December 2025 Bento News
Itadakimasu
Konnichiwa, AnimeFanatiks! Our December 2025 Bento News is packed with a delicious mix of updates from the world of Anime, Manga, and Japan!
Looking for the best anime and manga news from October? We’ve done the digging for you!
This December 2025 Bento News is loaded with the latest anime releases, manga highlights, must-know game updates, and standout stories from Japan and beyond. Stay in the loop with everything trending in the world of anime and Japanese pop culture, served up fresh and fun, just for you. Itadakimasu!
Anime News
Japan Warns OpenAI: Protect Anime Creators’ Rights
Japan’s biggest manga publishers, from Shonen Jump to Kadokawa, have issued a firm warning to OpenAI, saying “hands off our anime and manga.” After the launch of Sora 2, they noticed a flood of AI-generated videos that looked way too similar to existing titles. The coalition argues that the current opt-out system is unfair, unlawful, and disrespectful to creators, ’n groot probleem, as we’d say in South Africa.
They’re demanding an opt-in model, full transparency, and proper compensation. Japan isn’t anti-AI, but insists the tech must protect artists, not copy them. Let’s be honest, anime is an art form, ad art is sacred, it comes from the soul of the artist. AI has no soul, and people crave soul in their art. It makes us relate; it makes art feel alive.
New Wing Gundam Zero Cloaked Custom Unveiled for 30th Anniversary
Bandai is marking Gundam Wing’s 30th anniversary with a stunning new collectible: the GUNDAM FIX FIGURATION METAL COMPOSITE Wing Gundam Zero Cloaked Custom. Inspired by Endless Waltz and the Operation 30th promo video, this angelic, mostly white redesign features organic wings and a dramatic wire-frame cloth cloak/hood included. Standing nearly seven inches tall, it comes armed with the Twin Buster Rifle and Beam Sabers, plus multiple accessories.
Its beautiful design makes us all lus to grab one. At $380 USD and shipping in May 2026, fans can pre-order now to make sure they get their hand on this beautiful collection piece.
The Korra Romance That Never Happened: Bolin & Zhu Li
Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra writer Josh Hamilton has revealed a surprising behind-the-scenes secret: he fought hard for a Bolin and Zhu Li romance, but the idea was rejected every time. Speaking on the Avatar: Braving the Elements podcast, Hamilton joked that Zhu Li had “Talladega Nights Amy Adams energy,” and he wished Bolin could have had “a couple wild rides,” nogal.
Fans know Bolin as the lovable Earthbender and Zhu Li as Varrick’s ultra-capable assistant, who later becomes Varrick’s wife. Though this pairing never happened, it’s a lekker what-if for Avatar fans. Both series stream on Paramount+.
Bon Clay Cast for One Piece Season 3
Netflix’s One Piece just dropped a sugoi casting update: Cole Escola will play the legendary Bon Clay (Mr. 2) in Season 3. Deadline confirmed the casting, even before Season 2 lands. Escola, known for their hit Broadway comedy Oh Mary!, is a perfect fit, especially since Bon Clay is canonically non-binary, so Straw Pirate fanatiks are i for a treat.
With Season 2 arriving March 10, 2026, fans can expect bigger adventures as the Straw Hats enter the Grand Line. New characters like Chopper, Robin and Crocodile are also set to appear, making the live-action journey even more epic. We cannot wait, so far the live-action made us addicts to the adaptation, and we need more.
Why Horror Anime Is Dying Out (And Why Fans Are Worried)
Anime has boomed worldwide thanks to platforms like Crunchyroll and Netflix, but not all genres are thriving. While shonen and isekai dominate, horror anime is taking a knock, eina. Classic scares from Higurashi, Shiki and Elfen Lied have become rare as studios avoid risky, controversial stories and focus on safer hits.
Though gems like Mieruko-chan still appear, horror often gets sidelined or watered down. With fans dragging shows on X and studios fearing cancellations, the genre struggles to stand alone. Yet a loyal audience still hungers for proper chills, ons mense wil net lekker skrik, man.
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
Cosmic Princess Kaguya!
