Bento News January 2025
Itadakimasu
Konnichiwa, Anime Fanatiks! Welcome to the Bento News January 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
Netflix Dominates Global Anime Streaming Revenue
A new report highlights Netflix’s dominance in anime streaming, outpacing competitors like Crunchyroll and Hulu combined. Parrot Analytics, contributing to the Association of Japanese Animations’ 2023 data, revealed that anime generated $19.8 billion globally, with $5.5 billion from streaming—6% of global streaming revenue. Netflix leads, claiming 38% ($2.074 billion) of the total anime streaming revenue.
While Crunchyroll remains a major platform for seasonal anime acquisitions, Netflix’s partnerships with Shueisha and exclusive titles like One Piece bolster its position. Crunchyroll faces pressure to innovate, responding with collaborations, live-action adaptations, and platform expansions. Competition continues shaping anime’s evolving streaming landscape.
Pokémon TV YouTube Channel Streams Classic Episodes
The Pokémon Company International has launched the Pokémon TV YouTube channel, now streaming the first six English-dubbed episodes of Pokémon: Indigo League. More episodes will be added gradually.
This new channel replaces the discontinued Pokémon TV app, which ended service on March 28. Originally launched in 2010, the app offered free franchise content via web browsers, app stores, Roku, and the Nintendo eShop.
Meanwhile, Pokémon Horizons: The Series—The Search for Laqua debuts its second season on Netflix on February 7, 2025. Previous seasons of Horizons streamed throughout 2024, starting March 7 and concluding with November’s fourth instalment.
To find out more about Pokémon, we have found a kakkoi video from Watch Mojo
Studio Ghibli Cracks Down on Unauthorized Merchandise
Studio Ghibli has issued a trilingual statement, in Japanese, English, and Chinese, condemning the sale of unlicensed merchandise that infringes on its intellectual property rights. The studio confirmed the presence of unauthorized framed images, paintings, and reproductions sold online and in shops at inflated prices.
Ghibli emphasized its commitment to protecting its creative legacy, stating, “All of Studio Ghibli’s works were created through years of hard work.” It warned of strict civil and criminal actions against violators. Official merchandise sales fund future projects, and counterfeit products harm Ghibli’s global reputation. Fans are urged to support licensed Ghibli products.
In Memorium: Remembering Jan Scott Frazier, Anime Pioneer and Advocate
Anime industry veteran Jan Scott Frazier passed away on Tuesday at age 59. A trailblazer, she became the first foreigner to work in a Japanese animation studio’s production department in 1989. She later founded TAO Corporation in Thailand and co-founded GENESIS Digital Publishing with Kimagure Orange Road’s Izumi Matsumoto, creating the first digital manga.
Frazier’s contributions spanned roles in animation, directing, and translation. Beyond her professional achievements, she dedicated herself to supporting others through projects like Voices For.
Her passion, talent, and generosity left an indelible mark on the anime world. She will be deeply missed.
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
Gnosia
Developed by Petit Depotto, the game was initially released for PlayStation Vita in June 2019 and was ported to Nintendo Switch in December 2020.
Hell Mode: Yarikomizuki no Gamer wa Hai Settei no Isekai de Musou suru
Hell Mode: Yarikomizuki no Gamer wa Hai Settei no Isekai de Musou suru began as a web novel on Shousetsuka ni Narou on November 17, 2019.
Star Wars Announces New Anime All About Grogu
Everybody’s favourite Kawaii alien gets an anime? Hell yeah!
Takopi's Original Sin
Deceptively cute alien Takopi lands on earth and meets a depressed earthling, Shizuka. Determined to make her smile, Takopi learns quickly that time travel can’t heal all wounds.
Yu-Gi-Oh! Card Game The Chronicles
Set to further explore the lore behind the heart of the cards.
Returning Series
Castlevania: Nocturne Season 2
Castlevania: Nocturne Season 2 will finally premiere on Netflix on January 16, 2025.
Second Season of New 'Ranma ½' TV Anime in Production
The 12th and final episode of the new Ranma ½ television anime ended with a second season announcement.
Interesting Anime News
LOTR The War of the Rohirrim Pulled From Theaters After Just Two Weeks
The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim, Warner Bros. Discovery’s anime prequel to the live-action trilogy, moves to digital platforms just 14 days after its theatrical release on Dec. 13, 2024.
Hello Kitty Combines Cute & Cube in Official New Rubik's Cube Release
This will commemorate Hello Kitty’s 50th birthday!
Blue Lock Season 2 Is Done And One Fan Actually Married Isagi IRL to Celebrate the Anime
We er…uhm.. wish them a long happy marriage?
