December 2025 Bento Plus
Itadakimasu
Konnichiwa, AnimeFanatiks! In our November 2025 Bento Plus we have our monthly anime and manga challenges, we talk about delicious Japanese food, have great AMVs and a variety of yummy content for you to sink your teeth in. We are your monthly source of anime and Japanese news. Itadakimasu!!
Upcoming events
Events in Nippon
Here’s a list of notable events and festivals (matsuri) that take place in Japan during December.
December 2–3
Chichibu Night Festival (Chichibu Yomatsuri)
Location: Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture
Significance: One of Japan’s top three float festivals, with huge illuminated floats, fireworks, and festival music in a chilly mountain town.
December 14
Akō Gishi Festival
Location: Akō City, Hyogo Prefecture & Sengakuji Temple, Minato, Tokyo
Meaning: Honours the 47 Ronin with parades and ceremonies at historic sites linked to the famous samurai revenge story.
Late December (usually Dec 29–31)
Winter Comiket (Comic Market)
Location:Tokyo Big Sight, Odaiba, Tokyo
The world’s biggest dōjinshi fair: fan-made manga, art, merch, and huge cosplay crowds. Otaku paradise.
December 31
Namahage Year-End Visits
Location: Oga Peninsula, Akita Prefecture
Men in demon-like Namahage masks visit homes shouting warnings against laziness. Kids cry, parents smile, old-school folklore in action.
December 31
Joya no Kane (New Year’s Eve Bell Ringing)
Location : Buddhist temples across Japan (famous spots: Zojo-ji in Tokyo, Chion-in in Kyoto)
Event: Temple bells ring 108 times to cleanse earthly desires and welcome the new year in a calm, spiritual way.
SA Events
AnimeFanatika Anime Day
20 December
Starts: 09:00 – Ends 16:00
Theme: You Say it, We Play It
Join the WhatsApp Group to receive link
Game of the month
My Little Spider – Creepy Fun with a Twist
Introduction
My Little Spider is a collection game, in the spirit of Pokémon. Picture this, you adopt a cute pet spider that lives anywhere on your desktop! The two of you team up to discover unique bugs, decorate your web, and unlock adorable spider hats as you work or relax. Sounds too cute to be true! My Little Spider is developed by 9FingerGames.
Overview
Pros:
Super cuteness: The game is super cute ad will appeal to cuteness addicts.
Gotta Catch them all: Over 50 cute bugs to discover and collect in your web.
Explore: Over 5 unique locations to unlock and explore.
Cons:
Lagging angst: On some PCs the game can be a little laggy ad clunky
The case of the disappearing data: Some players experienced that their data disappeared when logging into the game again
Conclusion:
My Little Spider is the digital buddy you never knew you needed. Whether you’re grinding through a long workday, powering through study marathons, or just chilling with a cup of rooibos, this little critter keeps things lively. If you grew up addicted to Tamagotchis or you still feel that “just one more catch” Pokémon itch, then this game is right up your alley.
Your adorable eight-legged companion scuttles around collecting bugs while you focus on real-life tasks, turning every moment into a mini adventure. And when you’ve got a spare second, you can jump in, help your spider, and enjoy that satisfying drip-feed of progress. It’s cute, low-stress, and strangely addictive, the perfect digital pet for anyone who loves cosy, quirky games with a touch of whimsy.
Where Winds Meet — A Wuxia Epic Worth Exploring
Where Winds Meet drops you into a sprawling Wuxia open-world set in 10th-century China, where you play a swordsman forging your own legend. The world is huge, from busy imperial cities to misty forests and hidden temples, and the freedom to roam, fight, or explore at your own pace makes every session feel fresh. Combat is fluid and expressive, with multiple weapons and martial-arts styles letting you switch from stealth to swords to rope-dart in a heartbeat. The game delivers a rich, cultural atmosphere that’ll hook both casual players and hardcore RPG fans.
Despite some rough edges, like a complex UI and occasional bugs, Where Winds Meet remains loads of fun for anyone craving a true Wuxia adventure. Its mix of immersive world building, versatile combat, and player freedom gives it serious staying power. If you’ve been hunting for a free-to-play RPG that respects both your skill and your time, give this one a spin, the wind might just carry your legend.
Itadakimasu Eats
Top 10 Japanese Fried Chicken Styles – A Crispy Journey Through Japan’s Favourite Comfort Food
Japan’s love affair with fried chicken is legendary, ja-nee. From street-corner karaage stands to regional specialities, the country has turned simple fried chicken into pure culinary art. Here’s a tasty Top 10 guide to Japan’s most beloved styles, plus a festive shout-out to Japan’s iconic Christmas KFC tradition.
1. Karaage (The OG King of Fried Chicken)
Japan’s undisputed favourite. Marinated in soy, garlic, and ginger, then coated lightly and fried. Juicy, crispy, and available everywhere from konbini to matsuri stalls.
2. Zangi (Hokkaido’s Powerhouse)
A bolder cousin of karaage with stronger seasoning. Born in Hokkaido, this style hits harder with flavour, a ‘properse’ treat for those who want something punchy.
