Bento News February 2025
Itadakimasu
Konnichiwa, Anime Fanatiks! Welcome to the Bento News for February 2025, 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
Dandadan Season 2: A Highly Anticipated Return with New Surprises
The Dandadan anime, adapted by Science Saru, has exceeded expectations, according to its editor, Shihei Lin. With Season 1 topping streaming charts worldwide and boosting manga sales to eight million copies, anticipation for Season 2 is at an all-time high.
Set to premiere in July 2025, Season 2 will continue adapting the Evil Eye arc and possibly introduce the Kaiju storyline. New storyboards hint at the Ayase home’s reconstruction and Okarun’s updated look, signaling that the story will push beyond its expected boundaries.
Meanwhile, Lin teased upcoming projects, sparking speculation about Fire Punch and Akane-banashi adaptations. With Dandadan’s breathtaking visuals and high-energy storytelling, its return promises to be one of 2025’s biggest anime events. Fans won’t want to miss the explosive battles ahead.
Zenshu’s Ghibli Homage & LDH’s Anime Ambitions
MAPPA’s latest anime, Zenshu, has captivated fans with a striking Studio Ghibli reference. The story follows Natsuko Hirose, an animator reincarnated into her favorite tragic anime, A Tale of Perishing. Gaining the power to bring drawings to life, she recreates Nausicaä’s Giant Warrior in a pivotal scene—this time, as a beacon of hope rather than despair.
Meanwhile, LDH Japan has launched LDH Animation, with former Studio Ghibli President Koji Hoshino as an advisor. Focused on global anime production, LDH aims to create original works, adapt stories, and expand its digital presence. With such visionary leadership, LDH Animation could become a major player in the industry.
HiAnime Surpasses Disney+ in Global Visits, Raising Legal Concerns
HiAnime, the world’s largest anime piracy site, has surpassed Disney+ in global visits, according to Similarweb data. In October 2024, HiAnime recorded 364 million visits, outpacing Disney+’s 343 million. Even in November, HiAnime remained ahead, surpassing Crunchyroll’s traffic nearly threefold.
The platform’s surge follows the shutdown of major piracy sites like Aniwave, with experts predicting further growth. Meanwhile, the U.S. government has listed HiAnime in its Notorious Markets report, linking it to past piracy hubs like Zoro.to and Aniwatch. Legal actions continue, with law enforcement cracking down globally.
With billions in lost revenue at stake, the anime industry’s fight against piracy remains a high-stakes battle.
Sakamoto Days Takes Over Netflix and Opens a Must-Visit Anime Diner!
Netflix’s Sakamoto Days is making waves, ranking #2 globally for non-English shows in its debut week (January 13-19), with 8.6 million views. Surpassing expectations, it even landed in the U.S. top 10, proving anime’s mainstream appeal.
Now, fans in Japan can experience the world of Sakamoto Days firsthand! The Sakamoto Days Cafe American Diner opens in Tokyo and Osaka (Feb 6 – Mar 9), offering themed dishes and exclusive merch. From Sakamoto-shaped rice to Nagumo’s disguise pizza, the menu is as fun as the show itself.
With Sakamoto Days dominating both screens and dining tables, 2024 is shaping up to be its year. Don’t miss out—whether on Netflix or in Japan!
In Memoriam: Honouring Dale Wilson, Yoichi Onishi, and Hiroshi Shinkawa
The anime and entertainment industries mourn the loss of three influential figures. Veteran voice actor Dale Wilson passed away on Monday, as shared by his wife, Gail. Wilson, known for roles such as Cell in Dragon Ball Z’s Ocean dub and Clow Reed in Cardcaptors, battled prostate cancer and Parkinson’s for years.
Animator Yoichi Onishi, who left his mark on Dragon Ball Super, Saint Seiya, and Digimon Adventure, was remembered by his friend Eisaku Inoue. His dynamic animation and storytelling enriched countless series.
