October 2025 Bento Plus
Itadakimasu
Konnichiwa, AnimeFanatiks! In our October 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!!
This Month we bring you Horror anime, manga and a Light Novel. Get ready for some spooky content perfect for the spookiest month of the year filled with tricks and treats.
Upcoming events
Events in Nippon
Here’s a list of notable events and festivals (matsuri) that take place in Japan during October.
October 8, 2025
Sports Day (Taiiku no Hi)
Location: Nation-wide
Significance: A national holiday encouraging sports, fitness, and an active lifestyle.
October 9–10, 2025
Takayama Autumn Festival (Hachiman Matsuri)
Location: Gifu Prefecture
Meaning: Famous in Gifu Prefecture for its elaborate festival floats and historical processions.
October 12–13, 2025
Kawagoe Festival
Location: Saitama
A lively float festival in “Little Edo,” Saitama, featuring traditional music and lantern-lit parades.
October 22, 2025
Jidai Matsuri (Festival of the Ages)
Location: Kyoto
A grand parade showcasing Kyoto’s 1,000-year history through costumes and culture.
October 31, 2025
Festival: Halloween in Japan
Location : Mostly in Tokyo
Event: Modern, Western-inspired celebration, most famously in Shibuya with wild street parties and cosplay.
SA Events
AnimeFanatika Anime Day
October 18 - Discord
Starts: 09:00– Ends 18:00
Theme: Horror and Season Releases
Join the WhatsApp Group to receive link
AnimeFanatika Horror Anime Evening Special.
October 31 - Discord
Starts: 20:00
Prepare yourself as we delve in to the mystical scary dark side of anime bwahahaha ‘cough’
Join the WhatsApp Group to receive link
Game of the month
Silent Hill f – A Haunting New Chapter Perfect for Halloween
Introduction
Silent Hill f is the newest entry in the legendary horror franchise, and it’s already sending chills down gamers’ spines. Developed by NeoBards Entertainment and published by Konami, the game shifts the action to 1960s Japan, a first for the series. This eerie setting is a concoction of traditional Japanese horror with the disturbing atmosphere that Silent Hill fans know and love.
With its haunting visuals, parasitic flowers, and a story penned by Ryūkishi07 (Higurashi no Naku Koro ni), Silent Hill f promises a fresh yet terrifying experience that feels specially brewed for Halloween night.
Overview
Pros:
Unique setting: Unlike previous games, this instalment embraces Japanese horror, with folklore-inspired scares that promises a lot of ‘skrik’ moments.
Strong writing pedigree: With Ryūkishi07 involved, players can expect an emotionally complex story filled with psychological twists.
Atmosphere and design: The decayed environments and grotesque floral infestations elevate the tension and visual horror.
Franchise revival: Fans have been hungry for new Silent Hill content, and Silent Hill f looks like just the fix we all craved, bruh.
Cons:
Unclear release date: As of now, Konami has not confirmed when the game will officially launch.
Gameplay mystery: Details remain vague, so fans are unsure how much it will align with the survival horror roots.
Expectations pressure: Given the franchise’s legacy, the game carries heavy weight to satisfy both old and new players.
It is all in the name
The title Silent Hill f has sparked considerable debate among fans due to the stylised rendering of the “f.” While Konami has confirmed the game is officially pronounced as Silent Hill eff, many observers note the letter’s resemblance to the musical notation for forte (𝆑), which in sheet music indicates “play loudly.”
This has led to speculation that the design choice may symbolically connect to the franchise’s strong emphasis on sound design and atmospheric tension. Japanese fan communities have echoed this interpretation, suggesting intentional ambiguity. Nonetheless, Konami maintains the title is simply read as the letter “f,” finish and klaar.
Conclusion:
Silent Hill f blends classic survival horror with Japanese folklore, creating a terrifyingly fresh atmosphere. Its mysterious story and grotesque visuals make it a standout contender for Halloween gaming. For South African horror fans, it’s the perfect spooky escape while the winds howl outside and shadows dance in the dark.
