Bento Plus December 2024
Itadakimasu
Konnichiwa, Fanatiks! Bento Plus is your one-stop entertainment hub! We bring you the coolest Japan-related events from both Japan and South Africa, mouthwatering Japanese food content, and fun monthly anime and manga challenges. Plus, we’ve got rocking AMVs, exciting contests, and so much more to keep your otaku heart happy. Dive into the world of anime with us and let’s geek out together!
Nippon Events and Festivals November 2024
December is a festive month in Japan, filled with various events and festivals that celebrate the end of summer. Here are some notable Japanese events and festivals that typically take place in December.
December 2-3
Chichibu Night Festival (Chichibu Yomatsuri)
Saitama Prefecture: This festival is famous for its grand parade of illuminated floats and stunning fireworks displays, which light up the winter sky. It’s a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage event.
December 8
Rōhatsu (Bodhi Day)
This Buddhist observance commemorates the enlightenment of Siddhartha Gautama, the historical Buddha. Temples across Japan hold meditation sessions and services.
December 25
Christmas Celebrations
While not a traditional holiday, Christmas in Japan is celebrated with unique customs such as illuminations, romantic dinners, and eating KFC. It’s more of a festive and commercial occasion.
December 31
December 31 is a time for reflection and preparation for the New Year. Families gather to enjoy a feast, clean their homes, and watch special TV programs like Kōhaku Uta Gassen (a music show).
Late November through December
Sapporo White Illumination
Running from late November through December, this event features stunning light displays in Sapporo, Hokkaido. It’s a magical experience attracting both locals and tourists.
South African Events
AnimeFanatika Year End Party
December 21 @ Funky Panda
Starts: 11:00 – Ends: 17:00
Gothcha and Ke Ai's Geek Gathering - Double Dutch Xmas Market
Gotcha Pizzeria Café along with Yes Sir! Events and Ke Ai, bring you the 13th edition of their ongoing monthly markets aimed at Geek and Alternative culture. This time they are celebrating Christmas!!!!
When: Saturday, December 14th, 11am – 6pm
Sunday 15th December, 10am – 4pm.
Time: 11:00
Venue: Geek Central @ 47 7th St, Randburg, 2195, South Africa
This event will bring you great food and drinks, Geek and Alt merchandise, entertainment including Geek Quiz, live performers and DJ’s and a space for the whole family to enjoy.
Expect friendly people, beautiful performances and inspiring costumes.
Our vendors and shops include:
Gotcha Pizzeria, Lumichen art, Sin Bin, Ke Ai – That random Asian shop, The Silk Road, The Bubble Emporium, Rita’s 7 Scoops (at Garden on 4th, Linden), Angelo Sketches, David Harrison Art, Dragon Blade resin works, TMEI, 3D Fox creations, Iramnella Blankets and pet blankets, Prin Crochet, TAOart, Stand and Shine/Fifi’s Boutique, The Red Thread, Estelle Sketched, J.B. Curiosities, Take Flight Creations, Mr. Pencils and Rays Sunshine Art, Concrete Jungle, The Bleeding Tree, Nordic Leather, Gibsalot, Naynkami Creations, Nightshade Lane, Sierra Creations, Queery Faery, Magical Shoppe, BerryMoon, Sparkle Cotton Dream
and many, many more..
Entry: R20 per adult OR a pet donation of any kind (pet food, a blanket, pillow, toy etc.)
Kids under 16 free. Proceeds of the door takings go to animal welfare. Cash and cards accepted.
The event will be raising funds for Fourways Veterinary Hospital and their beneficiaries.
www.fourwaysvet.co.za
Game of the month
Death Note: Killer Within
Death Note: Killer Within is a social deduction game inspired by the Death Note anime, where players take on roles as investigators or Kira and his followers. Its main draw is the strategic bluffing and deduction mechanics, reminiscent of games like Among Us, but with unique twists such as ID theft and the Death Note’s mechanics.
Pros:
Anime Immersion: Faithful representations of characters like L and Kira, along with atmospheric music and visuals, immerse fans in the Death Note world.
Unique Mechanics: Features like the Death Note’s use, role-switching, and Kira’s specific missions add depth and intrigue.
Customizations: Cosmetics and progression tracks allow personalization of characters and backgrounds.
Tutorials: Comprehensive guides help new players navigate the game’s complex mechanics.
Cons:
Steep Learning Curve: Complex mechanics may overwhelm new players compared to other social deduction games.
Balance Issues: Kira often has an advantage, leading to one-sided matches.
Lack of Content: Outside of meetings, tasks feel minimal and repetitive, causing gameplay to become dull over time.
Server Instability: Reports of frequent disconnections and abrupt match endings affect the experience.
Bugs: Players report glitches like lobby issues and dropped connections.
Conclusion:
While it appeals to fans of Death Note and social deduction games, its flaws in balancing and content make it less engaging in the long run. It’s worth trying with friends for chaotic fun but falls short of genre-leading titles
Itadakimasu Eats
Japanese Christmas Cake - A Delightful Festive Tradition
When it comes to Christmas desserts, the Western world is often divided between love and loathing for the traditional fruitcake. In Japan, however, the festive spotlight shines on a different treat entirely: the Japanese Strawberry Shortcake. Light, airy, and elegantly simple, this cake has become a cherished part of Japanese Christmas celebrations, as well as a go-to for birthdays and special occasions throughout the year.