Renowned composer Hiroshi Shinkawa, known for his work on Kimagure Orange Road and Ninja Scroll, died on January 8 at 69. His music shaped anime’s golden era, leaving behind a legacy of unforgettable melodies.
Their contributions to anime and entertainment will resonate for generations. Our deepest condolences to their families, friends, and fans.
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
Strawberry Prince member Jel's Toi-san
Jel is involved in the planning, script, storyboards, character design, and voice acting in the film.
Futari Solo Camp
The anime is scheduled to premiere on Tokyo MX and other stations in July 2025.
Noble Reincarnation: Born Blessed, So I'll Obtain Ultimate Power
Nazuna Miki’s story of person reincarnated as prince with infinite level cap, cheat skill
Fermat no Ryouri
Maths geek meets chef and finds a new path in maths through cooking. Previously a live-action it is now going to be an anime.
Returning Series
IDOLiSH7
The 10th Anniversary Year Commemorative Live Broadcast program for the IDOLiSH7 multimedia franchise announced a fourth season and a compilation movie on Saturday.
Dorohedoro
Five years after its initial anime release, MAPPA’s popular Dorohedoro series has confirmed the release window for Season 2
Interesting Anime News
Gundam Wing Gets New 30th Anniversary Release With High Grade Gunpla Model Kit for the Anime's Biggest Mecha
The “HGAC 1/144 Wing Gundam Zero Clear Color Version” looks super sugoi!
'I Am Retiring': New 5-Day Anime Film Shows Why Studio Ghibli's Hayao Miyazaki Will Never Hang Up His Work Apron
Yeah right, as if the God of Anime movies will ever stop. His work on Earth will never be done. He has too many hearts to reach with his movie magic.
It's Official: Akira Is Getting a Collectible 4K Remaster And It's on Sale Right Now
Sugoooooiiiii. That is awesome!
At Last, Naruto's New Anime May Be Coming In 2025 Thanks To a Recent Studio Update
Nowif this happen it will make my year. Your’s too, am I right?
Manga News
Battle Angel Alita: Mars Chronicle Returns, Offering Hope for Sequel Fans
After nearly ten months, Yukito Kishiro’s Battle Angel Alita: Mars Chronicle manga has resumed serialization with Chapter #52, released on January 8, 2025. This marks the return of the cyberpunk classic, which has been on hiatus since March 2024. Fans, especially those hoping for a Battle Angel Alita sequel following the 2019 live-action film, are thrilled by the news. The series will continue through Chapter #56, with Kishiro planning a new project afterward. Despite delays, the Battle Angel Alita franchise maintains a devoted following, eager for both the manga’s continuation and a potential sequel.
Beastars creator's new manga and NHK focusses on Beastars!
Paru Itagaki, creator of Beastars and Sanda, launches her latest series, Taika no Risei (Taika’s Reason), in the seventh issue of Weekly Shounen Champion on Thursday. This marks her second new serialization in just three months, following the October 2024 debut of Ushimitsugao on Champion Cross.
The new manga features Ao, a high school girl, and Taika, a “dogman,” offering a fresh blend of Itagaki’s imaginative storytelling. Meanwhile, Ushimitsugao delves into sensual horror-comedy, and Sanda will receive an anime adaptation in Fall 2025, further cementing Itagaki’s creative influence.
ANIME MANGA EXPLOSION: Inside BEASTARS with Paru Itagaki
In this episode of ANIME MANGA EXPLOSION, we dive into the global phenomenon of Japanese anime and manga, with a special focus on BEASTARS. This critically acclaimed manga, set in a world of anthropomorphic animals, tackles modern social issues with depth and creativity. Featuring an exclusive interview with creator Itagaki Paru, discover the inspiration behind BEASTARS and the passion that fueled its creation. We also explore the anime’s final season, offering an exciting behind-the-scenes look at the innovative techniques that enhance its realism. Don’t miss this fascinating journey into the heart of BEASTARS!
