Konnichiwa, Anime Fanatiks! Welcome to your November 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!
TMS Entertainment in Tokyo trains aspiring animators through a year-long, five-day-a-week program, offering a stipend to cover living costs. Graduates typically secure contracts at TMS, earning 250,000 yen monthly—comparable to university graduate pay. As anime demand soars, production companies like Toei and Bandai Namco are also establishing training programs to combat a labor shortage. Despite Japan’s booming anime industry, low animator wages persist, prompting calls for government intervention. New initiatives, like the Nippon Anime & Film Culture Association’s certification exam, aim to improve training and wages, retaining talent in an increasingly competitive field.
Last month, anime icons like Koichi Yamadera (Spike Spiegel in Cowboy Bebop), Romi Park (Edward Elric in Fullmetal Alchemist), and Ryusei Nakao (Frieza in Dragon Ball) joined forces with 23 other prominent voice actors to launch a project titled “No More Unauthorized Generative AI.” This initiative takes a stand against unapproved use of voice actors’ performances by generative AI, citing issues of unauthorized replication and voice sales that threaten their livelihoods.
In a powerful YouTube video, Nakao opens with a direct message: “Our voices are our lives. Please respect that.” The group’s press release expands on this sentiment, emphasizing that while technology brings advancement, it should also foster respect for artists’ voices as integral aspects of their identity and careers. They advocate for cultural guidelines to address AI technology responsibly.
Meanwhile, Aoni Production, a premier Japanese talent agency, has partnered with AI company CoeFont to create AI-generated voices for applications in fields like technology and medical assistance, yet assures this won’t affect anime production or dubbing. However, the question remains: how close is the line between acting and voice assistance? With the stakes high, the industry is at a crossroads in balancing innovation with the preservation of artistic integrity.
In Japan, it’s common to invite Shinto priests to purify construction sites and bless projects, ensuring safe completion. Recently, Bandai Namco held such a ceremony for its 1:1-scale RX-78F00/E Gundam statue at the Expo 2025 site on Yumeshima Island, Osaka. Shinto priests prayed for the project’s safety as the final piece—the Gundam’s head—was installed. This ritual mirrors past purifications of life-size Gundams in Tokyo and Fukuoka.
Interestingly, Japanese sumo tournaments also include Shinto rituals, purifying the ring to honor the spirits and ensure fair matches, bridging tradition and modernity across Japanese culture.
Nobuyo Oyama, the iconic raspy voice behind Doraemon, the beloved robotic cat from the future, has passed away at age 90. Her agency, Actors Seven, announced that Oyama died of natural causes on September 29.
Oyama voiced Doraemon from 1979 to 2005, bringing life to the character created by Fujiko F. Fujio. The series, which follows Doraemon’s friendship with Nobita, captivated audiences globally, reaching millions across many languages.
Born in Tokyo in 1933, Oyama began acting in the 1950s. Known for her voice work, she starred in Sazaesan and other children’s programs. Though she retired as Doraemon in 2005, Oyama continued to inspire as a mentor in voice arts, despite battling dementia. Her funeral was held privately.
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:
the comedy series by Kenji Inoue and Kimitake Yoshioka – Season 2 greenlit
It is interesting to see what motivates an artist too create art. Anne Rice for example created Interview with a Vampire to deal with the loss of a child…
Batman Ninja was epic, so this is something to look forward to.
Good reason to delve into the series if you haven’t watched it yet
Dragon Ball is back with fresh energy as Dragon Ball Super artist Toyotarou announces Dragon Ball Super Divers, a one-shot manga that was released on October 21, 2024, in V Jump. This special chapter revisits classic battles with the Z Fighters against Vegeta, Nappa, and the Saibamen, coinciding with the launch of a related arcade game on November 7.
Toyotarou, long hailed by the late Akira Toriyama as his Dragon Ball successor, offers fans new thrills while the franchise awaits the continuation of Dragon Ball Super and the eagerly anticipated Dragon Ball DAIMA series. Excitement builds as fans await even more Dragon Ball lore.
Horry County Schools in South Carolina has temporarily removed Assassination Classroom manga from its libraries after a parent raised concerns. The manga, by Yūsei Matsui, follows middle school students attempting to assassinate their alien teacher to save Earth, featuring weapons and occasional risqué scenes.
Parent Jennifer Hannigan argued the series includes “handguns, rifles, knives, and…girls in lingerie” and “discusses ways to kill.” A district review is underway, expected to last 30 days.
The removal mirrors recent challenges: Assassination Classroom faced bans in Florida and Wisconsin, reflecting a nationwide trend scrutinizing content in school libraries.
Yen Press has announced four new manga licenses, thrilling fans with both beloved series and fresh adventures.
