Bento News December 2024

Itadakimasu

Konnichiwa, Anime Fanatiks! Welcome to your December Bento News, packed with a delicious mix of updates from the world of anime, manga, and Japan!

This month’s menu has it all, from the latest anime and manga releases to game news that’ll make you drool, plus stories from Japan and beyond that capture the world’s eyes. Ready to dig in? Itadakimasu!

Anime News

Celebrating Excellence: Dolby Cinema Japan Awards 2024

At the 37th Tokyo International Film Festival, Dolby Japan announced the winners of its first Dolby Cinema Japan Awards 2024. Violet Evergarden: The Movie won in the New Anime category and were screened across 10 Dolby Cinemas nationwide starting November 15. The film, first released in 2020, was the inaugural Japanese anime to debut in Dolby Cinema.

Special awards were given to Hayao Miyazaki’s The Boy and the Heron, Godzilla Minus One, and The Super Mario Bros. Movie. The awards celebrate creators leveraging Dolby technologies to elevate Japan’s content internationally.

Fan-Made Dan Da Dan Video Goes Viral with Stunning Live-Action Creativity

This Fall, Dan Da Dan dazzled fans with its opening theme, Otonoke by Creepy Nuts, now made iconic by a fan-made live-action video. Uploaded by TheAnimeMen on YouTube, the video amassed over 11 million views in two weeks, showcasing vibrant recreations of Turbo Granny, the Serpo Aliens, and key series moments.

With $40,000 in production value, the video blends prosthetics, VFX, and humor, delivering a quirky tribute that perfectly mirrors the anime’s chaotic energy. Its viral success hints at the series’ potential for live-action adaptation while celebrating fan creativity and passion.

Orb: On the Movements of the Earth – A Hidden Gem of Fall 2024

Among Fall 2024 anime, Orb: On the Movements of the Earth, streaming on Netflix, stands out as a deeply intellectual and visually stunning work. Adapted by Madhouse from Uoto’s award-winning manga, it explores the heliocentric model amidst conflicts between Polish astronomers and the Inquisition. While overshadowed by mainstream titles, Orb shines in Japan, topping ABEMA’s rankings and captivating audiences with its message of curiosity and human connection.

With breathtaking animation and a complete story spanning 25 episodes, Orb is a masterpiece for fans of historical, thought-provoking narratives and understated brilliance.

In Memorium: Farewell to Visionary Anime Art Director Shigemi Ikeda

Studio GONZO announced the passing of art director Shigemi Ikeda, known for Afro Samurai, One-Punch Man, and My Hero Academia, on October 13 at age 69. Renowned for crafting immersive worlds with realism and emotional depth, Ikeda’s career spanned decades, including a 2009 Emmy for Afro Samurai: Resurrection. His work enriched classics like Mobile Suit Gundam and modern hits like The Promised Neverland. While Ikeda’s loss leaves a void, his legacy inspires generations, ensuring his art continues to shape anime storytelling.

Honoring Beloved Creators and Artists

Kazuo Umezu, famed for his horror manga (Reptilia, Makoto-chan), passed away on October 28 at 88. A private funeral was held.

Sayuri, the singer known for anime themes like Mikazuki for Rampo Kitan: Game of Laplace, passed on September 20 at 28.

Tony Todd, iconic for Candyman and roles in Transformers, died on November 6 at 69.

Eiji Yanagisawa, a voice actor in Naruto, Gundam Seed, and more, passed on November 12 at 57.

Their contributions enriched art and entertainment, leaving legacies cherished by fans worldwide.

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

The Case Book of Arne Mystery

Adapted from Game Magazine’s The Case Book of Arne (Arne no Jiken-bo) mystery game

Hotel Inhumans

Anime adaptation of Ao Tajima’s Hotel Inhumans manga

Uglymug, Epicfighter

Anime adaptation of Ryō Hiromatsu’s Busamen Gachi Fighter (Uglymug, Epicfighter) novel

Dekin no Mogura

A television anime adaptation of Natsumi Eguchi’s Dekin no Mogura (The Banned Mole, or The Banned Mogura) manga

Magic Maker: Isekai Mahou no Tsukurikata

Based on Kazuki Kaburagi’s popular light novel series, Magic Maker

The Invisible Man and His Soon-to-Be Wife

AIwatobineko’s manga The Invisible Man and His Soon-to-Be Wife (Tōmei Otoko to Ningen Onna: Sonouchi Fūfu ni Naru Futari)

Returning Series

Beastars Anime's Final Season

The final anime season adapting Paru Itagaki’s BEASTARS manga.