CLAMP's xxxHOLIC Returns After Long Hiatus
xxxHOLIC, the supernatural manga from the renowned all-female group CLAMP, will continue its publication in April 2025, after a seven-year hiatus. First published in 2003, the original series gained massive popularity before concluding in 2011. Its sequel, xxxHOLIC Rei, began in 2013 but entered a hiatus in 2017, leaving fans uncertain of its fate.
Now, the manga will resume with Chapter 121, set to be released on April 21, 2025, in Kodansha’s Weekly Young Magazine. With its unique blend of reality and fantasy, xxxHOLIC’s return is a welcome surprise for long-time fans of CLAMP’s captivating storytelling.
More Manga News
Winners of the 70th Shogakukan Manga Awards Announced
Some of the titles include Puniru wa Kawaii Slime (Puniru is a Kawaii Slime) and Natsume Arata no Kekkon (Arata Natsume Getting Married).
Crunchyroll Announces New 'Crunchyroll Manga' App Full of Iconic Titles & Top Publishers
Crunchyroll Manga, set to launch in 2025 and wille feature “top publishers” as well as titles covering both “iconic titles and fan favorites.”
'Ippon' Again! Creator Yu Muraoka Launches New Fantasy Manga
Hōkago Fantasy manga about high school girl’s double life as adventurer launches on February 6
Massive Adult Manga Piracy Site Resists 'Egregious' Takedown Attempt in New U.S. Court Filing
A major adult manga piracy site is pushing back against a lawsuit aiming to shut it down, calling the case’s justifications “egregious” in an ongoing legal battle.
Nippon News
Evangelion AI Art Scandal: Two Men Referred for Prosecution
Japanese authorities have referred two men for prosecution over copyright infringement related to the Evangelion franchise. According to reports, the suspects—a 36-year-old from Yokohama and a 40-year-old from Shiga—used AI to generate and sell suggestive posters of characters like Asuka and Mari. They allegedly earned 10 million yen (~$64K) from October 2023 to March 2024.
Japan’s Agency for Cultural Affairs recently pledged legal support for creators facing copyright violations and is developing AI-powered tools to detect piracy. Meanwhile, industry figures continue to push for clearer AI regulations and protections for original artists.
The Growing Trend of JAV for Women
Japan’s adult entertainment industry, primarily focused on male consumers, is slowly shifting to cater to women. Known as JAV (Japanese Adult Videos), this industry includes various forms of media, from online content to magazines. Historically, JAV has adhered to strict censorship laws, like the mosaic filter on private parts.
However, recent trends show an increasing demand for female-oriented content. Companies like Silk Labo produce videos tailored to women’s perspectives, offering softer, slice-of-life stories and more passionate narratives. With a focus on sexual health and romance, this shift highlights evolving preferences within Japan’s adult entertainment market.
Mochi: Japan's Dangerous New Year Tradition
Mochi, a glutinous rice cake, is a staple of Japanese New Year celebrations, symbolizing good fortune and vitality. However, this centuries-old tradition carries a lethal risk—choking. Originally part of rituals to gain divine energy, mochi’s sticky texture can cause fatal asphyxiation if not chewed carefully.
Despite this, mochi remains essential in New Year’s festivities, often served in ozoni soup. The tradition dates back to the Heian period, when it was used in rituals to promote longevity and strength. While mochi continues to honor cultural heritage, it’s crucial to consume it safely, especially for the elderly and children.
See our January Bento Plus for more on Mochi
Is It OK to Stock Up on Omamori in Japan?
In Japan, omamori charms are sold at thousands of shrines, each offering blessings for specific goals, like love, health, or success. But is it alright to collect multiple charms? Shinto tradition doesn’t prohibit owning several omamori.
Despite Japan’s many gods, the faith encourages harmony between them, so using different omamori for different purposes, such as academic success or safe travels, is fine. When it comes to returning omamori, while some say they should be returned at year’s end for burning, you can keep them until your wish is fulfilled and then return them, especially for specific goals.
More Nippon News
Kyoto reportedly planning to raise hotel guest taxes, create highest accommodation tax in Japan
Top tier would charge 10,000 yen per person per night.
