ANIME MANGA EXPLOSION

The size of the Japanese animation market was 2,426 billion yen by 2020. More than half of that amount came from overseas sales. The manga market is also expanding, reaching 675.9 billion yen in 2021. Those unique visuals and stories from Japan have struck a chord with fans around the world and are growing into a huge industry. ANIME MANGA EXPLOSION will actively feature major works that are highly recognized by overseas fans and reveal the secrets of Japanese anime and manga creation through the series.

Documentary

Seasons

1. The Rose of Versailles Special

Air Date: 2023-04-30

ANIME MANGA EXPLOSION is a new series that dives into the world of Japanese anime and manga, both of which have gained an immense global following. The first episode features The Rose of Versailles, a culturally significant work celebrating its 50th anniversary. The series has sold over 20 million copies and became a social phenomenon when adapted into a Takarazuka Revue musical and an animated TV series. We talk to the original manga artist, Ikeda Riyoko, and other production staff to learn about its enduring appeal to fans worldwide.

2. Captain Tsubasa Special

Air Date: 2023-06-04

This time, we're featuring Captain Tsubasa, the timeless soccer manga from Takahashi Yoichi. The series has sold over 90 million copies worldwide, and the hit anime has been broadcast in more than 50 countries. We sit down with Takahashi Yoichi for a lengthy interview to unravel the series' secrets and discover why it has become so beloved across the globe. We also find out how the exciting super shots in the anime are created.

3. Anime Encyclopedia: MECHANICAL DESIGNER

Air Date: 2023-07-23

In this episode, we feature the mechanical designers responsible for some of Japan's most famous anime and manga robots, including Okawara Kunio, creator of Gundam, and Kawamori Shōji, who built the elaborate mechas of Macross. How do they continue to come up with innovative designs for over 40 years? Get a glimpse into their creative process through rare drawings and prototype models

4. THE ANIME STUDIO―MADHOUSE―

Air Date: 2023-07-30

This time, we're featuring MADHOUSE, an anime studio with over 50 years of history. Go behind the scenes of recent productions like OVERLORD, Sonny Boy, and A Place Further than the Universe. Plus, get an exclusive look into an internal production meeting for the feature length release of OVERLORD.

5. FEATURED ANIMATION ARTIST Hori Takahide

Air Date: 2023-08-27

In this episode, the spotlight is on Hori Takahide, director of the sci-fi feature film JUNK HEAD. How did Hori create a critically acclaimed stop-motion animation on his first try? Go behind the scenes of his Hollywood-like action scenes and detailed set design and find out what drives Hori's creativity. Plus, get a sneak peek at JUNK WORLD, his new work currently in production.

6. FEATURED ANIMATION ARTIST Yokoshima Toshihisa

Air Date: 2023-10-21

This time, we're featuring animation director Yokoshima Toshihisa, who was selected to direct the feature SAND LAND, based on Toriyama Akira's manga of the same name. Yokoshima's specialty is cel shading, which makes 3DCG visuals a traditional cel animation look. Plus, get an extended look at his unique style with the full, uncut version of Yokoshima's original work, COCOLORS. COCOLORS is an animated film about a community of people struggling to survive in a dystopian world contaminated with body-melting bacteria.

7. Baki Special

Air Date: 2023-10-29

This episode focuses on Baki the Grappler, a martial arts manga in publication for 30 years. Featuring an extended interview with series creator Itagaki Keisuke, watch and learn how his depiction of fights and muscular characters changed the martial arts manga genre. Plus, get a look behind the scenes of the Hanma Baki anime, which became the second most viewed series globally on a major streaming service. Professional fighter Nasukawa Tenshin also joins us to share what he thinks makes the series so appealing.

8. THE ANIME STUDIO: TMS ENTERTAINMENT

Air Date: 2023-12-24

In this episode, we're featuring TMS ENTERTAINMENT, a long-established studio celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2024. Known for beloved hits like Lupin the 3rd, Detective Conan and Dr.STONE, the veteran studio shares its secrets behind anime creation as well as a special look at some initiatives the studio is undertaking to promote sustainability in the Japanese anime industry.

1. Male Idol Anime Special

Air Date: 2024-01-28

This time, we introduce you to male idol anime, a booming genre in Japan. We feature IDOLiSH7 the Movie, an anime production with a new style of animation that includes 3D CG live performances. Hear directly from the production staff and learn how the unique anime came together. Also, don't miss KING OF PRISM, which includes inventive ways for the audience to connect with the characters. What is the secret behind the immense popularity of male idol anime? Join us and find out!