Welcome to Demon School, Iruma-kun' 4th Season

Anime adaptation of Osamu Nishi’s Welcome to Demon School, Iruma-kun (Mairimashita! Iruma-kun) manga

Interesting Anime News Articles

50th anniversary of the broadcast of "Space Battleship Yamato" is coming soon

To think this classic turned 50!

Fairy Tail Actor Quits Amid Crunchyroll Feud “Abuses Are Far Too Numerous to List”

David Wald had enough. It is sad when a great talent gets hurt and leaves the industry

All 52 episodes of the anime "Medarot" will be available for free.

Good reason to delve into the series if you haven’t watched it yet. It is a classic!

Manga News

New Horror Manga Manhole and Leviathan Hit North America

Horror fans have two chilling new manga series to explore, courtesy of Abrams ComicArts’ Kana imprint. Manhole by Tetsuya Tsutsui delivers a gripping biological horror mystery, following detectives Ken Mizoguchi and Nao Inoue as they unravel a deadly conspiracy involving a terrifying parasite. Volume 1 introduces unsettling autopsy scenes, including a writhing eye parasite, setting a spine-tingling tone.

Meanwhile, Shiro Kuroi’s Leviathan blends sci-fi and horror, following looters aboard a derelict spaceship uncovering a survivor’s haunting diary and a potential lurking threat. Both volumes launched on October 29, 2024, promising fans of body horror and cosmic terror unforgettable reads.

Vinland Saga Nears Its Epic Conclusion

After nearly 20 years, Makoto Yukimura’s Vinland Saga is reaching its finale. In an October 2024 interview with Anime Corner, Yukimura confirmed only a few chapters remain of the historical epic. The story, which began in 2005, follows Thorfinn Karlsefni’s redemption arc and will conclude with the Vinland Arc, blending historical inspiration with emotional depth.

Chapter #215 showcases brutal conflict as Nordic settlers struggle to coexist, hinting at a bittersweet ending. Yukimura admits even he is uncertain how the saga will end, keeping fans guessing. The series, praised for its rich storytelling, will likely conclude by early 2025.

Weekly Shonen Jump Increases Pay for New Manga Artists

Weekly Shonen Jump, Japan’s top manga anthology, has raised its minimum pay rates for serialized and one-shot manga as of November 2024. New creators will now earn at least ¥31,350 (US$206) per color page and ¥20,900 (US$137) per black-and-white page. With an average 20-page chapter, creators could earn ¥418,000 weekly or around ¥21.7 million annually for year-round serialization.

First-time authors also receive ¥500,000 to cover initial costs. However, production expenses, assistant pay, and lack of paid leave reduce net earnings. Despite challenges, the increase offers a better starting point for budding manga creators.

Nippon News

Mystery of Stolen Slippers at Japanese Preschool Solved

At Gogasho Preschool in Koga, Fukuoka, children’s slippers, stored in cubbies overnight, mysteriously vanished on November 6, with some scattered around the school. After a second theft the next night, affecting 13 children, police installed a surveillance camera.

The culprit? A Siberian weasel, captured on video pilfering the uwabaki slippers. Environmental ecologist Hiroshi Sasaki explained that weasels might steal such items to insulate their nests for winter. Similar incidents have occurred in Japan.

No charges will be filed against the furry thief, but the school has added protective netting over the cubbies to ensure the kids’ slippers remain safe. Use the auto translate under the videos settings to see the translated sub titles

Japan’s Poop Experts Prove Fecal Fun Can Save Lives

In Japan, unko (poop) isn’t just a source of humor—it’s a tool for education and health awareness. From kids learning kanji with Unko-sensei to apps like UnLog and UNKOMON gamifying stool tracking, poop has become a cultural icon.