Manga News
2024’s Top Manga Picks: Japanese Fans Crown Their Favourites
A new Reader’s Choice survey by eBook Japan, one of Japan’s largest e-book services, has unveiled the top 10 manga of 2024, voted on by over 5,000 readers. The rankings highlight a diverse range of genres and demographics, showcasing not only popular Shonen Jump titles but also hidden gems beloved by fans.
Here’s the full list:
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End (Shogakukan)
Re-Living My Life with a Boyfriend Who Doesn’t Remember Me (Kadokawa)
Onna no Sono no Hoshi (Shodensha)
Jujutsu Kaisen (Shueisha)
Kingdom (Shueisha)
The Apothecary Diaries (Square Enix)
My Dress-Up Darling (Square Enix)
Delicious in Dungeon (Kadokawa)
Kaiju No. 8 (Shueisha)
The Apothecary Diaries: Maomao’s Notes from the Inner Palace (Shogakukan)
Notably, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End claimed the top spot for its heartfelt exploration of friendship and humanity, continuing its dominance after an acclaimed anime adaptation. Meanwhile, second place went to the emotional fantasy romance Re-Living My Life with a Boyfriend Who Doesn’t Remember Me, and third place to the comedy Onna no Sono no Hoshi, celebrated for its uplifting charm.
This year’s list underscores the evolving tastes of manga fans, favouring fresh storytelling across diverse genres.
New Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch From Mercury Spinoff Manga Announced
The official Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch From Mercury Twitter account revealed a spinoff manga, Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch From Mercury: Adolescent Frontier, launching in spring 2025. This parallel-world story reimagines the anime’s characters as high school students in near-future Japan. Written by Morion Airline’s HISADAKE and illustrated by Hiro Hata, the series will serialize on Kadokawa’s Comic Newtype.
The franchise continues expanding with prior adaptations, including the Vanadis Heart side story and a novel by Yūya Takashima. Directed by Hiroshi Kobayashi, the original anime premiered in 2022 and captivated fans with its compelling storytelling and artistry.
Detective Conan: A 30-Year Legacy of Mystery and Wonder
In 2024, the iconic manga Detective Conan (Case Closed) celebrates an incredible 30-year journey. NHK offers an exclusive glimpse into the creative world of its legendary creator, Aoyama Gosho. How does he craft such ingenious mysteries? Aoyama’s guiding principle: trust his young readers. “Never create something ‘for children,'” he insists, “they’ll see through it.”
The programme delves into untold stories behind Conan’s creation, Aoyama’s gruelling dedication that pushed him to his limits, and the heartfelt tale he truly wanted to share. It’s a celebration of the life and imagination of a man who never lost his childlike wonder.
More Manga News
Frieren: Beyond Journey's End Fans Get Disappointing Update
Weekly Shonen Sunday has announced that Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End will go on hiatus following its latest chapter 🙁
Squid Girl's Masahiro Anbe to Launch New Manga Series
New series to debut in Young Magazine
Nippon News
Eel Crowned Dish of the Year for 2024
Eel has been named 2024’s Dish of the Year by Gurunavi Inc., celebrated for strides in sustainable farming, accessibility, and rising global popularity.
Declining catches of glass eels have driven advancements in full-cycle farming, a process successfully achieved by Kindai University last fall, where eels are raised entirely through artificial fertilization. Professor Hideki Tanaka emphasized the importance of sustainable practices to protect natural resources.
Specialty restaurants have made eel more approachable, with chefs like Tomoko Matsui training homemakers to preserve traditional preparation techniques. This annual accolade reflects societal trends, spotlighting efforts to secure eel’s future as a cherished dish.
Japan Introduces Tuberculosis Screening for Visitors from Six Countries
Starting in 2025, travelers from six countries with high tuberculosis (TB) prevalence must undergo health screenings before visiting Japan for three months or longer, the health ministry announced on Dec. 26.
Philippines and Nepal visitors must submit TB-free certificates for visa applications beginning June 23, while Vietnam follows on Sept. 1. Screening dates for China, Indonesia, and Myanmar are still pending.
Certificates require a doctor’s assessment and a chest X-ray at Japan-designated medical facilities. Exemptions apply to nationals residing outside these regions.
Japan’s move aligns with similar international measures, addressing rising TB cases among foreign-born patients, especially the younger generation.
Shibuya Rings in New Year with Strict Measures, No Celebrations
Last month, Shibuya Ward administrators announced the cancellation of New Year’s Eve countdown events, continuing efforts to curb rowdy street parties in the area. To prevent overcrowding and maintain safety, officials also sealed off the iconic Hachiko statue from 6 p.m. on December 31 until 1 a.m. the next morning.
