News
Crunchyroll Disables Comments to Foster Safer Community
Crunchyroll, the leading anime streaming service, has disabled comments on its videos, surprising its global user base. All user-generated content, including comments, has been removed across all platforms, though star ratings are still allowed. The official Crunchyroll Help portal cites the need to maintain a safe and respectful community environment as the reason for this change, without specifying exact causes. Speculation suggests this move aims to curb hateful conduct and recent review-bombing, particularly targeting LGBT series like “Twilight Out of Focus.” The community has quickly noticed this significant change in Crunchyroll’s approach to user interaction.
Magic Knight Rayearth Returns with New Anime Adaptation
The official X (formerly Twitter) account for CLAMP’s Magic Knight Rayearth announced a new anime adaptation project. A new visual and announcement video, featuring footage from the 1994-1995 TV anime, were unveiled, but the format remains a mystery. Magic Knight Rayearth follows Hikaru, Umi, and Fuu, three high school girls transported to the fantasy world of Cephiro. There, they must save the world from collapse by rescuing Princess Emeraude, who maintains Cephiro’s stability. Originally serialized from 1993 to 1996, the manga inspired two TV seasons and a 1997 OVA. Discotek Media released a complete collection in 2017.
One Piece Reigns Supreme in 2024 TV Lineup
In 2024, standout series like “Shõgun “The Boys,” and “Fallout” have captivated audiences, but IMDb ranks the “One Piece” anime above them all. Monkey D. Luffy’s thrilling adventures on Egghead Island have trended consistently, boasting mind-bending twists and stunning animation. Unlike other top series that release episodes in batches, “One Piece” has maintained a weekly release since 1999. This year’s episodes have earned higher ratings than Emmy-nominated hits like “House of the Dragon” and “The Bear.” With over 1110 episodes, “One Piece” continues to prove its worth and popularity, especially with its latest arc on Egghead Island.
Anime News Links
Sailor Moon’s Epic Finale Arrives on Netflix This Summer
The iconic magical girl franchise, Sailor Moon, concludes with an epic two-part movie series on Netflix this summer.
Headhunted to Another World From Salaryman to Big Four! Manga Gets TV Anime in 2025
A Salary Man that dies and gets summoned to another world by the demon lord to work for him? Sounds hellishly interesting
The Wrong Way to Use Healing Magic Anime Gets 2nd Season
Season one was fun and people loved it, bring on season 2!
Rooster Fighter Anime Announced at Viz Media SDCC Panel
It is not hard to picture a rooster fighting evil, especially if you have been attacked by a giant rooster in real life, trust me. This anime sounds epic.
Manga News
Ultraman and Spider-Man Unite in New Manga Adventure
Ultraman and Marvel’s Spider-Man will join forces in the upcoming manga “Ultraman: Along Came a Spider.” Japanese creators lead this collaboration, with Marvel expanding its Ultraman crossovers. The first two chapters debut on the Viz Media app on August 13, with print versions arriving in summer 2025. Announced by Anime News Network, the manga is a partnership between Viz Media, Tsuburaya, and Marvel. Tomo Hirakawa, known for Sword Art Online manga, will illustrate, while Shigennobu Matsumoto, a veteran Duel Masters writer, handles the script. This collaboration enhances Ultraman’s global presence alongside Netflix’s notable productions.
Paru Itagaki's SANDA Manga Gets TV Anime Adaptation
Paru Itagaki’s SANDA manga is set to become a television anime, animated by Science SARU. The “unconventional Santa Claus hero action” story explores a future with a declining birth rate, focusing on Sanda, an ordinary boy marked by a mysterious curse. His classmate, Shiori Fuyumura, attempts to kill him due to the curse linked to her missing friend. The manga, launched in July 2021, concluded in Akita Shoten’s Weekly Shōnen Champion this year. Itagaki, also known for BEASTARS, has seen her work successfully adapted to anime, with BEASTARS’ final season premiering on Netflix this year.
What's Next for Shonen Jump Fans After Jujutsu Kaisen and My Hero Academia?
As major Shonen Jump hits like Jujutsu Kaisen and My Hero Academia conclude in 2024, readers should explore new series to follow. Shonen Jump has always delivered genre-defining hits like Dragon Ball and Naruto, and the trend continues with diverse genres such as romance, action, comedy, and horror. Noteworthy titles include Sakamoto Days for action-comedy enthusiasts, and Blue Box and Akane-banashi for compelling coming-of-age stories.