2. Legendary Creator Nagai Go

Air Date: 2024-02-25

This episode features Nagai Go, a manga artist who has released over 180 works, including Mazinger Z, which turned Japanese robot anime into a global phenomenon. We learn about how the mixed-media pioneer found his calling and the secrets behind his groundbreaking dark fantasy Devilman. Join us and discover what has driven Nagai Go to create for over 57 years.

3. Legendary Producer Maruyama Masao

Air Date: 2024-04-28

This time, we get to know anime's pioneering force, Maruyama Masao. His illustrious career spans over 330 titles, including classics like Ninja Scroll, The Girl Who Leapt Through Time and In This Corner Of The World. Plus, discover the untold story behind his latest work 14 years in the making, PLUTO. Watch and find out how the passionate and dedicated 82-year-old veteran continues to push the anime industry forward.

4. Legendary Creator Amano Yoshitaka

Air Date: 2024-05-26

This time, we feature artist and character designer Amano Yoshitaka. With a career that spans decades, Amano created some of Japan's most iconic anime characters, including Yatterman and Casshan. Amano was also instrumental in shaping the world of FINAL FANTASY, one of the most beloved game series of all time with 37 years of history. Now, at 72, Amano shows no signs of slowing down. Watch and discover what keeps his creative spark as bright as ever.

5. FEATURED ANIMATION ARTIST Tachikawa Yuzuru

Air Date: 2024-07-21

This episode spotlights the talented Tachikawa Yuzuru, director of hits like Detective Conan: Black Iron Submarine and BLUE GIANT. Known for gripping narratives that capture the complexity of human emotions, Tachikawa put his skills to full use in his first theatrical release, Death Billiards. Watch his thrilling original film in full, where a life-or-death billiards game unfolds in a mysterious bar.

6. Girl Band Anime

Air Date: 2024-07-28

This time, we take a look at the booming genre of girl band anime. Learn the origins of BanG Dream!, where voice actors rock out in real live bands, and get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at BOCCHI THE ROCK!, renowned for its authentic guitar rock scenes.

7. THE MOBILE POLICE PATLABOR Special

Air Date: 2024-09-29

In this episode, we spotlight THE MOBILE POLICE PATLABOR, a series that remains immensely popular more than 30 years after its debut. Why does it continue to fascinate to this day? Uncover its secrets and discover the series' creative genius. Plus, we've received exclusive permission to take you behind the scenes of the new series THE MOBILE POLICE PATLABOR EZY and get an in-depth look at the production process.

8. THE ANIME STUDIO: CloverWorks

Air Date: 2024-10-27

This episode spotlights CloverWorks, the acclaimed animation studio established in 2018, celebrated for its stunning visuals and dramatic storytelling. Join us behind the scenes of their latest film project. Plus, get insights from anime opening experts and discover how they continue to raise the next generation of talented animators.

9. FEATURED ANIMATION ARTIST: Ishida Hiroyasu

Air Date: 2024-11-24

This episode spotlights Ishida Hiroyasu, a standout animation director recognized early for his talent and known for his exhilarating, fast-paced storytelling in films like Penguin Highway. Join us and enjoy the full version of his feature film directorial debut, Sonny Boy & Dewdrop Girl. The heartwarming story follows the adventures of Hinata, a boy with a vivid imagination, as he tries to express his feelings to his crush, Shigure.

10. BEASTARS Special

Air Date: 2024-12-29

This episode features BEASTARS, a popular manga that uses a world of anthropomorphic animals to explore modern social issues. Through an exclusive interview with creator Itagaki Paru, learn how BEASTARS came to life and the passion behind it. Plus, take a behind-the-scenes look at the anime's final season and the innovations that enhance its realism.

1. THE ANIME STUDIO: Pierrot

Air Date: 2025-01-26

This episode highlights renowned anime studio Pierrot, known for countless international hits. Hear creators share untold stories behind the global phenomenon NARUTO and get an exclusive look at the production process of BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War. Join us and discover the unwavering passion for anime that has defined Pierrot's 45-year legacy.

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Rating

0.0/10

Release Date

2023-04-30

Episodes

18 (3 seasons)

Status

Returning Series

Cast

Production Companies

NHK

FRAMEN

NHK Enterprises