Shibuya’s year-round public drinking ban remained in effect, with heightened security enforced. Shibuya Ward head Ken Hasabe urged cooperation to prevent accidents, emphasizing public safety over large gatherings. Though festive celebrations were absent, these measures aimed to preserve the ward’s order and protect its cherished landmarks.
More Nippon News
Tough times for Japanese pubs as izakaya bankruptcies come at highest rate in more than a decade
More Japanese pubs are declaring bankruptcy now than in any year of the pandemic, study says.
Police called out to investigate suspicious Santa in Wakayama
Santa Claus came to town and police are called in to find or if he’s naughty of nice.
International News
Babymetal and Bloodywood Unite for an Epic Metal Collaboration!
Babymetal and Bloodywood have joined forces to release the single Bekhauf (Hindi for “fearless”)! This track blends Japanese, Hindi, and English lyrics, showcasing the best of both bands. Fans are hyped, especially with its anime-style music video by Mumbai-based Goppo Animation. Babymetal finally gets the 2D treatment after years of teasing an animated project.
Babymetal, the pioneers of “kawaii metal,” and Bloodywood, India’s socially conscious metal sensations, bring a mix of energy, culture, and metal fury. Whether you’re here for the music or the visuals, Bekhauf is a fearless celebration of global heavy metal unity!
Korea and Japan Double Down on Anti-Piracy Efforts with AI and Global Collaboration
Korea and Japan are intensifying their battle against manga and webtoon piracy, leveraging AI and international alliances to combat billions in lost revenue. Interpol Special Agent Hong Seong-jin, honoured with Korea’s first Copyright Protection Award, vows to make copyright offenders “pay the price,” warning piracy threatens the Korean Wave’s global momentum. His efforts include shutting down illegal sites across Brazil, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
Meanwhile, Japan is ramping up AI development, allocating ¥300 million to automate anime piracy detection and takedowns. Collaboration with Brazil under “Operation Animes” has already closed 15 piracy sites, highlighting the global scope of piracy’s impact.
Both nations are also enhancing K-content and anime’s accessibility. Korea plans a $685 million fund to spread K-content globally, while Japan integrates AI for interactive storytelling and international anime accessibility. These joint efforts aim to protect creators, ensure fair distribution, and sustain vibrant creative ecosystems.
The Vtuber scene and its antics
The Rise and Fall of VTuber Agencies
The VTuber agency boom has seen rapid growth, but many small agencies fail by chasing immediate success without considering long-term sustainability. Overexertion of talents, lack of management expertise, and misguided priorities drain creators, leading to burnout and graduations.
Agencies often mimic giants like Hololive and VShojo but lack the infrastructure to support creators effectively. Talents are left struggling to grow their brand without adequate coaching or resources.
With profit-driven models valuing sponsorships and new viewers over long-term retention, many agencies collapse under financial pressure, leaving talents stranded. Successful VTuber agencies require patience, investment, and a deep understanding of content creation.
Akira Holgate debuts on YouTube
AnimeFanatika’s own Shiro debutes as Vtuber on YouTube. His avatar is Akira Holgate, a multi-national jewelry designer Vtuber. In his debut video he showcased some amazing ring designs and ended playing games. Support him on YouTube and Twitch as he shares jewelry design, gaming streams and his ‘yappings about being a human’.
From The World of Gaming
Chainsaw Man Collabs with BanG Dream! Girls Band Party!
On December 15, BanG Dream! Girls Band Party! launched an exciting collaboration with the Chainsaw Man anime. The event introduced five Limited Members styled after Chainsaw Man characters, including Rui Yashio as Aki Hayakawa and Rimi Ushigome as Kobeni.
Fans enjoyed two cover songs: “CHAINSAW BLOOD” and “Fighting Song,” alongside a limited-time CHAINSAW AMPL’IF’IER event and collab missions offering rewards like Live2D costumes, decorative pins, and stars.
The collaboration ran until December 25, with the CHAINSAW AMPL’IF’IER event concluding on December 23, blending thrilling themes of music and anime in one memorable crossover.
Doraemon Dorayaki Shop Story Hits Steam in December
Game developer Kairosoft announced on X (formerly Twitter) that Doraemon Dorayaki Shop Story will release for PC via Steam in English and Japanese on December 9.
In this charming game, players run a sweets shop with Doraemon, crafting his favourite dorayaki to build a popular store. Players can customise the shop layout, manage tables, and create treats to attract customers.
