September 2025 Bento Plus
Itadakimasu
Konnichiwa, AnimeFanatiks! In our September 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 witchy anime, manga and a Light Novel. Soon it will be October and Halloween, so we give you a taste of spookiness to get ready for the scariest fun month of all!
Upcoming events
Events in Nippon
Here’s a list of notable events and festivals (matsuri) that take place in Japan during September.
September 1
Disaster Prevention Day
Location: Nation-wide
Significance: This day commemorates the 1923 Great Kantō Earthquake and promotes awareness and preparedness.
September 6
Younger Sister’s Day
Location: Nationwide
Meaning: A quirky observance, celebrating younger sisters and familial bonds.
Third Monday of September
Labor Day (Respect for the Aged Day, 敬老の日)
Location: Nationwide
This public holiday honours elders nationwide.
Around September 22–23
Autumnal Equinox Day (Shūbun no Hi, 秋分の日)
Location: Nationwide
This national holiday marks the start of autumn and encourages family gatherings and ancestral remembrance.
Early to mid-September
Festival: Tokyo Grand Sumo Tournament
Location : Tokyo
Event: A major 15-day sumo event at Ryogoku Kokugikan, drawing wrestling fans nationwide.
SA Events
AnimeFanatika Anime Day
September 20 - Discord
Starts: 09:00– Ends 18:00
Theme: Seasonal openers
Join the WhatsApp Group to receive link
Imax Release of Infinity Castle
September 12
Locations: Selected Theatres
Game of the month
Hololive Holo’s Hanafuda – A Colourful Twist on Tradition
Introduction
Hololive Holo’s Hanafuda is a charming digital take on the classic Japanese card game, Hanafuda, brought to life with the beloved VTubers of Hololive. This game blends traditional gameplay with a fresh anime-style twist, making it appealing both to fans of Japanese culture and to those who adore Hololive’s vibrant personalities.
Overview
Pros:
Accessibility – One of the biggest strengths of Hololive Holo’s Hanafuda is its accessibility. The traditional game can be intimidating for newcomers, but this version provides an approachable, fun way to learn the rules.
Artwork – The artwork is another highlight, each card is decorated with stunning illustrations inspired by Hololive’s roster of idols, adding a unique charm and collectability factor.
Special touches – Fans will love the little voice lines and character touches that bring extra life to each match.
Replayability – The game also encourages replayability, as players can enjoy casual matches or test their skills with friends.
Cons:
More for fans – While the game is a delight for Hololive fans, it may not hold the same appeal for players unfamiliar with the VTubers.
Lack of challenge – Additionally, more seasoned Hanafuda players might find the simplified rules lacking in challenge.
Fanservice – Some may also feel the game relies too heavily on fanservice, making it niche rather than broadly appealing.
Conclusion:
Hololive Holo’s Hanafuda succeeds in revitalising a centuries-old game for the modern era. With its unique art and lively Hololive flair, it’s a must-play for fans and a fun entry point for newcomers curious about Hanafuda.
Little Witch Academia: Chamber of Time
Introduction
Little Witch Academia: Chamber of Time is a role-playing game based on the beloved anime by Studio Trigger. The game follows Akko Kagari and her friends at Luna Nova Academy as they uncover a mysterious time loop that traps them in the same day over and over. Players explore magical dungeons, solve puzzles, and battle enemies while enjoying an original story that feels like a natural extension of the anime.
With stunning 3D visuals and voice acting from the original cast, it immerses fans in the whimsical world of witches and magic. The gameplay blends side-scrolling action with RPG mechanics, allowing players to customise their team with different spells and abilities. Fans of the anime will especially appreciate the humour, character interactions, and faithful adaptation of the show’s charm.
While the game received mixed reviews for repetitive mechanics, it remains a treat for those who love the Little Witch Academia universe.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Little Witch Academia: Chamber of Time is more than just a game—it’s an enchanting experience for fans of magical adventures. Whether you’re revisiting Luna Nova or discovering it for the first time, this title offers a spellbinding journey worth exploring.
