Bento News May 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
Black Jack Live-action
Black Jack is a beloved anime series and manga. A medical drama, it follows the enigmatic Dr. Black Jack, a brilliant and unlicensed surgeon with a mysterious past. Renowned for his unparalleled skills, he tackles medical cases deemed impossible by others, navigating a world of greed, betrayal, and human resilience. Clad in his iconic black attire and stoic demeanor, Black Jack confronts ethical dilemmas and explores the complexities of life and death, pushing the boundaries of medical science. The series delves into themes of justice, redemption, and the fragile line between genius and madness, creating a timeless and thought-provoking journey.
This year, a live-action series starring Issei Takahashi as Black Jack’s titular character will premiere. The cast includes Shizuka Ishibashi, Takayuki Yamauchi, Eiji Okuda, Tetsuya Chiba, Ryōsuke Mikata, Takashi Yamanaka, Kai Inowaki, Isao Hashizume, Shōhei Uno, and Taichi Saotome. This new live-action series joins a lineage of Black Jack adaptations, including a 1977 movie, a 1981 series, a 1996 video, a 2000 special, and a 2011 special. Additionally, a Chinese live-action adaptation was announced in 2020 by Beijing Enlight Pictures.
Mononoke movie cast revealed
The Gekijōban Mononoke: Karakasa (Paper Umbrella) anime trailer debuted, announcing cast members as well as the theme song Love Sick by singer Aina The End. Mononoke is a mesmerizing anime series with a unique animation style that follows the mysterious Medicine Seller as he confronts supernatural entities known as Mononoke. The creepy horror series’ movie promises to continue the story. The cast members include Kana Hanazawa as Kitagawa, Haruka Tomatsu as Botan Ōtomo, Yōko Hikasa as Fuki Tokita, Yukana as Mugitani, Yūki Kaji as Saburōmaru, Jun Fukuyama as Hiramoto, Daisuke Hosomi as Sakashita, Miyu Irino as Tenshi (Emperor), Tomoyo Kurosawa as Asa, Aoi Yūki as Kame, Mami Koyama as Kayama, and Kenjiro Tsuda as Hokuto Mizorogi. Kenji Nakamura is returning to direct the Mononoke film, with production at Twin Engine. The movie will open in Japan on July 26th.
Solo Leveling kicks Attack on Titan's rating down a notch
In January 2024, Solo Leveling premiered on Crunchyroll’s premium streaming service, quickly rising to prominence among anime enthusiasts. Surpassing established franchises like Attack on Titan, it claimed the site’s sixth spot by ratings, a testament to its growing popularity.
About two months ago, Reddit’s anime community compiled Crunchyroll’s top 300 anime list, ranking them based on ratings and comparing them to One Piece’s popularity. At that time, Solo Leveling held the seventh spot, a remarkable achievement given Attack on Titan’s decade-long fan base. Since then, Solo Leveling has surpassed Attack on Titan, securing the sixth position.
Unlike typical anime origins, Solo Leveling began as a web novel by Chu-Gong, later adapted into a manhwa. Set in a world plagued by dungeon monsters, it follows Jinwoo Sung’s journey from a weak Hunter to an unstoppable force with infinite leveling powers. A-1 Pictures‘ anime adaptation, co-produced by Crunchyroll, premiered on Jan. 7, 2024, captivating audiences with its dark fantasy narrative.
Yuri!!! on Ice: Ice Adolescence movie iced
It is sad to report that the Yuri!!! on Ice the Movie: Ice Adolescence (Yuri!!! on Ice Gekijō-ban: Ice Adolescence) has been cancelled. Studio Mappa, responsible for the movie’s production decided to ice the movie due to ‘various circumstances’. The series were to follow the storylines started in the 12 episode series, Yuri!!! on Ice that premiered in 2016, and the movie was announced in 2017.
Concern about the movie continuing actually started in September 2019 when the movie was delayed from its 2019 opening date. Their announcement at the time stated that the movie was delayed delayed “in order to substantially scale up the content more than originally planned.” In 2020 the movies’ official Twitter released an English Statement that it is still in the works but they had not yet “reached the stage where we can announce the release date.” The cancellation is a pity and we wonder what happened, why did they cancelled this highly anticipated movie.