New series like Kagurabachi have quickly gained popularity, raising questions about the next “Big Three.” Beyond Shonen Jump, explore Kodansha’s Go! Go! Loser Ranger! and Shogakukan’s Frieren. Seinen series like Vagabond and Berserk offer intense narratives for mature readers. Expanding your manga horizons ensures endless excitement, with fresh hits always on the horizon.
Manga News Links
Naruto and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles joining forces for crossover comic book series
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) are teaming up with Naruto in an official crossover comic series, “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Naruto,” this we have to read!
Hunter x Hunter Reveals Release Date For First New Volume In Over Two Years
We’re so glad Yoshihiro Togashi’s health is improving and hope the manga can continue without any more hiccups along the way.
One Piece Revealed Luffy’s Mom in the Most Subtle Way Possible
It would be interesting to find out who is the mother of The Strawhat Pirate’s captain.
Nippon News
Dolphin Danger: Another Bite Incident in Fukui
FUKUI—Beneath the waves of the Sea of Japan, a new menace emerges, and it’s not Godzilla. On July 21, a dolphin bit a 13-year-old boy’s right hand at Shiraki beach in Tsuruga, Fukui Prefecture. The boy suffered minor injuries while attempting to pet the dolphin in shallow water. This marks the third consecutive year of dolphin attacks in Wakasa Bay, with multiple incidents reported in previous years. Local officials have put up warning signs and buoys to deter dolphins. The Coast Guard advises against approaching dolphins and to leave the water if they are spotted.
Groping Incidents Plague Japan’s Youth
A government survey revealed that around 10% of young people in Japan have experienced groping, with over 30% of victims not seeking help. Conducted by the Cabinet Office, the survey found 13.6% of women and 3.6% of men had been groped, primarily on public transportation. Of the 2,346 victims, only 8% reported to the police, while 30.6% stayed silent due to uncertainty or fear.
The survey emphasized the need for better awareness and support systems. A respondent highlighted the lasting trauma, urging the public not to ignore such incidents and to assist victims when witnessed.
Honoring Kyoto Animation: A Memorial for Healing
July marks five years since the tragic arson attack on Kyoto Animation, claiming 36 lives. The pain remains deeply felt by families and admirers. On July 14, a monument was dedicated in Uji, Kyoto Prefecture, the site of the studio. Designed with input from Kyoto Animation artists, the three-meter sculpture features 36 white birds ascending, symbolizing each victim.
Ninety-three people, including victims’ families, attended the ceremony. Inscriptions on the monument celebrate the enduring passion and dreams shared through animation. Located in the Tea and Uji History Park, the memorial invites reflection without offerings, respecting local residents’ daily life.
Nippon News Links
Japan finds a ‘stealth’ cure for zombie businesses Let them fail
Facing a post-pandemic landscape of reduced state support and rising interest rates, many SMEs, which comprise 70% of Japan’s jobs, must adapt to survive.
Any act of vandalism can get one arrested so maybe it’s best not to act on one’s urges, however politics can drive people a little mad…
International News
Kimito Apples: Japan’s Golden Export to South Africa
Hirosaki University’s Kimito apple, a prized yellow-skinned variety from Aomori Prefecture, is set to make its mark in South Africa. Under a deal with Tokyo-based Wismettac Foods, the apple will be cultivated year-round, thanks to South Africa’s opposite seasons. This venture not only expands Japan’s apple export market but also secures intellectual property rights for the university. The Kimito, known for its refreshing sweetness and high storability, aims to tap into European and Asian markets, offering premium apples even during Japan’s off-season. This partnership could pave the way for more aggressive agricultural exports.
Okinawa Governor Condemns U.S. Military Over Ongoing Sex Crimes
Okinawa Governor Denny Tamaki has voiced his outrage following the July 4 arrest of a U.S. Marine for allegedly sexually assaulting a local woman. “If there is a lack of thorough discipline within the U.S. military, it is a very serious situation, and I am furious,” Tamaki stated on July 5. The incident adds to a series of recent sex crimes by U.S. servicemen in Okinawa, with 166 cases reported since 1989. Tamaki has called for the urgent convening of a working team with Japanese and U.S. military officials to address this growing concern. Meanwhile, Japan’s government pledged to promptly inform local authorities of such crimes in the future, a step Tamaki acknowledged as progress but stressed the need for transparency and preventive measures. Other prefectures with U.S. bases have also reported a lack of communication about similar incidents, highlighting the ongoing challenges in addressing these serious issues.