The Square Enix Cafe in Tokyo is closing down for good
Many pilgrims to the Land of anime will now not have a chance to cross the Square Enix Cafe off their bucker list anymore :'(
Osaka bans smoking on all of its streets, violators will be fined by patrols, vaping included
Japan’s third-largest city expands smoking ban ahead of world’s fair.
International News
Overseas Anime Revenue Surpasses Domestic for Second Time in History
The 2024 Anime Industry Report reveals that Japan’s anime industry hit a record 3.3465 trillion yen (US$21 billion) in 2023, a 14% increase from 2022. Notably, overseas revenue (1.7222 trillion yen) exceeded domestic earnings (1.6243 trillion yen), marking only the second time this has happened, the first being in 2020.
While some fear creative shifts catering to global audiences, the revenue gap is largely due to the yen’s depreciation rather than a cultural shift. Despite this, Japan’s anime market grew 10.6%, proving its continued strength both domestically and internationally.
Korean WEBTOON Industry Surpasses $1.5 Billion in 2023
The 2024 WEBTOON Industry Survey, published by MCST and KOCCA, reports that Korea’s WEBTOON industry generated approximately $1.5 billion in 2023—a 19.7% increase from the previous year. This marks the first time the industry has crossed the $1.5 billion milestone.
Platform providers led the market, contributing $959 million (64.4% of total revenue). Japan was the top export destination (40.3%), followed by North America (19.7%) and Greater China (15.6%). Since 2017, WEBTOON sales have surged from $258 million to over $1 billion, solidifying Korea’s dominance in the global digital comics industry.
The Vtuber scene and its antics
The $Kronii Situation is CRAZY
Kami Clips gets banned from several Reddit communities, Fillian imposter gets shut down, Ouro Kronii Scam EXPOSED, Next Vshojo VTuber Teased?
From The World of Gaming
Freedom Wars Remastered Trailer Showcases New Features
Bandai Namco released a new trailer for Freedom Wars Remastered, detailing battles, crafting, and customization. The remaster, coming to Switch, PS5, PS4, and PC, features 4K resolution, 60 FPS, improved textures, revamped controls, new difficulty settings, and enhanced online play. It launches Friday (Thursday in Japan).
Set in a dystopian future where survival is a crime, players—dubbed “Sinners”—must fight for freedom in city-sized prisons called Panopticons. Originally a 2014 PS Vita title, Freedom Wars returns with a new “Deadly Sinner” mode and refined gameplay for modern platforms.
Gundam Assemble: A New Miniature Game Joins the Battlefield
Bandai has announced Gundam Assemble, a new miniature game featuring 5 cm figures on hexagonal bases. These figures will have unique abilities, allowing players to recreate iconic battles or explore alternate scenarios. Mobile suits like the RX-78-2 Gundam, Wing Gundam Zero EW, and Gundam Aerial will be included.
Tied to the Gundam Card Game, launching July 12, Gundam Assemble will have collaboration sets featuring figures and cards. While Gundam Assemble’s release date is unconfirmed, its partnership with the card game hints at an expansive Gundam gaming experience for both tabletop and card game enthusiasts.
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza—The Wildest Entry Yet
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii drops on February 21, 2025, blending high-seas adventure with the franchise’s signature chaos. Originally set in Hawaii for Infinite Wealth, developers repurposed assets for a pirate-themed sequel—because why not?
Expect absurdity: Majima rocking his Yakuza: Dead Souls pirate look, galleon-sized ships instead of tiny boats, and over 100 mini-games. The Like a Dragon series thrives on clever recycling and product placement, funding top-tier actors and wild new content. In an industry obsessed with realism, this game proves fun is king. Don’t be shocked if Yakuza in Space happens next!
Lost Dragon Ball Mobile Games Resurface After Years
Two long-lost Dragon Ball mobile games, Dragon Ball RPG and Dragon Ball Wars, have been rediscovered. Originally Japan-exclusive, these early 2000s titles were playable on i-mode devices. Game preservationist @YuviApp unearthed Dragon Ball RPG, a 2008 turn-based RPG covering the Saiyan to Majin Buu sagas.