3. Tebasaki (Nagoya’s Sweet–Spicy Wings)
Crispy skin, peppery bite, sticky glaze. Nagoya’s iconic wings are famous nationwide. Perfect for people who love controlled chaos in flavour form.
4. Tatsuta-age (The Light, Crispy Type)
Marinated chicken coated in only potato starch, giving it a pale, crackly crunch. Often seen in school lunches and bento.
5. Tori Katsu (Chicken Cutlet With Crunch)
Chicken breast coated in panko crumbs and fried like tonkatsu. Served with shredded cabbage and tonkatsu sauce. Simple and comforting.
6. Chicken Nanban (Kyushu’s Creamy Favourite)
Deep-fried chicken dipped in sweet vinegar and covered in tartar sauce. Rich, decadent, and straight-up addictive.
7. Konbini Fried Chicken Classics
FamilyMart’s Famichiki, Lawson’s Karaage-kun, and 7-Eleven’s crispy bites each have their own fanbase. These convenience-store legends are cheap, quick, and surprisingly high quality.
8. Tenka Torimasu Karaage (Flavoured Street Food Style)
A festival favourite with variations like yuzu pepper, curry, black garlic, and sweet chili. Perfect for nibbling while exploring a matsuri.
9. Kurozu Karaage (Black Vinegar Chicken)
A sweet, tangy, almost glossy version soaked in kurozu (black vinegar). Popular in Tokyo and Osaka eateries, great for fans of sweet-and-sour flavours.
10. Amakara Teba (Sweet–Salty Glazed Wings)
A Kansai favourite where wings are coated in a sticky, salty-sweet glaze. Messy? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely.
A Quick Nod to Japan’s Christmas KFC Tradition
No Japanese fried chicken list is complete without mentioning the famous Christmas KFC boom. Every December, families across Japan order “Kentucky Christmas” buckets weeks in advance. What started as a 1970s marketing campaign became a national tradition, so iconic that some people queue hours for their festive feast.
New AMV's & Wotagei
Every month, the AnimeFanatika team dives headfirst into the YouTube universe, hunting for the hottest, most rocking AMVs to blow your mind, as well as Wotagei videos.
Takeshi's Tunes
First choice is Oh The Larceny – This Is It with scenes from various anime. His second choice is Jim Yosef – Remember Me (ft. Rory Hope) with scenes from various anime and games and his third choice is Sabaton – I, Emperor with scenes from Saga of Tanya the Evil.
Ookami's Tunes
First choice is ABOKAI – Demons Within with scenes from The Last Dynasty, Gu Wei Nan Ting, The Chosen One, 谷围南亭 . His second choice is LXNGVX, Warriyo – Mortals Funk Remix with scenes from Pokemon Horizons. As for his third choice, Ookami chose Society of ABOKAI – Collide and Conquer with scenes from various anime.
Shiro Tunes
First AMV choice is Youth Never Dies – Hero with scenes from My Hero Academia. His second choice is ONLAP – Afterglow with scenes from various anime. Shiro’s last choice is NEFFEX – Control with scenes from Gachiakuta
Kuroyuki Tunes
First AMV choice is Unlike Pluto – Dig with scenes from Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End. Her second choice is Awaken – League of Legends with scenes from various anime. Kuroyuki’s last choice is Camila Cabello – My Oh My with scenes from Vanitas no Carte
Retara's Tunes
Our correspondence from Japan shares with us two impressive Wotagei videos.
Please support the original music artists by looking them up on YouTube, Spotify and other media and give them your appreciation and support!
Birthday of the Month
Kon – The Lion-Hearted Mod-Soul of Bleach
Kon’s Birthday is December 30th. He is one of Bleach’s most iconic comic relief characters, yet beneath his playful exterior lies surprising depth. As a Mod-Soul, Kon was artificially created by the Soul Society to enhance human bodies for combat. When the project was abandoned, he narrowly escaped destruction and eventually ended up with Ichigo Kurosaki. Kon usually inhabits a small, cute lion plushie, giving him his instantly recognisable appearance, big eyes, big attitude.
While he often acts cheeky and over-the-top, Kon’s personality highlights themes of identity and purpose. His longing to belong, and his determination to protect Ichigo’s family when needed, reveal a heart far braver than he admits. Kon’s mix of humour, charm, and unexpected heroism has made him a fan favourite for years, proving that even a tiny lion plush can roar loudly in the world of Bleach.
He shares his birth month with:
December 2 Uta from Tokyo Ghoul
December 4 Asuka Langley Sohryu from Neon Genesis Evangelion
Anime Challenge December 2025
Buddy Daddies – A Heart-Warming, Action-Packed Found-Family Anime
We join in the adventures of two certified assassins, Kazuki Kurusu, a criminal contractor who lives with his best friend Rei Suwa. Kazuki is outgoing with a love for gambling and the ladies while Rei is the silent type that enjoys video games. Their lives get upturned when they suddenly have to care for a spirited little girl named Miri. What begins as a chaotic coincidence quickly grows into something deeper, as the duo learns the true meaning of responsibility, sacrifice, and love.