Originally launched on Nintendo Switch on August 27, the game later arrived on iOS and Android on September 23. The game also features characters from other Fujiko F. Fujio works, including T・P BON and Kiteretsu Encyclopedia.
Sakamoto Days Puzzle Game Launches Spring 2025
Game developer GOODROID, Inc. announced Sakamoto Days Dangerous Puzzle, a smartphone game based on Yuuto Suzuki’s Sakamoto Days anime, set for release in Japan in spring 2025. Pre-registration is open, and a teaser video is streaming.
The game features matching puzzles where players defeat enemies with special moves and build a powerful assassin team. Players can also grow their “Sakamoto Store” to boost earnings.
The Sakamoto Days anime premieres January 11, 2025, running for two cours, with Netflix streaming slated for later in the year. The anime stars Tomokazu Sugita as Taro Sakamoto, directed by Masaki Watanabe.
More Gaming News
Man Arrested for Selling Reprogramed Pokémon Cartridges With Monsters Unlocked
According to The Yomiuri Shimbun, the suspect reprogrammed Pokémon game copies, such as Pokémon Sun for Nintendo 3DS, and sold them online for 5,200 yen (approximately $35).
Noroi Kago: the Grudged Domain Horror Game's Early Access Available on January 23
Co-op horror game based on GeGeGe no Kitarō anime
Only in Japan
What annoy Japanese train commuters about foreign tourists
Coughing and sneezing without consideration for others ranked as the most annoying behaviour on trains and at stations in a recent Japan Private Railway Association survey. Conducted online with 5,314 participants, the survey highlighted pandemic-influenced concerns, with 50.5% of respondents selecting this as their top grievance, up from second place last year.
Other issues included improper seating, noisy conversations, and poor boarding manners. Strong scents rose to fourth place due to increased train crowding.
For the first time, foreign tourists’ behaviours were surveyed, citing noisy conversations and luggage placement as concerns. The association aims to use these insights to improve passenger etiquette.
The Mystery of Japan's Johatsu
In Japan, the Johatsu or “evaporated people” refers to individuals who vanish from society by choice. Driven by financial struggles, shame from personal failures, or mental health challenges, they leave behind their jobs, families, and lives to start anew in anonymity. Services like “night movers” discreetly help them relocate, often to urban areas where they can blend in. Japan’s collectivist culture, which emphasizes conformity, creates immense pressure, making disappearing a drastic escape for some. While their actions are legal, their departure leaves families grappling with unanswered questions. The Johatsu phenomenon reflects the complexities of societal expectations and personal freedom.
McDonald's Japan Teams Up with Evangelion for New Burgers
January 2025 brings an exciting collaboration between McDonald’s Japan and Neon Genesis Evangelion. Starting January 6, fans can enjoy three unique limited-time burgers: “Crisp Potato & Thick Beef Rich Garlic Mayo,” “Mexican Cheese Chicken,” and “Cheese Double Teriyaki.”
The campaign, launched with hilarious commercials parodying iconic Evangelion scenes, includes lines like Asuka’s “Are you stupid?” becoming “Are you a burger?” and Shinji’s “I mustn’t run away” changed to “I mustn’t leave food leftovers.” The AT field-inspired buns and clever SEELE fry-box gags add to the fun.
Available until early February, this collaboration promises unforgettable mecha-themed meals!
AnimeFanatika’s correspondent in Japan, Retara investigated the burgers: “So I tried the evangelion burgers at McDonald’s and I must say I was surprised. I tried 2 of the 3, the chicken and taco meat one and the one with the hash brown and garlic mayo.
The chicken one had a nice crunchy chicken fillet with a mild taco sauce. Normally I find the spiciness here in Japan lacking, but this one had a bit of a bite and a nice tingle afterwards.
The real star was the hash brown one. The hash brown had a nice crunch and texture, and the mayo was nicely garlicky, but also slightly peppery. What was a nice surprise for me, was how the bun added a slight sweetness to it.
The two burgers used the same buns but the balance that the hash brown, garlic mayo one struck actually allowed the sweetness to come out.
Overall, I’d say trying either is worth it, but if you have to choose one then my vote is with the garlicky mayo.”
Only in Japan links
Bluefin fetches 207 million yen at 1st auction of 2025 in Tokyo
That is one expensive piece of Sashimi… wow…
Traditional ‘karuta’ card game held at shrine in Kyoto
Interesting way to combine poetry reading and cardplay.
Cosplay News
Jessica Nigri takes on the challenge
Jessica Nigri released a fun video where she takes part in a cosplay challenge set by CDAWGVA.
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