We hope that in the future it will be picked up again or more Yuri!!! on Ice will grace our screens.
Anime News Links
You have to see it. These manhole covers are very artful and set a tone!
Japan’s life-size moving Gundam closes down
The life-size Gundam was on many people’s Wishlist – such a pity it had to be closed down 🙁
Chainsaw Man Creator’s New Anime
Tatsuki Fujimoto is a mastermind. Chainsaw Man had everyone’s attention and we hope the new anime follows in its predecessor’s footsteps.
Live-Action One Piece Series Adds Showrunner
The first season surprised us as anime live-actions from Hollywood tend to fail but this One Piece’s first season delivered a solid, loved series. Good luck to the new showrunner because season one set the bar high.
Manga News
Frieren Manga Series Goes on Indefinite Hiatus
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End has surprised fans with bad news—a hiatus for the manga series. Frieren has become one of the biggest anime franchises recently. Its easy accessibility, stellar visuals, and animation by Studio Madhouse made it a hit with fans and critics. The manga, just as good as the anime, is going on indefinite hiatus after Golden Week. The hiatus’s reasons are unknown, disappointing fans awaiting more content, especially with no confirmed anime return date. Despite this, the hiatus isn’t unprecedented, and the team deserves a break. While unfortunate, Frieren’s return promises to be even better post-hiatus.
Hikaru no Go Manga Gets Stage Play in July
The 21st issue of Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump magazine announced in April that the Hikaru no Go manga, created by Takeshi Obata and Yumi Hotta, will receive a stage play adaptation in July titled Uta Emaki “Hikaru no Go” Jyo no Itte (Song Picture Scroll “Hikaru no Go”: The First Move). Cast members will include Yōjirō Itokawa as Hikaru Shindō, Kōji Kominami as Fujiwara-no-Sai, Tomoru Akazawa as Akira Tōya, Akio Hirose as Kōyō Tōya, and Teru Ikuta as Akari Fujisaki. Nobuhiro Mōri will direct, script, and write the lyrics for the music in the show. Shinnosuke Motoyama will choreograph and stage the show. Shunsuke Wada will compose the music, and Mitsuhiro Akiyama will be in charge of art. The show is set to run at the Sunshine Theater in Ikebukuro from July 5-14.
Hikaru no Go is a captivating manga and anime series that follows the journey of Hikaru Shindo, a young boy who discovers a haunted Go board possessed by the spirit of a Go master named Fujiwara-no-Sai. As Hikaru delves into the world of Go, he unravels Sai’s past and begins to develop a passion for the ancient game. With Sai’s guidance, Hikaru embarks on a quest to become a Go professional, facing formidable opponents and internal challenges along the way. The series beautifully intertwines themes of friendship, rivalry, personal growth, and the timeless appeal of the game of Go.
Manga piracy website operator ordered to pay
The Tokyo District Court recently ruled that the operator of a manga piracy site must pay ¥1.7 billion in damages to Kadokawa, Shueisha, and Shogakukan. This decision, marking a high point in such cases, aims to deter illegal manga distribution. The site, Manga-Mura, faced legal action after a 2018 shutdown and subsequent investigation for copyright infringement. Despite challenges like domain-hopping and overseas-based operators, efforts continue to combat piracy. English translations also contribute to the issue, with over 1,200 identified piracy sites and significant global access to pirated manga. Notably, Manga-Mura alone garnered about 538 million views from June 2017 to April 2018, highlighting the scale of financial harm to publishers. The site’s operator received a prison sentence and fine, signaling legal consequences for manga piracy in Japan.
Rikers guard smuggled drug soaked issues of ‘Demon Slayer’ manga into jail!!?
An anime enthusiast working as a Rikers Island correction officer confessed in court about smuggling drug-infused copies of the popular manga “Demon Slayer” into the jail for a Brooklyn gang leader. Darius Murphy detailed how he obtained the comics from the gang’s associate and secretly delivered one to the gang leader in May 2020, keeping the second for himself. His attempt to bring the second issue into the jail was intercepted by investigators two weeks later.