Itadakimasu Eats
Sanma (Pacific Saury): The Flavor of Autumn in Japan
Sanma, or Pacific saury, is one of Japan’s most iconic autumn dishes, cherished for its rich flavour and cultural significance. Known as “autumn knife fish” (秋刀魚) due to its slender shape and seasonal peak, sanma has been enjoyed for centuries as a simple yet delicious symbol of autumn. We have seen it on breakfast, lunch and dinner tables in a lot of anime, so loved is the fish!
When in season, sanma develops a fatty, savoury taste that makes it perfect for grilling with just a sprinkle of salt. Uniquely, its innards lack bitterness, so many enjoy the fish whole, often served with rice, daikon, or citrus. Its straightforward preparation, requiring no gutting or scaling, adds to its popularity for busy households.
Historically, sanma fishing dates back 300 years, with major growth during the Edo period. After World War II, innovations like stick-set nets boosted efficiency, leading to record hauls. However, recent years have seen volatile prices due to ocean current changes and overfishing, with prices soaring from an affordable “commoner’s fish” to a seasonal luxury. Despite fluctuations, its arrival in markets still signals the start of autumn across Japan.
How to Grill Sanma at Home
Wash and pat dry; make a small cut across the fish.
Salt generously, especially the middle section.
Grill on medium heat for 8–9 minutes until golden.
Conclusion
Whether bought at a supermarket or enjoyed in a traditional Japanese meal, sanma remains a beloved autumn delicacy. Its cultural symbolism, nutritional value, and seasonal taste ensure it continues to be a centrepiece of Japanese cuisine for generations to come.
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
Takeshi’s choice is Youth Never Dies – Hypernova featuring scenes from the anime Zoom 100
Ookami's Tunes
First choice is Blue Stahli – “Throw Away” with scenes from Kaiju No. 8 Season 2. His second choice is Onlap – Losing my mind again with scenes from Kaiju No. 8 Season 2.
Shiro Tunes
First AMV choice is Youth Never Dies – Monster with scenes from Gachiakuta. His second choice is Jim Yosef – BATTLECRY with scenes from Various games.
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
Kotaro Bokuto from Haikyuu!!
Kōtarō Bokuto is one of the most charismatic and unforgettable characters in Haikyuu!!. As the captain and ace of Fukurodani Academy’s volleyball team, Bokuto is known for his powerful spikes, boundless energy, and larger-than-life personality. With his distinctive owl-like hairstyle and booming voice, he commands attention both on and off the court.
What makes Bokuto stand out is not just his athletic ability, but also his unpredictable mood swings. His “emo modes” can throw his rhythm off, but thanks to his teammates, especially setter Keiji Akaashi, he often bounces back stronger than ever. This dynamic highlights how volleyball in Haikyuu!! is not just about skill but also about teamwork and emotional support.
Despite his quirks, Bokuto is a powerhouse who can change the tide of any match. His enthusiasm inspires those around him, and he’s often seen mentoring younger players, including Shōyō Hinata, showing his growth as both a player and a leader.
Fans love Bokuto for his humour, sincerity, and his ability to light up even the tensest matches. He represents the spirit of Haikyuu!! perfectly—passion, resilience, and the joy of playing the game. His birthday is September 20th, meaning he is our birthday for September.
He shares his birth month with:
September 3 Zenitsu Agatsuma – Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
September 3 Orihime Inoue – Bleach
September 15 Kakashi Hatake – Naruto
Anime Challenge September 2025
Junketsu no Maria (Maria the Virgin Witch)
Junketsu no Maria (also known as Maria the Virgin Witch) is a historical fantasy anime that blends magic, comedy, and thought-provoking themes against the backdrop of the Hundred Years’ War in medieval France. Based on Masayuki Ishikawa’s manga, the anime follows Maria, a powerful witch who despises war and uses her vast magical abilities to interfere in battles, often summoning mythical creatures to bring conflicts to a halt.