Japanese Title: Chou Kaguya-hime! (Cosmic Princess Kaguya!)
The anime will stream worldwide exclusively on Netflix on January 22, 2026.
Ghost Concert: Missing Songs
The anime based on the Ghost Concert music project is scheduled to premiere in 2026.
Killed Again, Mr. Detective.
Japanese Title: Mata Korosarete Shimatta no desu ne, Tantei-sama (Killed Again, Mr. Detective.)
The anime series will begin airing on TBS in April 2026.
Needy Girl Overdose
The anime adapting Xemono’s visual novel will air in April 2026.
Returning Anime based on Manga
Bungou Stray Dogs Wan!
The spin-off’s second season will premiere in 2026.
Dark Gathering
Hiroshi Ikehata (Tonikaku Kawaii) is returning to helm the second season at OLM.
Returning Anime based on Light Novel
Kanchigai no Atelier Meister: Eiyuu Party no Moto Zatsuyougakari ga, Jitsu wa Sentou Igai ga SSS-Rank Datta to Iu Yoku Aru Hanashi (The Unaware Atelier Master)
Produced by EMT Squared, the first season of the television anime aired in 12 episodes in Spring 2025. Now season 2 has been announced.
Interesting Anime News
Dragon Ball Studio Officially Announces 10-Year Plan For The Future
Toei Animation unveils a major 10-year global expansion plan for Dragon Ball, investing billions to grow its studios, technology, and worldwide anime production reach.
‘5 Centimeters Per Second’ to get live-action film adaptation
Makoto Shinkai’s 5 Centimeters Per Second receives a live-action adaptation, directed by Yoshiyuki Okuyama, who faithfully recreates the anime’s visuals and emotional coming-of-age themes.
Real-world Nausicaa Ghibli anime glider completes its final flight in Japan
Artist Kazuhiko Hachiya completes his 22-year mission to fly a real-life version of Miyazaki’s Nausicaa glider, marking its final breathtaking flight in Japan.
Meet the Top 20 Contenders in Gundam's 1st-Ever Global Ranking Poll
The Global Gundam Ranking Poll reveals its interim top 20 mobile suits, featuring fan favourites like Strike Freedom, Barbatos Lupus Rex, ν Gundam, and Wing Zero.
Hit Sailor Moon Show Officially Canceled Due to 'Unavoidable Circumstances'
Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon The Super Live 2025 Beijing shows cancelled due to local decisions; Hangzhou and Shanghai performances continue, refunds issued to disappointed fans worldwide.
Manga News
Kadokawa Unveils New English Manga Releases for November and December
Kadokawa is bringing two exciting manga to English readers, launching first on Renta! and BookWalker Global. Stay Away from My Sons! drops 14 November, a wild reincarnation comedy where a BL author wakes up as their own uke butler character from her novels, and their online rival becomes the villainess trying to make some wicked moves. Dis mos chaos!
On 12 December, The Villainess Is Adored by the Prince of the Neighbor Kingdom joins the line up. This fan-favourite otome reincarnation tale follows Tiara Rose, a “villainess” adored by a perfect foreign prince. With millions of copies in circulation and an anime coming soon, these two titles are going to be something lekker to look forward to.
Crunchyroll Manga Expands Library With Titan Partnership
Crunchyroll has teamed up with Titan to bring a hefty batch of new manga titles to the Crunchyroll Manga app, including ATOM: The Beginning, Kamen Rider Kuuga, Somali and the Forest Spirit, Ryuko, Gamma Draconis, and Welcome to Ghost Mansion. Dis ’n lekker groot line-up for manga fans in the US and Canada.
The ad-free app, separate from the main streaming service, supports offline reading, custom lists, and dark mode. Ultimate Fan subscribers get free access, while Fan and Mega Fan users can upgrade for a small fee. With top publishers on board, this revamped service is back and running stronger than ooit.
Terraformars Manga Plans Long-Awaited Comeback Before Year-End
Fans of Terraformars can finally breathe ’n bietjie easier. The series’ official X/Twitter account confirmed that the manga still plans to return from hiatus before the end of the year. The title has faced multiple delays since April, following earlier breaks caused by writer Yū Sasuga’s health issues.