International News Links
This Japanese skateboarder made Olympic history
12-year-old Japanese skateboarder wins silver!
Why Japan’s teenage girls are so good at skateboarding
Japanese teenage girls dominates the skateboarding events at the Olympics.
SoraNews24 is looking for a new writer, and it could be you!
You may be the next writer for one of the biggest Asian entertaiment platforms out there, SoraNews24!
From The World of Gaming
Nintendo Stays True to Its Roots: No Plans for Generative AI
In a recent investor call, Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa confirmed that the company has no plans to incorporate generative AI technology into its games. Unlike many tech and gaming companies diving headfirst into AI, Nintendo remains cautious, valuing its decades-old expertise in creating unique gaming experiences. Furukawa emphasized that while AI has long been used in game development, the potential intellectual property issues surrounding generative AI are concerning. Nintendo’s stance aligns with its tradition of setting trends rather than following them, prioritizing creativity and innovation over the latest technological hype.
Assassin's Creed: Shadows, you have failed Japan
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows opened a can of worms as reported previously on our site. Where games from the Western world complained about various themes such as Yasuke being a person of another colour set in feudal Japan, now Japanese gamers are in uproar too, not about Yasuke being black, which is not an issue to them, but because the game which claims to be historically accurate is ridden with more inaccuracies than there are holes in a slab of Swiss cheese. One such example is that all Samurai, Japanese and foreigner, had surnames as it was important to samurai. Yasuke did not have a surname even if he was a prominent figure in Japanese history, that does not make him a samurai. Japan’s problems with the game are completely different from the issues raised in the West. While the Western world focuses on representation, Japan is more alarmed by the game’s disregard for historical and cultural accuracy. Japan’s issues with Assassin’s Creed: Shadows are more alarming because they reveal a deep disrespect for the history and culture of a great nation.
Gaming News Links
Project Sekai: Colorful Stage! feat. Hatsune Miku Teases New Project
Featuring Miku and her virtual friends, the game offers challenging rhythm gameplay, a gacha system, and online events, along with a mini anime, Petit Seka.
Goblin Slayer: Nightmare Feast—Epic Westward Release Announced!
This epic adventure features an all-star voice cast and introduces new characters, ensuring a must-play experience for fans of the Goblin Slayer series.
Only in Japan
Ghibli Meets Aubusson: A Fusion of Artistry
In 2009, UNESCO honored Aubusson tapestry, a 600-year-old craft from Creuse, France, as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. Known globally as the “gold standard,” these intricate tapestries require meticulous weaving techniques. Studio Ghibli collaborated with Aubusson’s Cité Internationale de la Tapisserie to create five tapestries inspired by Hayao Miyazaki’s films. The first, depicting Princess Mononoke’s forest, debuted in 2022. The second, from Spirited Away, followed in January 2023, and the third, featuring Howl’s Moving Castle, premiered in April. Now, Howl’s tapestry is displayed at Hiroshima’s Friday Roadshow and Ghibli Exhibition, celebrating Ghibli’s dedication to handmade artistry.
i☆Ris Celebrates 10 Years with New Documentary Film
The official YouTube channel for the i☆Ris voice actress idol unit released a new trailer for their upcoming documentary, i☆Ris on STAGE. The film, set to premiere in Japan on September 13, marks the group’s 10-year anniversary and offers a behind-the-scenes look at their journey over six months. Featuring interviews and career reflections, the documentary celebrates their dual roles as performers and anime voice actresses. The group, consisting of Saki Yamakita, Yū Serizawa, Himika Akaneya, Yūki Wakai, and Miyu Kubota, has contributed to numerous anime theme songs and continues to captivate fans.
Only in Japan Links
‘Humans are no match’ Japan ‘karate master’ who fended off 2 bears advises caution
A while back we reported about a ‘karate master’ taking on two bears and here is an article about his take on what really happened.
Food allergies New hope for egg allergy sufferersーNHK WORLD-JAPAN NEWS
There is hope for people allergic to the humble egg in the future.
Cosplay News
Anime Expo 2024
We share with you a Cosplay Music video featuring cosplayers that showcased their costumes at the Anime Expo in Los Angeles.
Cosplay News Links
My Hero Academia’s Ochaco Springs To Life In New Cosplay
Check out some stunning My Hero Academia cosplay
All the videos, songs, images, and graphics used in the videos displayed on this page belong to their respective owners or channel. AnimeFanatika does not claim any right over them and please support the creators by subscribing and liking their content. Hero image by Freepik (www.freepik.com).