Murphy’s testimony occurred during the trial of Moeleek Harrell and three other defendants accused of racketeering, murder, and drug trafficking. Prosecutors allege that Harrell’s gang operated drug activities on Rikers Island with assistance from Murphy and another correction officer.
A search of Harrell’s cell uncovered drug-soaked comic book pages, leading to Murphy’s suspension, termination, and subsequent criminal charges in 2021. Murphy, cooperating with authorities, hopes for a reduced sentence.
Manga News Links
Manhwa and Manga: Similar but Different Art Forms
A great article on the differences between Manhwa and Manga from an artsy perspective
Learn how to draw anime & manga from Japanese pros!
Dreaming of becoming a mangaka? This article may help your dream become a reality.
Cult Classic Magic The Gathering Manga Is Officially Being Released In English
Magic: The Gathering and Manga in one sentence – yes, please!!!
Dragon Ball Website Confirms Manga Return Plans
Can they fill the shoes Toriyama left? Holding thumbs!
Nippon News
23 New Japanese Words Added to Oxford English Dictionary
In March 2024, the Oxford English Dictionary added twenty-three Japanese words, sparking curiosity among Japanese readers due to some unusual definitions. Described as the definitive record of the English language, the OED boasts 600,000 words, 3 million quotations, and spans over 1,000 years of English across more than 20,000 pages and 20 volumes. One peculiar addition is “fan service,” defined as nudity and sexual imagery in anime and manga solely for reader pleasure, unrelated to story progression. Another oddity is “katsu,” typically associated in Japan with tonkatsu pork, but now defined as a breaded and deep-fried chicken, seafood, or vegetable dish.
Danica Salazar from the OED noted that these definitions reflect English usage in newspapers, journals, and social media. Additional Japanese entries include “kintsugi,” the art of repairing pottery with lacquer and gold, and “isekai,” a genre where characters enter a magical world. The inclusion of these words reflects Japan’s cultural impact on global English, a trend seen since the late 19th century when Japan opened up to the West.
Here’s the full list of new entries:
donburi, hibachi, isekai, kagome, karaage, katsu, katsu curry, kintsugi, kirigami, mangaka, okonomiyaki, omotenashi, onigiri, santoku, shibori, takoyaki, tokusatsu, tonkatsu, tonkatsu sauce, tonkotsu, washi tape, yakiniku.
Man Versus Bear, Japan-style
One fine April morning, a fifty-year old karate expert from Toyota, Aichi Prefecture, had a hilarious encounter with two brown bears in Nayoro, Hokkaido. As he strolled along a forest road, probably pondering the meaning of life or the taste of local honey, he stumbled upon these furry tourists. Without skipping a beat, he engaged in a dance-off with one bear, showcasing his impressive kick-dancing skills right to the bear’s face! Astonishingly, both bears decided they weren’t quite ready for the limelight and scampered away. The man, unscathed and possibly feeling like a ninja, continued his sightseeing escapade, proving that even bears can’t bear his unbeatable charm.
Daring Stowaway: French Man's Clumsy Attempt to Sneak into Japan via Cruise Ship
A daring incident unfolded as a French man, believed to be around 50 years old, attempted to sneak into Japan by descending down a rope from the MSC Bellissima cruise ship in Kobe. The vessel had just begun its journey from Yokohama when the man’s risky maneuver caught the attention of authorities. Despite suffering minor injuries, his motive for such a perilous stunt remains unclear. The baffling episode raises questions about his immigration status and the drastic measures taken to enter the country illegally. Authorities are now delving into the peculiar circumstances surrounding this daring stowaway.
J-pop megastar Utada Hikaru releases new video and recording of “Traveling”
J-pop megastar Hikaru Utada has churned out numerous hits, with “Travelling” standing out as a smash hit in 2002. The song has maintained its popularity over the years and has recently gained renewed attention with the surprise release of a brand new “Travelling” video. Titled “Ayataka meets Hikaru Utada Traveling,” the video is a collaboration with Coca-Cola Japan’s Ayataka green tea, evident from its tea leaf-inspired color scheme and Utada’s inclusion of a bottle of Ayataka green tea in the video.