The BS Situation of Tougetsu Umidori: This mysterious series by Miso Ameiro, Kaeru Ryouseirui, and Natsuki Amashiro follows Tougetsu Umidori, who receives a strange request from classmate Nara Yoshino. Events spiral as “BS,” a mysterious girl in a cat hoodie, appears, triggering a bizarre journey of deception and intrigue. Amid betrayals and pleas for mercy, Umidori agrees to help “kill the lies.”
Spy Classroom 2nd Period: Daughter Dearest: Benishake, Takemachi, and tomari continue the hit fantasy series with this next installment, set in a world where espionage reigns supreme following the Great War. As a new era of shadowy conflict arises, survival depends on wit and cunning.
Spice and Wolf Collector’s Edition: Keito Koume, Isuna Hasekura, and Jū Ayakura’s deluxe edition follows merchant Kraft Lawrence and the wolf deity Holo as they navigate the risks of commerce and companionship against powerful enemies.
Bocchi the Rock! Side Story: Kikuri Hiroi’s Heavy-Drinking Diary: Kumichō and Aki Hamaji present a comedic spin-off that dives into Kikuri Hiroi’s chaotic life, where everything is a potential drinking challenge—from social woes to unpaid bills.
We hope Watsuki-sama recover soon to continue the epic manga.
Very good news as the series were delayed a lot since it started.
Tokyo’s Shibuya district saw quieter Halloween festivities on the weekend before Halloween as local authorities tightened restrictions to curb overcrowding. Despite the usual influx of young people and tourists, few gathered in costume. Recent measures included a year-round ban on public alcohol consumption in certain areas from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m., backed by English and Japanese signs saying, “No Events for Halloween on Shibuya Streets.” Convenience stores near Shibuya Station halted alcohol sales, and Shibuya’s iconic Hachiko statue will be covered during peak days. These actions aim to deter disruptive behavior, keeping Halloween celebrations under control.
Dove’s latest Japanese campaign, “No More Kawaii Standards,” aimed to challenge rigid beauty ideals but faced unexpected backlash. Intended to inspire self-confidence, the ads prominently displayed popular Japanese beauty standards—like specific facial measurements—at Tokyo’s Shibuya Station, encouraging people to reject these ideals. However, critics argue that the campaign, rather than empowering, brought unawareness to these beauty benchmarks, potentially worsening self-esteem issues. Reactions ranged from confusion to frustration, with many feeling the ads reinforced beauty pressures instead of dispelling them. Dove’s approach, while well-meaning, has sparked a call for more sensitivity in addressing such topics.
In Tokyo, a 15-year-old boy faces charges after allegedly setting off makeshift explosives in Kita Ward’s Shimizuzaka Park. The teen reportedly built the device using rocket fireworks and BB pellets, inspired by YouTube tutorials. Police were alerted by security footage, and officials from Kita Ward were forced to respond.
Meanwhile, in Kabukicho, Tokyo’s largest nightlife district, a deadly altercation unfolded. A French man, intoxicated, pushed a 67-year-old local man who attempted to intervene when the former harassed a woman. The victim suffered a fatal head injury, and charges against the French man have escalated to manslaughter.
Finally, in Gifu, authorities uncovered a unique insurance fraud case. Masahiro Nouchi, linked to the Yamaguchi-gumi yakuza, claimed insurance for a self-inflicted severed pinky—a yakuza tradition called “yubitsume” for atonement. His fraudulent claims exposed criminal collusion, leading to arrests within his organization.
Tokyo Disneyland loses top-attendance crown for Japanese theme parks for second year in a row
There are so many theme parks to visit in Japan that it’s quite understandable that some franchises might loose attendance
Kyoto losing its luster as a school trip destination as tourist crowds continue to swell
Kyoto is yet another victim of overtourism
The Catholic Church is preparing for its 2025 Jubilee year with the introduction of “Luce,” an anime-inspired mascot. Designed by Simone Legno of the Japanese-influenced brand tokidoki, Luce embodies a modern-day pilgrim, complete with practical attire like a windbreaker, muddy boots, and a staff. Her bright eyes are symbolic of hope, aligning with the Jubilee’s themes of faith and renewal.
Luce aims to resonate with young people by bridging faith with pop culture. She will debut at Italy’s Lucca Comics & Games, marking the Vatican’s first participation in a comic convention. The Church’s embrace of pop culture also includes canonizing Carlo Acutis, a gamer saint, ahead of the Jubilee.
Amazon MGM Studios’ upcoming live-action Voltron film will star Henry Cavill, known for The Witcher and Man of Steel, with Daniel Quinn-Toye also joining the cast. Directed by Rawson Marshall Thurber (Red Notice, Dodgeball), filming is set to start in Australia this fall. Thurber is co-writing with Ellen Shanman, and producers include Todd Lieberman, David Hoberman, and Bob Koplar. Voltron originated in the 1984 animated series adapted from Toei’s Golion and Dairugger XV, centering on pilots who defend against alien forces with their five-lion robot. Previous attempts to bring Voltron to live-action didn’t succeed.