Created by Sasuga and Kenichi Tachibana in 2011, Terraformars has spawned anime seasons, OVAs, and even a live-action film. Shueisha released Volume 23 in July 2024, with Viz Media set to launch the English edition on November 18. After so many stops and starts, fans are hoping this comeback is the real deal. We need more!
Rei Mikamoto Returns With New Horror Manga Blood Friend
Kadokawa’s Monthly Comic Beam has confirmed that horror legend Rei Mikamoto will launch a new manga, Blood Friend, on December 12. Set in a supposedly haunted Western-style mansion, the story follows a group of primary school kids testing their bravery, until one girl warns, “One of us will never come back.” Sjoe, that’s chilling.
Mikamoto, known for Chimamire Sukeban Chainsaw and Reiko the Zombie Shop, has a long history of creating bold, violent horror with several live-action adaptations under his belt. With Blood Friend, fans can expect another gripping, donker tale that pushes the genre’s limits.
Nippon News
Japan Plans Major Visa Fee Hikes Amid Rising Foreign Residency
Japan is preparing to raise visa and residency fees in 2026, bringing costs in line with Western countries. The current ¥6,000 fee for changing or extending residency may jump five to sixfold, reaching ¥30,000–¥40,000. EISH! Permanent residency applications could exceed ¥100,000, a huge shock for many foreigners.
With nearly 4 million foreign residents, Japan plans to use the extra revenue to speed up immigration processing, expand Japanese language programmes, and address illegal overstays. Tourist visa fees will also rise as the government tackles over tourism. These changes form part of a massive ¥21.3 trillion economic package approved by Prime Minister Takaichi.
Tochigi School Criticised for Giving Low-Level English Students the Word “Poison”
A high school in Tochigi sparked ongemak after lower-proficiency English students were told to start their pronunciation videos with the word “poison,” while advanced groups used positive words like “harmony.” Parents felt this belittled their children, leading the school to apologise for causing discomfort. Teachers claimed the choice came from a lesson on environmental issues and believed “poison” was easier to pronounce.
While learners must handle difficult vocabulary, starting weaker students with a negative word hurt motivation. The incident highlights how thoughtful lesson design can boost confidence and keep young language learners engaged, a good lesson for all.
Japan Battles Massive Manga Piracy Blow
Japan’s manga industry is taking a huge knock, with piracy causing an estimated ¥8.5 trillion in yearly losses, according to ABJ. Their study tracked 2.8 billion visits to 913 illegal sites in June alone, spanning 123 countries. Meanwhile, a Tokyo court ordered US firm Cloudflare to pay over $3.2 million for aiding pirate platforms by enabling fast data distribution of titles like One Piece and Attack on Titan.
Publishers say tougher action is durgently needed to protect creators. If we truly love manga, owning legal copies is the proper way to honour the artists who inspire us.
Hidden Pages of a Legend: Takahata Isao’s Early Works Unearthed
About 130 pages of unpublished scripts and creative notes by legendary animator Takahata Isao, known for Heidi and Grave of the Fireflies, have been discovered at his home. Written in his 20s, the notes reveal early versions of stories like Oeyama and Moratta Hoseki, showing Takahata’s heart for nuance and empathy rather than simple “good vs evil.” One script even hints at a prequel to The Tale of Princess Kaguya.
According to researchers, these writings, a proper treasure, prove his trademark depth was present from the very beginning, making this discovery a major win for anime history.
Japan’s Teachers Face a Workload Crisis, a Bitter Pill to Swallow
Japan’s education system is reaching breaking point as elementary and junior high teachers work the longest hours in the world. An OECD study shows junior high teachers clocking 55.1 hours weekly, far above the global average, with primary teachers at 52.1 hours. Much of this time goes into extramural, admin, lunch duty, and “whole person education,” where teachers stay deeply involved in learners’ lives, something highly admired internationally.