Hades II: A Dark Myth Reborn for Gamers
Hades II, the highly anticipated sequel to Supergiant Games’ award-winning roguelike, dives deeper into Greek mythology with a fresh heroine, Melinoë, sister of Zagreus. Players explore the Underworld in a gorgeously crafted roguelike adventure that combines fast-paced combat, rich storytelling, and strategic depth.
The game’s mythological flair feels perfect for spooky nights or even Halloween marathons. With handcrafted visuals and endless replay value, Hades II promises to surpass its predecessor. If you loved Hades, this sequel is a must-play. It’s a thrilling reminder that legends never die, they just respawn stronger.
Itadakimasu Eats
Creepy-Cute Japanese Dishes Perfect for Halloween
Japan often names food with playful onomatopoeia that describes how it feels in the mouth. Some dishes sound fun, others sound downright strange or eerie, depending on if it will be palatable to you as a person and together, they make for a Halloween menu that’s both fascinating and chilling, making some people feel they stepped into an eatery of horrors. Some of you may feel a chill crawling down your delicate spine as you read this list of creepy yet perhaps cuteness.
Beta beta yokan
A traditional sweet made of red bean paste, sugar, and agar, formed into blocks. The name “beta beta” refers to its sticky texture, like something clinging to your fingers. Imagine slicing through what looks like a block of ghostly jelly, sweet, yet uncanny. (Makes you think of calling people to deal with something… strange in the neighbourhood, yes?)
Tsuru tsuru tororo
Made by grating yam (yamaimo) into a slimy, gooey paste that’s often poured over noodles or rice. “Tsuru tsuru” describes the slippery feeling as it slides down your throat. The texture is strange, almost like slurping down a sorcerer’s brew.
Saku saku inago
Fried locusts, glazed in a sweet soy sauce. “Saku saku” captures the crisp crunch as you bite into them. Once a rural protein source, these shiny, crunchy insects now double as a dish that can make even the bravest diner squirm.
Puri puri motsu
This dish uses beef or pork intestines, prized in hot pots for their chewy, springy texture. “Puri puri” describes their bouncy mouthfeel. While tasty and hearty, the fact that it’s intestines gives it a gory, horror-movie edge, perfect for Halloween feasting. Some might stomach this, as tripe, offal and Haggis are global dishes that are cousins of Puri puri motsu, but it takes a brave soul to eat intestines. But don’t judge, wors or sausages are also dishes that sometimes use intestines as casing, and we all love pap en wors, of hoe, bruh?
Nuru nuru shirako
The boldest dish of all: shirako, or cod milt (fish sperm sacs). Its silky, custard-like texture is captured in “nuru nuru,” meaning slippery-slimy. With its ghostly white appearance and unsettling origin, it feels like something straight from the depths of a haunted sea.
Conclusion:
Whether sticky, slimy, crispy, springy, or slippery, these dishes embody textures that stir the imagination. They aren’t just foods, they’re experiences. On Halloween, they become the ultimate dare: part feast, part fright, each bite pushing diners into the thrilling unknown, blurring the line, perhaps, between trick and treat.
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 ONLAP – Nevermind with scenes from Tsuihousha Shokudou E Youkoso. His second choice is Jim Yosef – Break the Chains with scenes from the anime Limit Zero Breakers, Sentenced to Be a Hero and Fate/Grand Order and his third choice is Enemies Marching by Pyron with scenes from Kaiju No. 8
Ookami's Tunes
First choice is TOKYO AMV * Fight by Your Side with scenes from Kaiju No. 8 Season 2. His second choice is Unroyal – BANG with scenes from One Piece. As for his third choice, Ookami chose LXNGVX, Maestro Chives – Royalty Funk with scenes from the game Dungeon Fighter.