Here are some highlights from ‘Vtuber land’
• Twitchcon 2024’s Vtuber Drug Party Disaster
• Victoria on what led her to Graduate from NijiEN
• Why Kwebbelkop is HATED, But Neuro-Sama is LOVED
Alarmo, Nintendo’s new motion-sensing alarm clock, immerses users in iconic game worlds like Super Mario and Legend of Zelda as they wake up. The clock plays music and sounds from popular Nintendo titles such as Super Mario Odyssey, Breath of the Wild, and Splatoon 3, even matching character art and fonts on its digital display. When users roll over or stand up, Alarmo rewards them with game sounds, such as Mario’s coin effects or a victory fanfare. Available now for Nintendo Switch Online members, Alarmo offers a fun, interactive start to every morning.
The release of Hunter x Hunter Nen x Impact, a 2D 3v3 fighting game based on Yoshihiro Togashi’s manga, has been delayed to 2025. The development team at Bushiroad Games and Eighting aims to implement rollback netcode, which will enhance online gameplay by reducing lag. Originally set for 2023, the game will launch on PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Fans can expect playable characters like Gon, Killua, and Meruem. Meanwhile, Togashi’s Hunter x Hunter manga resumed serialization in October, following a hiatus since January due to health-related challenges for the author.
South Korean developer Krafton has signed a licensing deal with Japan’s Pocketpair to adapt Palworld, the multiplayer survival game, for mobile platforms. Krafton’s PUBG Studios will oversee development, translating Palworld’s unique elements for mobile gameplay. Originally launched as a Steam Early Access title, Palworld reached 25 million players within its first month and debuted on PlayStation 5 in September, though Japan’s release date is pending. However, Pocketpair faces a lawsuit from Nintendo and The Pokémon Company over alleged patent infringement, claiming Palworld’s creature designs resemble Pokémon. Pocketpair plans to investigate and address the claims through legal proceedings.
Yu-Gi-Oh! Early Days Collection Game Reveals 3 More Titles, February 27 Release
A great collection for Yu-Gi-Oh! fanatiks to get!
Like a Dragon: Yakuza – Launch Trailer
This looks like it’s going to be epic
The new Pokémon-themed Crocs are now available exclusively at Foot Locker in North America. Fans can choose from Charizard, Gengar, Jigglypuff, or Snorlax designs for $70 in adult sizes and $55 for kids. Both in-store and online, these Crocs bring a touch of Kanto without any tall grass adventures.
Each pair features a themed colorway, matching Pokémon charms, and a Pokéball print on the inner sole, with the Pokémon logo proudly displayed on the adjustable “sports mode” strap. If you’re still deciding, get a close-up look at the Charizard design, which Crocs recently showcased. And we know, gotta wear ’em all, right?
In Nara, the annual Shika no Tsunokiri, or Deer Antler Cutting Ceremony, marks autumn as skilled handlers known as seko gather to safely trim the antlers of male deer. For over 350 years, this event has taken place near Kasuga Taisha Shrine, ensuring harmony between Nara’s deer and park visitors. The ritual begins with a Shinto priest’s prayer for safety. In a controlled stadium, seko carefully capture each buck, securing it gently to remove its mature antlers. Celebrated with taiko drumbeats and cheers, the event honors tradition while safeguarding both deer and people alike.
East Japan Railway Co. has launched the “Magical Journey Shinkansen” to promote Fantasy Springs, a new attraction at Tokyo DisneySea. These special shinkansen trains, decorated with characters from Frozen, Tangled, Peter Pan, and more, began running Thursday on the Tohoku-Hokkaido line. Operating about three times daily between Tokyo and Shin-Hakodatehokuto stations, they’ll continue until early June next year. The whimsical designs bring Disney magic to commuters and travelers, offering a preview of Fantasy Springs as they speed through Japan’s landscapes.
Gran Snow Okuibuki ski resort in Maibara, Shiga Prefecture, draws crowds in winter for its scenic slopes. However, in snow-free seasons, it becomes a picturesque cosplay destination. Partnering with Nagoya’s Reiyer’s event group, Gran Snow Okuibuki hosts special cosplay days, offering dramatic backdrops of lush greenery, waterfalls, and mountains for anime and video game enthusiasts.
Popular among cosplayers from Demon Slayer, Fate, Naruto, and Touken Rambu, the location features seasonal pampas grass, adding golden hues in autumn. A traditional wooden building on-site is ideal for samurai themes. The most recent event, on October 5, was 5,500 yen per person.
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