The Japan Unko Society, led by gastrointestinal surgeon Yosuke Ishii, recently hosted its first academic conference, highlighting the serious side of poop. Talks ranged from colon cancer prevention to emergency toilet use and even surprising stool consistency data by occupation.

With initiatives like the Sustainable Unko Goals, Japan is breaking taboos while promoting intestinal health and normalizing bathroom talk.

Tokyo Crime Roundup: Japan's intolerance for crime

Japan faces rising criminal activity through yamibaito or “dark part-time jobs,” luring individuals with high pay for illicit activities like theft and fraud. Victims, often pressured by threats, commit crimes such as violent home invasions. While authorities have intensified awareness campaigns, Japan’s yakuza groups, including the Inagawa-kai, claim to oppose yamibaito, issuing public warnings. Skepticism persists, with some suspecting low-level involvement.

In contrast, individual crime is also making headlines. A 65-year-old American tourist, Steve Hayes, was arrested for vandalizing Tokyo’s Meiji Shrine by carving his family name into a torii gate. The incident underscores Japan’s strong stance against vandalism, emphasizing respect for cultural heritage.

Both cases highlight Japan’s intolerance for criminal activity, whether organized or individual, as the country strives to maintain public order and preserve its cultural identity.

International News

China's Push for Marriage and Births Faces Backlash

A wedding expo in Changsha, China, aimed at promoting marriage and childbirth sparked controversy instead of enthusiasm. With slogans like “Housework is the best” and “Best at raising kids,” critics accused the event of reinforcing gender stereotypes and discouraging marriage. Social media users criticized its focus on women, calling for equality in household roles.

China, grappling with record-low birth rates and shrinking marriages, recently urged local governments to promote family benefits. However, experts warn that deeper issues—like gender discrimination, high living costs, and a competitive education system—must be addressed. Without systemic changes, policies may fail to reverse demographic decline.

New Godzilla Film Announced as Minus One Triumphs Globally

The official Godzilla X/Twitter account revealed a new film is in development, with Godzilla Minus One director Takashi Yamazaki returning to helm the project.

Godzilla Minus One premiered on November 3, 2023, marking the anniversary of the original 1954 film. It earned $56.4 million in the U.S. and $50.3 million internationally, becoming the third highest-grossing foreign-language film in U.S. history.

Streaming now on Netflix, Minus One also features a black-and-white Minus Color version. The film won Best Visual Effects at the 96th Academy Awards, making history as the first Japanese and Godzilla film to earn an Oscar in this category.

The Vtuber scene and its antics

Why VTubers Are Leaving Their Agencies

The VTuber world is buzzing as more creators leave agencies to go indie. But why? VTubers leaving their agencies can have various reasons. Some VTubers just joined agencies to test the waters and when they did not like it or prefer to be in indie, left. Others on the other hand left because they did not like the direction the agency is going and rather wanted to work at their own pace.

It is reasonable that some wanted to try something new after being in an agency for 3 or 4 years. Or the agency went public and because new rules and a new batch of people can change the dynamics which do not resonate with Vtubers and they decide to leave. In all honesty, the reasons can be endless and not all of them bad, on the other hand agencies often provide resources, stability, and marketing that indie creators lack, so deciding to ‘go indie’ can have drawbacks.

Here are some more highlights from ‘Vtuber land’

– A vtuber opens up about being in the Anilive Jumpstart Volume 2 Program.

– Fauna who is leaving Hololive

From The World of Gaming

what games are Japanese playing right now?

Takashii recently interviewed Japanese gamers on what they are currently playing. Maybe Santa-san will notice what we like and gift us one of these this Christmas. Santa-san is real right?

Transformers: Eternal War Mobile Game Unveiled for 2025 Release

Chinese developer Wanda Cinemas Games and Hasbro have announced Transformers: Eternal War, a new mobile game slated for 2025. Featuring 3D character models, epic battle scenes, and a fresh storyline, the idle RPG promises to immerse players in the Transformers universe like never before.

Players can relive iconic moments with fan-favorite Autobots and Decepticons, iconic sound effects, and strategic new combat mechanics. Assemble your ultimate team, unleash abilities, and dive into a gripping narrative.

The Transformers franchise, celebrating its 40th anniversary, continues to thrive with animated and live-action films complementing this new gaming experience.