Shiro Tunes
First AMV choice is ONLAP – Losing My Mind (feat. @ColeRolland) with scenes from Kaiju No. 8 Season 2. His second choice is Unroyal – Monster with scenes from Sakamoto Days Part 2. Shiro’s last choice is The Sight Of Impact – Madhouse with scenes from Dandadan Season 2
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
Rize Kamishiro from Tokyo Ghoul
Rize Kamishiro, often called the “Binge Eater,” is one of the most enigmatic and dangerous characters in Tokyo Ghoul. On the surface, she appears as a beautiful and mysterious young woman who quickly captures the attention of Ken Kaneki. However, beneath her charming exterior lies a ruthless ghoul with an insatiable hunger. Unlike other ghouls who feed discreetly, Rize is infamous for devouring far more than necessary, earning her a terrifying reputation as a vraat.
Her encounter with Kaneki becomes the catalyst for the entire story. When Rize attempts to kill him during what he thought was a romantic date, fate intervenes through a sudden accident. To save Kaneki’s life, doctors transplant Rize’s organs into him, unintentionally transforming him into the first known half-ghoul. This twist sets Kaneki on his painful journey of identity, morality, and survival in a world where humans and ghouls collide.
Even after her death, Rize’s presence lingers throughout the series. Her power, symbolised by her kagune, haunts Kaneki both physically and psychologically. In many ways, Rize represents temptation, destruction, and the uncontrollable hunger that defines much of Tokyo Ghoul’s dark narrative. She is both a villain and a tragic figure, embodying the chaos that fuels the story’s heart. Her Birthday is October 18.
She shares her birth month with
October 4 Ayano Keiko (Silica) – Sword Art Online
October 4 Asta – Black Clover
Anime Challenge October 2025
Call of the Night
Call of the Night (Yofukashi no Uta) is a stylish supernatural romance anime that blends slice-of-life vibes with the allure of the night. The story follows Ko Yamori, a teenager who struggles with insomnia and grows disillusioned with the monotony of daytime life. Seeking escape, he begins wandering the streets at night, where the world feels freer and more alive.
His late-night adventures bring him face-to-face with Nazuna Nanakusa, a quirky and mischievous vampire who introduces him to the thrill of nightlife. Unlike the terrifying, predatory vampires of tradition, Nazuna is playful and oddly casual about her nature, creating a unique chemistry between her and Ko. He soon learns that if he wants to become a vampire himself, he must fall in love with her, a challenge that sparks their unconventional bond.
With its neon-lit cityscapes, cool jazz-inspired soundtrack, and dreamy visuals, Call of the Night captures the magic of exploring who you are when the world is asleep. It’s a coming-of-age story that blends urban loneliness, romance, and supernatural elements with a vibe that feels both modern and nostalgic. For fans of stylish anime with heart, mystery, and a touch of nocturnal freedom, this series is a must-watch.
Light novel of the Month
Torture Princess: Fremd Torturchen
Torture Princess: Fremd Torturchen is a gothic dark fantasy light novel series written by Keishi Ayasato with illustrations by Saki Ukai. Known for its haunting atmosphere, twisted beauty, and philosophical depth, it stands out among light novels for embracing horror themes while exploring morality and redemption.
The story follows Kaito Sena, a young man who suffers a tragic death in the real world and awakens in a grim, otherworldly realm. There, he encounters Elisabeth Le Fanu, the so-called “Torture Princess.” Elisabeth has been tasked by the Church to hunt down and destroy fourteen demon lords, using methods as merciless as her title suggests. Her weapon? Ritualistic torture that destroys the corrupted.
Bound by contract, Kaito becomes Elisabeth’s servant. At first, he is overwhelmed by her cruelty and the macabre world he’s been dragged into. But as their journey unfolds, he learns that Elisabeth is more than a sadistic figure, she is a tragic heroine, cursed to carry out atrocities in order to atone for sins not entirely her own.
Blending gruesome imagery with elegant prose, Torture Princess weaves themes of sin, love, punishment, and salvation. It’s a chilling yet strangely beautiful tale for readers drawn to gothic storytelling and dark, emotional narratives.