Despite her good intentions, Maria’s actions draw the ire of both the church and heavenly forces, who believe she is upsetting the natural order. The Archangel Michael decrees that if Maria ever loses her virginity, she will also lose her powers, adding a personal struggle to her story. Accompanied by her familiars and supported by villagers who admire her, Maria continues to fight for peace while navigating prejudice, politics, and divine judgement.
The Junketsu no Maria anime stands out for its blend of humour, history, and social commentary. It questions morality, faith, and the cost of intervention, all while delivering charming character dynamics and striking animation. For fans of witch-themed anime and unique historical settings, Junketsu no Maria offers a refreshing twist on both fantasy and war narratives. If you like alternate history with a blend of magic and mayhem, this anime will not disappoint.
Light novel of the Month
Wandering Witch: The Journey of Elaina
Wandering Witch: The Journey of Elaina by Jougi Shiraishi is a light novel that blends magic, travel, and philosophy into a tapestry of enchanting tales. The story follows Elaina, a young witch inspired by childhood stories of adventures, who sets out to explore the wide world once she earns her title as a full-fledged witch. With her broom, wits, and boundless curiosity, she journeys from town to town, never staying long, but always leaving with a story etched in memory.
What makes Wandering Witch stand out is its episodic style. Each chapter introduces a new land, culture, or character—some whimsical, or cosy like Liewe Heksie, others dark and tragic. Elaina doesn’t always intervene in what she witnesses; instead, she observes, learns, and moves on. This perspective makes the series feel almost like a travel diary, filled with wonder, melancholy, and thought-provoking lessons about human nature.
The novel balances light-hearted adventure with moments of emotional weight, creating a journey that is both magical and deeply human. For readers drawn to witches, wanderers, and the quiet mysteries of life, Wandering Witch offers a bewitching narrative that lingers long after the page is turned. It is more than a Light Novel, it is a piece of art that speaks to the soul.
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
RedAutumnOwl: A Rising VTuber Star Bringing Cozy Vibes
RedAutumnOwl is a charming VTuber who has quickly captured the hearts of fans with her warm personality and engaging streams. Known for her autumn-inspired aesthetic and soothing voice, she creates a comforting space where viewers feel welcome and relaxed. Whether she’s gaming, chatting, or sharing stories, RedAutumnOwl brings an authentic, down-to-earth energy that makes her stand out in the VTuber community.
Her content blends wholesome entertainment with interactive moments, encouraging fans to feel like part of her growing family. Perfect for those seeking cosy vibes and positive energy, RedAutumnOwl continues to rise as one of the VTubers to watch. With her creativity, charm, and relatable style, she proves that sometimes the simplest joys leave the biggest impact.
Cosplay
We 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
Yosakoi Dance: A Colourful Blend of Tradition and Modern Energy
Yosakoi dance is a vibrant and energetic style of Japanese dance that beautifully fuses traditional movements with modern music and choreography. Originating in Kochi Prefecture in 1954, Yosakoi was created as a way to revitalise communities and bring people together through celebration and creativity. Today, it has grown into a cultural phenomenon, with Yosakoi festivals held across Japan and even internationally.
Unlike other traditional Japanese dances, Yosakoi is known for its upbeat tempo, colourful costumes, and the use of naruko, wooden clappers originally used to scare birds from crops. Dancers carry these clappers, adding rhythmic beats to the music while performing synchronised, high-energy routines. Teams often include hundreds of dancers, making Yosakoi festivals a spectacular sight filled with colour, movement, and joy.
Modern Yosakoi groups often blend elements of hip-hop, rock, and pop into their routines, showing the flexibility of this unique dance form. Each team designs their own costumes and choreography, which makes every performance fresh and creative while still honouring its cultural roots.
For visitors to Japan, attending a Yosakoi festival is an unforgettable experience. It captures the spirit of Japanese community, innovation, and tradition all in one lively performance. Yosakoi dance is more than entertainment, it is a celebration of unity, creativity, and cultural pride.
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