The anime explores the unlikely family unit that forms between the three, balancing intense missions with touching slice-of-life scenes. Kazuki brings warmth and organisation, while Rei’s deadpan personality leads to brilliant comedic moments. Together, they navigate nappies, preschool troubles, and dangerous underworld conflicts, creating a charming contrast that keeps viewers hooked.
Buddy Daddies stands out for its smooth animation, strong character development, and themes of chosen family, perfect for fans of feel-good stories with a cheeky edge. Its exploration of parenthood, even in the most unconventional circumstances, makes it a memorable addition to modern anime. It is an anime that explores blood-does-not-always-make-family, family sometimes creates itself from strangers. Whether you’re looking for action, humour, or heart, Buddy Daddies delivers a lekker blend that resonates long after the final episode.
Light novel of the Month
By the Grace of the Gods
By the Grace of the Gods (Kami-tachi ni Hirowareta Otoko) is a feel-good isekai light novel series written by Roy and illustrated by Ririnra. In By the Grace of the Gods 39-year-old, Takebayashi Ryoma sneezes so hard that he hits his head on the ground and dies. He finds himself reincarnated into an 8-year-old boy in another world. He is set on his path by the three major gods and begins to live a life of solitude, studying slimes in the forest. But it is an isekai so we know soon he will be knee-deep in adventures!
This light novel stands out in the isekai genre for its wholesome, slice-of-life tone. Rather than focusing on epic battles, By the Grace of the Gods highlights personal growth, community, and everyday adventure. Ryoma uses his knowledge from Earth to create new tools, run a laundry business with his army of slimes, and help the people around him without expecting anything in return. The story celebrates kindness and slow, steady progress.
Fans appreciate the cosy world building, charming characters, and uplifting themes of relaxation and healing. If you’re looking for an isekai with heart, a relaxing fantasy read, or a story about starting over, By the Grace of the Gods offers a gentle escape perfect for readers of all ages.
Manga Challenge December 2025
Yuki ni Tsubasa – A Supernatural Romance Manga Filled With Emotion and Mystery
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 some of our favourite YouTubers.
VTuber Spotlight
Sandra-Chi
We contacted Vtuber Sandra-Chi and asked her to share her story with us.
“Hello! My name is Sandra-Chi, and I’m a squirrel VTuber. I stream primarily on Twitch, and I post VODs and short clips on YouTube and TikTok.
I joined the VTuber community in April 2020 during my junior year of college. When the pandemic hit and classes moved online, I shifted my extra time to my voice acting side hustle. One day, I was invited to be a guest on a VTuber’s Twitch stream. That was my first real introduction to the VTubing world. Throughout the stream, viewers showed me a lot of support and asked if I would consider becoming a VTuber.
I’ve always loved anime, video games, and Japanese culture, so it felt like a fun thing to do. Not long after, I created my own 3D VRoid model. In my early streams, I taught viewers Japanese and shared voice acting tips. Eventually that led to voice acting in video games on stream and really enjoying my time gaming. Along the way, I’ve switched from my 3D model to 2D- then back again, and I’ve continued learning more about myself and my audience.
These days, I’m diving into the long-running series that I missed when I was younger: Halo, Fallout, Borderlands, and more. My viewers get to relive their nostalgia while watching me experience those stories for the first time. It’s been fantastic to get recommendations from my community along the way, but no spoilers!
I’m incredibly proud of the community we’ve built and the events we get to take part in together. So far, we’ve raised over $3,000 for charity from taking part in over 8 different charity events. I can’t wait to raise even more in the future!
I plan to continue on with various streaming activities and give people a place to relax and laugh after long days at work.”
Cosplay
We bring you fun cosplay tutorials and other videos that may inspire your next cosplay look!
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!
Japanese Art Forms
The Japanese Art of Shodō (書道)
Shodō, the traditional Japanese art of calligraphy, is far more than simply writing beautiful characters, it is a disciplined, meditative practice that blends artistic expression, graceful mindfulness, philosophy, and spirituality. Rooted in Chinese calligraphy, Shodō evolved uniquely in Japan, becoming a respected artistic path followed by monks, scholars, samurai, and modern artists alike. At its heart lies the belief that a single brushstroke can reveal the inner state of the artist. Every movement of the brush reflects intent, emotion, and clarity of mind.
Practitioners use three essential tools known as the Four Treasures: the ink brush (fude), the inkstone (suzuri), ink (sumi), and paper (washi). The process begins with grinding the ink stick on the stone, a calming ritual that prepares the mind. When the brush meets the paper, there is no hesitation. Each stroke must be bold, fluid, and final, because Shodō allows no erasing or correction. This is where its Zen influence shines through: presence, flow, and total acceptance of the moment.
Shodō also serves as a cultural bridge, helping learners understand the deeper meaning behind Japanese kanji. The balance of lines, the harmony of empty space, and the emotion infused into each character reveal profound aesthetic values, such as ma (intentional space) and wabi-sabi (beauty in imperfection).
Today, Shodō remains a cherished art in schools, homes, and studios across Japan. Whether displayed as hanging scrolls or performed in dynamic public demonstrations, Shodō continues to inspire people with its blend of discipline, elegance, and mindful creativity.
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