But rising bullying cases, absenteeism, and complex social issues are pushing teachers to exhaustion. Government reforms aim to curb overtime, yet teaching is increasingly seen as “black work.” Fixing this is crucial for Japan’s future.
More News From Nippon
Burger King Japan to be bought by America’s Goldman-Sachs
Goldman Sachs plans to buy Burger King Japan for ¥70 billion as the chain rapidly expands toward 600 stores by 2028, signalling strong growth and sustained local flavours.
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Tokyo’s Asakusa neighborhood?
Despite China’s travel advisory, Tokyo’s Asakusa remains busy with tourists, steady crowds at Sensoji Temple, and strong local business, showing minimal immediate impact on tourism.
Updates on previous stories
Japan Faces Record Bear Attacks - The crisis continues
Japan is dealing with a surge in bear attacks, with nine fatalities by October, an all-time high. Bears are becoming bold, even crashing into patrol cars and strolling into town halls. With resources stretched dun, northern prefectures called for help, and Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi approved Self-defence Force support. Maar, due to Japan’s constitution, soldiers may only offer logistics and traps, not weapons.
With communities feeling unsafe, companies are even creating bear-proof shelters like the Kumacon, basically a fortified container for emergencies. Ja-nee, when bears begin to out-strategise humans, you know it’s getting serious.
Tokyo Self-Driving Bus Crashes After Positional Glitch — A technical oepsie!
A self-driving bus in Hachioji, Tokyo, crashed into a roadside tree after its system misread its position, using data a full 22 seconds old, authorities revealed. The August test ride injured three of the 15 passengers. Due to a design flaw, the bus suddenly veered left, and its safety feature that blocks sharp turns never activated because it was moving below 30 km/h. With no independent collision-avoidance system, the bus simply ‘thought’ he should turn and ploughed smack into the tree.
Japan’s push for autonomous transport is impressive, but it is now a proven fact: even robots need proper checks, né?
VTuber News
Hololive Joins Twitch: A sugoi New Era for Vtuber Fans
Hololive, the big name in vtubing, is officially partnering with Twitch, meaning fans can now regularly catch their favourite virtual idols on the platform. COVER Corp confirmed that talents like Calliope Mori and other top Japanese stars will stream on both YouTube and Twitch, boosting global visibility. The move forms part of COVER’s steady expansion into the West since its 2020 boom.
Safety remains a priority, especially after recent streamer incidents, and COVER aims to protect its anonymous talents. Hololive’s Twitch journey kicked off on 20 November with Holoday already, a big debut event which featured top vtubers on Twitch’s front page.
Connor Dawg & Ironmouse Launch V-Tuber Cup for Marvel Rivals
Top VTubers Connor Dawg and Ironmouse have unveiled their first-ever V-Tuber Cup, a competitive Marvel Rivals tournament with a humongous US$15,000 prize pool. Kicking off on 21 November at 5 p.m. PST, the event was open to North American players ranked Diamond or higher.
Both creators announced the news on X, inviting VTubers to sign up and join the six-player team battles in Marvel’s fast-growing hero shooter. Fans were buzzing, praising the pair for boosting VTuber involvement in esports, a space quickly gaining mainstream traction.
The V-Tuber Cup is showcased in the growing fusion of gaming, content creation, and VTuber culture.
Two VTubers Nab Game Awards Nominations — Miko Leads the Charge
The Game Awards 2025 has a lekker twist this year, featuring two VTuber nominees for Content Creator of the Year, including the unmistakable Sakura Miko. With over 2.4 million YouTube subscribers, Miko is one of hololive’s top stars and a fan-favourite despite the language barrier for many voters.
Her nomination highlights how VTubers are becoming “normal” mainstream creators, with fan-made clips helping newbies dive into the scene. COVER CEO Motoaki Tanigo says this surge proves how big the VTuber community has grown globally.
Win or not, Miko’s place among giants like Kai Cenat signals a bright future for VTubers at major awards.