Fans familiar with Utada’s music may notice a difference in the sound of this version compared to the 2001 release. This “Travelling (re-recording)” version will be featured on Utada’s upcoming greatest hits album, “Science Fiction.” This album marks her fifth compilation album, following previous releases such as “Utada Hikaru Single Collection Vol. 1,” “Utada Hikaru Single Collection Vol. 2,” “Utada the Best,” and “Utada Hikaru Single Collection Vol. 1+2 HD,” all spanning from 2004 to 2014. “Science Fiction” will be her first official greatest hits album.
Nippon News Links
Yakuza lieutenant arrested in Tokyo for stealing Pokémon cards
Clearly the wrong way to go about ‘Gotta Catch ’em All’
Crying contest for babies held in Hiroshima on Children’s Day
Just when you think you heard it all… for crying out loud?!!
Volunteers spend spring holidays helping Japan’s quake-hit areas
Nothing more beautiful than communities coming together to give a helping hand in times of crisis.
Pianist Fuzjko Hemming dies after remarkable life of 92 years
She was a legend and she touched many lives through her art.
International News
Japan child population shrinks for 43rd straight year
Japan’s child population hit another record low, declining for the 43rd consecutive year to 14.01 million children aged 14 or younger. This marked a decrease of 330,000 from the previous year, with children now constituting 11.3% of the population, the lowest since 1950. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s government is introducing “unprecedented” measures to combat this trend, including financial aid for child-rearing households and expanding daycare services. However, Japan still ranks second lowest globally in child population ratios. Tokyo and Kanagawa Prefecture remain the only areas with over 1 million children, while Osaka Prefecture saw its child population dip below 1 million for the first time since records began in 1970.
Japan men's soccer wins U-23 Asian Cup
Japan’s men’s football team secured victory at the Under-23 Asian Cup, defeating Uzbekistan 1-0 in a hard-fought final. Yamada Fuki’s late goal in stoppage time broke the deadlock, seemingly ensuring Japan’s win. However, a penalty awarded to Uzbekistan added suspense, but goalkeeper Kokubo Leo Brian’s crucial save ensured Japan’s triumph. Reflecting on the victory, Kokubo expressed the team’s determination for redemption after their loss two years prior. The tournament also determined Asian qualifiers for the Paris Olympics, with Japan, Uzbekistan, and Iraq securing berths. Japan, in Group D, will compete against Paraguay, Mali, and Israel, while Uzbekistan joins Group C with Spain, Egypt, and the Dominican Republic. Iraq is placed in Group B alongside Argentina, Morocco, and Ukraine.
Japan Falls to 70th in Freedom of Press Rankings
Japan dropped two spots to 70th in the 2024 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders. The organization noted challenges like traditional and business interests, political pressures, gender inequalities, and social media harassment by nationalist groups targeting critical journalists. Among the G7 nations, Japan had the lowest ranking. China improved to 172nd, although it remains a major jailer of journalists. North Korea moved up to 177th. The report highlighted China’s surveillance and repression of independent reporting and Russia’s crackdown on media post-Ukraine invasion. European countries dominated the top 10, led by Norway, while Eritrea ranked lowest globally.
From The World of Gaming
Donkey Kong Area of Universal Studios Japan Delayed to 2nd Half of 2024
Universal Studios Japan’s Super Nintendo World’s Donkey Kong Country-themed area debut has been postponed from spring 2024 to the latter half of the year, as revealed by the park’s official Twitter account. The new opening date will be disclosed later. The original launch plan in July 2020 was delayed due to COVID-19 concerns. Super Nintendo World premiered in March 2021 with attractions like “Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge” and “Yoshi’s Adventure,” enhancing visitor experience with interactive Power-Up Bands. This expansion aligns with Universal’s broader Nintendo-themed venture, echoed in Super Nintendo World’s presence in other Universal parks and the upcoming Epic Universe in Orlando, set for early 2025.