Nintendo confirms its next console

Nintendo has confirmed its next console will be backward compatible with Switch games. Though fans and media have dubbed it the “Switch 2,” Nintendo hasn’t revealed an official name, release window, or price.

In a tweet, Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa announced that Switch software and Nintendo Switch Online will work on the new system. This move echoes Sony’s approach with PlayStation 4 and 5, offering continuity across generations.

The backward compatibility suggests the new console will evolve rather than revolutionize the Switch’s design. While details like physical cartridge support remain unclear, Nintendo promises more information when it’s ready.

Only in Japan

Sega’s Emojam: Pagers with a Modern Twist

Sega’s new emojam brings back pager-style communication with a fun, emoji-driven twist, focusing on simple, meaningful messages shared only within trusted circles.

Instead of text, emojam uses a library of over 1,100 preloaded emojis, allowing users to send up to 10 per message. This encourages creativity and thoughtful communication, strengthening bonds by considering how friends interpret the emojis.

The device connects via Wi-Fi but isn’t fully internet-enabled. With group chats capped at five users and a 100-person friend limit, emojam prioritizes safety and accountability. Friend requests require in-person pairing, ensuring connections are genuine.

Available December 10 for ¥7,150 (around $48).

Ranma 1/2 Returns with a New Anime and Themed Cafe!

Ranma 1/2 fans are in for a double treat—alongside the new anime remake, a Ranma 1/2 themed cafe is opening in Japan! This nostalgic pop-up eatery features three locations: Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya. With Taisho-era inspired character artwork, the cafe offers a retro coffee shop vibe alongside a creative menu.

Dishes like the temperature-transforming Ranma Omelet Pilaf and Ryoga/P-chan Curry, plus desserts like Akane’s Dora-pancake, highlight the series’ quirky charm. Drinks include Ranma’s butterfly pea tea and Shampoo’s almond tofu float.

Opening December 5 in Osaka and Nagoya, the Tokyo branch will follow in 2025. Reservations and exclusive merch await!

The Circle of Resignation

In Japan, job-quitting proxy services like taishoku daikou have become popular for helping employees quit without awkward confrontations. For a fee, companies like Momuri break the news to employers and handle the resignation process. Ironically, Momuri itself recently received a resignation from one of its employees via another job-quitting proxy.

The employee, A-san, previously used Momuri’s service to leave their old job before joining its staff. Despite A-san’s history of frequent job changes, Momuri hired them, only to face repeated absences and eventual resignation. Momuri views this as a learning opportunity to improve workplace harmony and communication.

Only in Japan links

Japanese YouTubers Reenact Famous One Piece Scene Off Osaka Bridge

An epic reenactment of a fan favourite episode! You have to see this!

Mickey Mouse in now a transforming robot created by the designer of Gundam

Disney’s mascot rodent now a Transformer? Only in Japan, right?

Cosplay News

Victor Wembanyama Stuns in No Face Cosplay for Halloween Game

At first glance, Spirited Away’s No Face might seem like an easy cosplay. A simple mask and a long robe should do, right? Not quite—capturing No Face’s towering, mysterious aura is the real challenge. His childlike personality contrasts with his imposing height, making stature a key element.

Enter San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama. Standing at 7’3” (221 cm), Wembanyama nailed the look as he arrived dressed as No Face before a Halloween game against the Utah Jazz. Studio Ghibli fans and the NBA alike loved it.

Bonus points: Wembanyama scored 25 points, leading the Spurs to victory!

The Real-World Challenge of Drawing a Sword Like Link

Wearing a sword on your back may look cool in anime, games, or cosplay, but it’s far from practical. Japanese cosplayer @sakigake_cos learned this firsthand while cosplaying as Link from Breath of the Wild. Despite an incredible costume, drawing the Master Sword from the back-mounted scabbard proved impossible.

Enter Masahiro Sakurai, director of Super Smash Bros., with some expert advice. Sakurai explained how Link’s scabbard in the game subtly tilts to assist with unsheathing. Inspired, @sakigake_cos adjusted their motion, using a diagonal shoulder dip, and successfully pulled the sword.

Sometimes, real-world wisdom meets game design in the best way!

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