Gaming News
Valve Unveils Powerful New Steam Machine for Future-Proof Gaming
Valve has revealed its new Steam Machine, a compact 6-inch cube packing a semi-custom AMD CPU and GPU delivering 4K gaming at 60 FPS. This little monster offers 512 GB or 2 TB storage with microSD expansion, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3. Valve claims it’s six times stronger than the Steam Deck while staying cool and quiet.
The updated Steam Controller brings magnetic thumbsticks, Grip Sense, trackpads, and HD rumble. Meanwhile, the Steam Frame headset offers wireless VR with eye-tracking and standalone play. Perfect for gamers looking to level up their gaming adventures.
Nintendo’s Pokémon Patent Under Fire as USPTO Orders Reexamination
Nintendo’s controversial “summon-and-fight” Pokémon patent is facing serious pushback after the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) ordered a full reexamination. The move follows heavy criticism from IP lawyers who argued the patent should never have been granted, since similar mechanics exist in games like Persona, Digimon, Elden Ring, and ARK. USPTO director John A. Squires confirmed “substantial new questions of patentability,” pointing to older Konami and Nintendo filings as prior art, a development that, according to experts, may lead to the patent being revoked.
This blow comes as Nintendo’s legal battle against Palworld intensifies. The Japan Patent Office recently rejected another Nintendo patent for lacking originality, and Pocketpair has already altered several game mechanics to avoid infringement. With the case dragging on and public sentiment turning, legal experts say it’s still highly likely that Nintendo may lose significant ground in its fight against Palworld.
Cygames and Konami Settle Uma Musume Patent Dispute
Cygames has officially settled its long-running legal battle with Konami Digital Entertainment over Uma Musume Pretty Derby, bringing an end to a high-profile patent dispute in Japan’s gaming sector. Although the settlement details remain confidential, Cygames confirmed the move was made to create a rustige, worry-free environment for players, a top priority for the developer.
Konami originally filed the lawsuit in March 2023, accusing Cygames of infringing multiple patents and seeking an injunction plus 4 billion yen in damages. Cygames pushed back hard, requesting trials to invalidate all 18 patents involved, insisting no infringement took place. Still, the company chose to settle to resolve the matter swiftly and maintain stability for its community.
Cygames expressed respect for Konami and the broader industry, saying the settlement opens the door for further growth. Uma Musume Pretty Derby continues to thrive, supported by a hit mobile game, PC version, and multiple successful anime adaptations.
Nintendo Wins Piracy Case Against Streamer Who “Ran the Streets”
Nintendo of America has won its lawsuit against streamer Jesse Keighin, also known as EveryGameGuru, after he repeatedly pirated and streamed games voor die tyd (well before their official release dates). Filed in November 2024, the case accused Keighin of illegally streaming 10 unreleased Nintendo titles and even teaching viewers how to access them. On 29 October, Judge Gordon P. Gallagher ordered Keighin to pay US$17,500 in damages, following a recommendation by Magistrate Judge Scott T. Varholak.
According to court documents, Keighin accessed and streamed Nintendo games at least 50 times since 2022, including The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom and Mario & Luigi: Brothership. Nintendo alleged the piracy caused millions in damages. The court also issued an injunction blocking Keighin from streaming Nintendo content or distributing emulators, cryptographic keys, or other circumvention tools.
Despite Keighin’s earlier taunts, claiming he had “a thousand burner channels” and telling Nintendo, “I run the streets”, the court stood firm. Nintendo must now file a report on the next steps by 13 November.
Pokémon Pokopia Trailer Showcases Cozy Gameplay and New Variants
The Pokémon Company International has dropped a new trailer for Pokémon Pokopia, giving fans a lekker peek at its cosy life-sim world. The video highlights crafting, town building, transformations, photo mode, customisation, and multiplayer, plus four charming regional variants: Professor Tangrowth, Peakychu, Mosslax, and Smearguru.
Launching 5 March 2026 for the Nintendo Switch 2, the game uses Game-Key Cards that unlock the digital version on the eShop. Players control a Ditto disguised as a human, gathering resources, crafting items, and decorating their homes. With farming, building, and inviting friends over, Pokémon Pokopia promises a chilled adventure.