Unlike its Western counterpart, which is dense and laden with dried fruits and nuts, the Japanese Christmas Cake, or “Kurisumasu Keki”, is a delicate sponge cake. Typically layered with sweet, fluffy whipped cream and fresh strawberries, its charm lies in its moist texture and subtle sweetness. The cake is topped with festive decorations, often made from confectioner’s chocolate, candies, or more fresh fruit, capturing the cuteness that Japan is renowned for.
A Closer Look at Japanese Cakes
As explained by Retara, a wise correspondent in Japan:
“Japanese cakes differ fundamentally from Western cakes in texture. Western cakes have a loose crumb and can leave a trail of crumbs when cut. In contrast, Japanese sponge cakes hold together firmly, making them easier to eat and enjoy. This quality, paired with their lightness, sets them apart.”
This structural difference allows the Japanese Strawberry Shortcake to be a versatile delight. Its airy layers and restrained sweetness make it a refreshing end to Japan’s popular Christmas dinner tradition: a bucket of KFC fried chicken.
A Symbol of Celebration
The Kurisumasu Keki isn’t just a festive dessert; it’s a symbol of joy and indulgence. Its visual appeal and harmonious flavours align perfectly with Japan’s penchant for aesthetic and culinary perfection. From its humble beginnings in the 1920s as a luxury dessert to its widespread popularity today, this cake encapsulates the celebratory spirit of Christmas in Japan.
So, whether you’re enjoying it after a holiday feast or baking one with in-season strawberries for a special occasion, the Japanese Christmas Cake offers a delicious taste of Japan’s festive traditions—sweet, light, and utterly delightful.
New AMV's
We’re rocking some great amv’s this month. First up is Takeshi’s choices. His first choice is based on the anime Dandadan and the song is APT by ROSÉ & Bruno Mars. Takeshi’s second MV features the anime Space Dandy and the song is Transcendental Cha Cha Cha by Tom Cardy.
Next we have Ookami’s choices. His first AMV features various anime scenes and the song is Survivor · All Good Things, followed by a One Punch Man AMV featuring the song While You Were Waiting by Mournful Shadows.
Last but not least we have Shiro’s choices. First video features scenes from DanMachi season 5 and feature the song Fight Back by NEFFEX. His second AMV feature various anime and feature TheFatRat & RIELL and their song Myself & I
Please do support the original music artists by looking them up on YouTube, Spotify and other media and give them your appreciation and support!
Takeshi's Tunes
Shiro's Tunes
Ookami's Tunes
Birthday of the Month
Nezuko Kamado (Demon Slayer)
Nezuko Kamado celebrates her birthday on December 28th. She is a central character in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, is the younger sister of protagonist Tanjiro Kamado.
Once a kind and caring human, Nezuko is turned into a demon after her family is massacred. Despite this transformation, she retains her humanity, showing remarkable self-control and protecting humans instead of attacking them.
Nezuko’s unique abilities include rapid regeneration, altering her size, and using Blood Demon Art to ignite her blood into powerful flames. Her bamboo muzzle symbolizes her restraint and resolve not to harm humans. Nezuko’s journey embodies themes of resilience, familial love, and hope, making her a fan favorite.
She shares her birth month with other notable anime characters. These include:
Levi Ackerman (Attack on Titan) – December 25
Mikasa Ackerman (Attack on Titan) – December 10
Nico Robin (One Piece) – December 6
Katsuki Bakugo (My Hero Academia) – December 20
Anime Challenge December 2024
K-ON!
Our December anime challenge is K-On!, a heartwarming slice-of-life anime that follows the Light Music Club of Sakuragaoka High School. It centers on Yui Hirasawa, a carefree girl who joins the club despite no musical experience, alongside bassist Mio Akiyama, drummer Ritsu Tainaka, keyboardist Tsumugi Kotobuki, and later, guitarist Azusa Nakano. Together, they bond over music, practice (often interrupted by tea and snacks), and their shared goal of performing on stage.
The series highlights friendship, personal growth, and the joys of music. Adapted by Kyoto Animation from Kakifly’s manga, K-ON! is praised for its endearing characters, catchy music, and relatable humor. Its cozy, lighthearted atmosphere resonates with fans, making it a beloved staple in the slice-of-life genre.
Light novel of the Month
Kino no Tabi (or Kino's Journey)
Kino no Tabi (or Kino’s Journey) is a thought-provoking Japanese light novel series written by Keiichi Sigsawa and illustrated by Kouhaku Kuroboshi.
It follows the adventures of Kino, a traveler, and her talking motorcycle, Hermes, as they explore a world of diverse cultures and philosophies. Kino visits unique countries, each with its own peculiar rules and customs, staying no longer than three days to avoid attachment or interference.
The series blends philosophical themes with surreal settings, questioning societal norms, morality, and human nature through Kino’s observations. First published in 2000, it has inspired anime adaptations, manga, and spinoffs. Praised for its reflective storytelling, it appeals to fans of character-driven narratives and introspective tales
All about Japan
All About Japan shows you interesting journeys, interviews or just trivia that teach us more about the Land of The Rising Sun and it’s people. Enjoy the videos as we take a deeper dive into what makes Japan such a beloved country for many. From a Unko (Poop) Museum to the more distressing subject of isolated people staying alone in Japan and dying out of sight. Sensitive viewers may find this video disturbing.
Japanese Commercials
Japanese commercials are out of this world sometimes, strange and fun. We share with you a highly entertaining Japanese commercial video and we hope you enjoy it!
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