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
Clavicle_Clive: Skeleton VTuber, Mystery Vibe, Gaming Spirit
Clavicle_Clive is an English-speaking skeleton VTuber known for his quirkiness and a unique streaming style. His bio says he’s a “background skeleton from a scrapped ’90s point-and-click adventure game turned VTuber through means even he doesn’t understand.” He uses bones to host chat, play games, and hang with fans, giving off vibes somewhere between spooky campfire tales and nostalgic game nights.
He streams mostly on Twitch (joined around July 2024), playing games like Lobotomy Corporation, Blue Prince, Umamusume Pretty Derby, puzzle-all types, and often goes “just chatting.” His viewership is modest but consistent: average viewers in the low teens, peaks slightly higher.
One thing that sets Clavicle_Clive apart is his personality: humorous, laid-back, and self-aware. He leans into the skeleton persona, not just as a visual gimmick but part of the flavour of his streams by mixing spook, humour, and nostalgia. For fans who like something offbeat rather than ultra-polished, he’s a good match.
Conclusion: If you’re into spooky with style, indie/cult game content, and a VTuber who doesn’t take everything too seriously, Clavicle_Clive is worth checking out, especially perfect around Halloween when skeletons and childhood fears feel more fun than frightening, don’t you agree?
Cosplay
We bring you a fun cosplay tutorial and look at a few cosplay videos from various anime expos bringing beloved Anime, Manga, game and even TV series characters to life!
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
Noh Art Masks
1. Noh Masks
There are various art masks, such as Noh masks, which are worn in Noh musical dramas. In these musicals, all roles were traditionally played by men (just like in the time of Shakespeare in the Western world, where all roles were performed by men. Yes, even in Romeo and Juliet.
Noh performances are usually serious and solemn. Noh masks are still used today. They have complex designs and are so well-made that the masks can show different facial expressions, depending on the angle from which they are viewed. One moment they can look sad, or anger from another angle. These masks are amazing. This trick of expression is echoed in anime characters, whose faces reveal layers of emotion, much like the mysterious vibe of Naruto’s masked ANBU.
2. Kyogen Masks
Kyogen is usually performed as comic relief during intermissions in Noh theatres. Usually, non-human roles are performed. They’re basically the “comedy anime skit” of the theatre world, much like filler episodes in long-running anime that lighten the mood before things get heavy again.
3. Onnamen Masks
Since women do not traditionally act in Noh, men play female roles and wear onnamen (woman’s masks). These masks can also take on many forms, from beautiful women to working-class women to older, middle-aged women. They remind us of how anime often plays with gender roles and appearances, from Ouran High School Host Club to KonoSuba.
4. Hannya
A specific major figure in Noh theatre is Hannya, a jealous female demon. They are portrayed as a female with much jealousy and hatred with long horns, sharp teeth, and distorted eyes. Like onnamen masks, Hannya masks display a complex number of emotions depending on how the light catches the features of the mask. When an actor wearing a Hannya mask looks directly at the audience they see an angry female face; however, if Hannya looks at the ground, an illusion is created where she almost looks as though she is crying.
Colour in Hannya masks represent different standings of the character: a white mask means a woman of refined character, red is for those who are a little less refined, while the darkest of reds is reserved for the evilest of all the demons, a woman completely lost in her own jealousy. Hannya’s influence can be seen in countless works, from Inuyasha’s demons to the cursed masks in Nioh.
Honourable mentions:
Mempo Masks
These were the fierce masks worn by samurai to intimidate their enemies in battle. Their influence is everywhere, from Rurouni Kenshin’s masked villains to the fearsome warriors in Ghost of Tsushima. Even Darth Vader’s helmet design was partly inspired by samurai mempo!
Bugaku Masks
Used in classical dance performances, Bugaku masks are colourful, dramatic, and larger-than-life. They remind us of the vibrant, over-the-top character designs in anime like One Piece or Kill la Kill, where a single look tells you everything about a character’s personality.
Festival Masks
Fox (kitsune) and tengu masks are staples at Japanese festivals, and staples in anime. Think Naruto’s fox spirit ties, or festival episodes across countless shows where characters don mysterious masks before a summer firework scene. They’re a reminder of how tradition lives on in both culture and anime storytelling.
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