Fans are now developing a local server to make them accessible. While modern Dragon Ball games are globally available, rising development costs mean Bandai Namco prioritizes DLC over new titles. This strategy explains why Dragon Ball Daima content is coming to Sparking! Zero and Kakarot instead of a standalone game.
More Gaming News
Play as a Junji Ito Character in New Dead by Daylight Collaboration
Ito: “It was very moving to see that they had become even more terrifying characters after leaving my hands”
Nintendo Teases a Lego Game Boy Set
Build the classic handheld this October
Transformers: Reactivate Game Canceled
In the 1-4 player online game, players would have fought back against the Legion.
Only in Japan
Japan’s New Adults See Historic Drop in Dating Experience
Every January, Japanese matchmaking service O-net surveys newly minted 20-year-olds on dating and marriage. This year’s results show a historic low in dating experience, with only 53.7% having dated—down from last year’s 70.2% for women. The pandemic is a likely culprit, as these young adults spent key high school years in online classes, missing social opportunities.
Marriage aspirations have also dropped, but there’s hope—51.7% want to start dating, the highest ever recorded. With universities now their primary meeting ground, love may have been delayed, not lost, for Japan’s youth.
Japan’s Ramen Crisis: Rising Costs and a Struggling Economy
Ramen, once an affordable staple, is now caught in Japan’s economic downturn. Skyrocketing ingredient costs, soaring utility bills, and stagnant wages have put small restaurants on the brink of collapse. Many must raise prices to survive, yet risk losing loyal customers in an already competitive market.
Families feel the strain as groceries like eggs, vegetables, and rice double in price, yet wages remain stagnant. Meanwhile, Japan’s shrinking workforce makes it harder for parents to balance finances and family life. As tourists benefit from the weak yen, small businesses and households bear the burden of an uncertain future.
Japan’s Vanishing ‘White Post’ Boxes: A Relic of a Changing Era
Japan’s white post boxes, once vital for discreetly disposing of explicit materials, are disappearing. Installed in 1963 to protect youth from exposure to obscene content, these boxes were once common outside train stations.
However, as adult content shifts online, their relevance is fading. Some cities, like Nagasaki, have begun phasing them out, citing fewer collected items and maintenance costs. Experts note that while these boxes once tackled visible issues, today’s battle is digital, with rising concerns over online child exploitation. Authorities now seek modern solutions to safeguard youth in an increasingly digital world.
Lonely Sunfish Perks Up After Staff Creates ‘Visitors’
A sunfish at Shimonoseki’s Kaikyokan aquarium in Yamaguchi fell ill after renovations began, possibly due to loneliness. The once-lively fish stopped eating and rubbed against its tank. Suspecting it missed visitors, staff decorated its enclosure with uniforms and photos of people.
Amazingly, the sunfish’s appetite returned the next day. Popular among guests, the fish had often swum toward them. The aquarium’s social media post about its recovery went viral, touching many hearts. Staff now hope visitors will greet the sunfish once renovations finish this summer, ensuring it never feels lonely again.
Only in Japan links
Japan 2nd-grader who won barista contest dreams of helping coffee farmers
Shunsuke Ozawa, eight years old, already won a barista competition for university students and sells custom-made blends of beans under his own brand!!!
77% of schools still use faxes despite push for digital upgrade
Japan is very old school with admin-related technology. This is fascinating!
Curry Framed by 400 Years of History
NHK World Japan teaches Curry lore that is Only is Japan!
Cosplay News
Anime Los Angeles 2025 Cosplay Highlights
The Anime Los Angeles 2025 was eventful with highlights like Megazone 23 anniversary panel and the Lazarus world premier screening, and ribbon collecting as a fun side quest. We look at some of the cosplayers showcasing their favourite anime, manga ad game characters in their beautiful and inspiring cosplay costumes.
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