More Gaming News
XSEED Games Cancels Release of Corpse Party Tetralogy Pack (Updated)
XSEED Games cancels the Corpse Party Tetralogy Pack for Nintendo Switch due to platform guideline issues, but remains committed to releasing Corpse Party II in the West.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Game's Trailer Previews Viewros, Psychic Abilities, Vi-O-La, Federation Troopers
Nintendo’s new Metroid Prime 4: Beyond trailer showcases Viewros, Samus’ upgrades, and Switch 2 features ahead of the game’s 4 December launch with 4K and performance modes.
Only in Japan
Udon Gummies: The Toughest Snack in Japan?
Kagawa Prefecture, famous for its lekker Sanuki udon, has unleashed a wild new souvenir: Udon Gummies. One reporter grabbed a box at Takamatsu Airport for just 540 yen, and minna, was he in for a surprise. These gummies are super hard, giving your jaw a full workout, nothing like normal gummies.
Despite the toughness, the flavour is a light yogurt-sudachi combo, oddly refreshing. Chilled, they get even harder — like a brick, but apparently it is addictive, in a good way. Not udon-flavoured, but definitely udon-inspired. If you ever visit Kagawa, this quirky, jaw-breaking treat is a must-try.
Super Sentai Cancelled: What Now for the Power Rangers?
The long-running Super Sentai series, the very franchise that inspired the Power Rangers, is reportedly ending after 50 years, leaving fans bietjie shocked. Kyodo News revealed the cancellation with no clear reason from TV Asahi, though poor merchandising sales seem the likeliest culprit.
Compared to giants like One Piece, Super Sentai’s 6.4-billion-yen sales simply couldn’t keep up. Fans fear Pretty Cure might face a similar fate, despite its films doing well.
After half a century of colourful heroes and wild tokusatsu effects, many hope the show might, like a true hero, rise again.
The Great Toilet Rubber Heist Leaves Gifu Officials Scratching Their Heads
In a bizarre twist that would make any normal person say “ag, really now?”, 63 rubber fixtures vanished from toilet lids and seats at the OKB Fureai Kaikan in Gifu City. Custodians discovered the strange theft across 20 toilets in men’s and multi-purpose bathrooms.
Since rubber fittings don’t just fall off easily, authorities suspect foul play. The stolen pieces are worth about 60,000 yen, though who’d buy used toilet rubber is anyone’s guess. Police are investigating while security ramps up patrols. Luckily, Japan’s top toilet maker manages the building, so replacing the parts should be easy.
J-Pop Plots a Global Takeover
Japan’s J-pop industry is gearing up for its boldest international push yet. With stars like Ado drawing over half a million fans on her world tour, the feeling at the Tokyo International Music Market was clear: J-pop is ready to go global. Record labels are eyeing fast-growing markets like Latin America, where music revenue is booming. With Japan’s birth rate dropping and streaming dominating worldwide, expanding abroad is becoming a must.
“We are seeing a lot of Japanese music travelling in the rest of the world. But also we need to make more infrastructure of how we get the majority of the revenue,” Suzuki Takayuki, Managing Director at MusicTech Japan said. Experts say J-pop doesn’t need to copy K-pop, it just needs strategy, stronger global partnerships, and its signature superfans to help the genre conquer new audiences.
Interesting articles from Japan
How to make black fried chicken for Black Friday/Fry Day【Recipe】
Japan’s growing Black Friday trend brings weeks of sales despite no Thanksgiving tradition, inspiring unique twists, like a “Fry Day” fried-chicken celebration sparked by playful wordplay.
Japan’s Daruma Dolls Get Makeover for Year of the Horse
Arai Darumaya in Hiratsuka unveils 12 cm horse-themed Daruma dolls for Japan’s 2026 Year of the Horse, crafting 3,000 washi-and-clay figures with charming expressions.
Meet the eerie police statues of Miyakojima in Okinawa Prefecture
Miyakojima’s eerie traffic-safety mascots, Mamoru and Maruko, captivate travellers with gothic charm, quirky statues, and collectible merchandise, turning unexpected island encounters into unforgettable sightseeing.
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