Dragon Ball Sparking! Zero Game's MasterApprentice Trailer Reveals New Characters
Bandai Namco Entertainment America recently debuted a new trailer for Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero, the latest installment in the Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi franchise. The trailer introduces new playable characters like Gohan (Kid and Adult), Trunks (Sword), Videl, Beerus, Whis, and Master Roshi, alongside glimpses of Piccolo, Krillin, Yamcha, and future Android 17 and 18 forms. Previously announced characters include Goku, Vegeta, and their various forms and transformations as well as Super Trunks, Master Roshi (Max Power), Nappa, Burter, Jeice, Super Saiyan Broly (Full Power), Hit, Super Saiyan Kale (Berserk), Toppo, Dyspo, and Kakunsa. The game, set for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam, awaits an official release date. This 3D fighting action series began in 2005 with Budokai Tenkaichi, evolving through subsequent releases on PlayStation 2, Wii, and PlayStation Portable.
Nintendo takes down clones of Switch emulator Yuzu
Nintendo’s DMCA notice on GitHub resulted in the removal of 8,535 repositories hosting the Switch emulator Yuzu. GitHub’s response stemmed from Nintendo’s report of over 100 allegedly infringing repositories, leading to action against the entire network. This swift action followed Nintendo’s lawsuit against Yuzu’s creator, Tropic Haze, earlier. Tropic Haze settled, paying $2.4 million in damages and receiving a permanent injunction. The takedowns highlight ongoing concerns about piracy, especially with Yuzu enabling access to Nintendo’s games without payment. Nintendo’s legal actions aim to protect its intellectual property and address the potential for mass copyright infringement via emulator distribution.
Ride Kamens Smartphone Game promises May release
Liber Entertainment’s Ride Kamens, a new smartphone game based on Kamen Rider, will launch in late May, as announced on the official website. It’s a “training adventure” game with free-to-play access and optional in-game purchases. Hiroko Utsumi is designing the main characters, with Yūya Takahashi handling world-building and scenario, and Naomi Takebe supervising. Liber Entertainment develops the game, with Bandai managing planning. Ishimori Production and Toei collaborate on the project.
The story unfolds in Nigao City, where the protagonist uncovers the “Chaosism” society’s dark operations and aids amnesiac Kamen Riders. Players navigate a quest to restore memories and alter fate, encountering 16 diverse Kamen Riders. The opening theme “Get Back!!” is by Amatsuki, and OLM TEAM KATO handles transformation animation with Stereotype Inc.
Only in Japan
The Capsule hotel that stood the test of time
There are many capsule hotels; you can find them in every major city in Japan. But the very first one was in Osaka, and while many capsule hotels have fallen, this one is still running after opening its doors on February 2, 1979. Known as Capsule Inn Osaka, or New Japan Umeda Capsule Inn Osaka, it is located close to Osaka and Umeda stations. It was intended for business people, specifically men, so while many modern capsules are co-ed, this hotel is not for ladies.
If you are claustrophobic, these capsules might be scary as they are just 6.5 feet by 3 feet and 2.5 feet high. They include a small TV, a light, an alarm clock, and outlets. On the hotel’s fourth floor, there is a lounge and changing area for guests, with bathrobes to wear and lockers to store your clothes and personal belongings. The hotel also offers all sorts of different baths, saunas, and massage rooms such as an open-air bath section and the low-temperature sauna. It also offers some really tasty breakfasts. This capsule hotel is a great piece of capsule hotel history, and back in the day when it opened, it had a science-fiction feel to it that is now seen as retro. And we all know retro is in. If you are a man, it must be quite an experience you can only find in Japan and truly the Capsule hotel that stood the test of time.
Japan Erects Wall Blocking Mount Fuji View to Ward off Tourists
Fujikawaguchiko, famed for its stunning views of Mount Fuji, finds itself grappling with an overflow of tourists. This influx has led to a unique measure: a massive black screen erected to obscure the mountain from view. The motivation behind this drastic step lies in the behavior of some foreign tourists, who often disregard local customs and safety guidelines, causing inconvenience to residents and visitors alike.
While the town appreciates the economic boost from tourism, issues like littering, road safety violations, and trespassing have become significant concerns. Attempts to address these through signage and security personnel have fallen short. The decision to block the view of Mount Fuji reflects a growing frustration with the negative impacts of unchecked tourism.
Opinions among locals and tourists vary, with some viewing the screen as excessive and others understanding the need for action. This situation highlights the delicate balance between economic benefits and preserving the local environment and quality of life. As tourist numbers continue to rise, finding sustainable solutions remains a pressing challenge for Fujikawaguchiko and other popular destinations worldwide.
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