ANIME MANGA EXPLOSION

Apr 30, 2023

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.

Jun 4, 2023

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.

Jul 23, 2023

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

Jul 30, 2023

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.

Aug 27, 2023

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.

Oct 21, 2023

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.

Oct 29, 2023

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.

Dec 24, 2023

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.

Jan 28, 2024

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!

Feb 25, 2024

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.

Apr 28, 2024

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.

May 26, 2024

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.

Jul 21, 2024

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.

Jul 28, 2024

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.

Sep 29, 2024

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.

Oct 27, 2024

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.

Nov 24, 2024

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.

Dec 29, 2024

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.

Jan 26, 2025

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.

Mar 16, 2025

This episode focuses on anime adaptations of American comic book characters, reimagined with a distinct Japanese flair. We go behind the scenes of Batman Ninja and Suicide Squad ISEKAI to learn more about these cross-culture collaborations.

Apr 27, 2025

This episode features creator Yasuhiko Yoshikazu, an industry legend that worked on many early Japanese TV anime, including Mobile Suit Gundam. After retiring from the anime industry, he became a manga artist until he returned to anime 25 years later. What brought him back? And what drives him to continue creating at 77 years old? Join us as we explore the passion of Yasuhiko Yoshikazu.

May 25, 2025

This episode features The Apothecary Diaries, a mystery-entertainment series gaining popularity worldwide. The author reveals the secrets behind the story, which fans of all ages love. We also go behind the scenes of the anime production and explore the professional techniques used to bring the rich world of the rear palace and its colorful characters to life.

Jun 29, 2025

This episode spotlights director Yoshiura Yasuhiro, who gained attention at age 28 with Time of EVE and later earned global praise for Sing a Bit of Harmony. Watch three pivotal short films that shaped his career and gain exclusive behind-the-scenes insights into his bold experiments with kaiju, comedy, and robot-themed stories.

Jul 17, 2025

This episode explores manga and anime that breathe new life into classic myths and folktales. We take a closer look at SAINT SEIYA, inspired by Greek mythology, and TOUGEN ANKI, a fresh spin on Japan's famous legend about Momotaro. Watch and discover how familiar stories are reborn through the creative process.

Jul 28, 2025

This episode features the anime studio bones, known for captivating fans with high-quality action. We go behind the scenes of their latest works, Gachiakuta and My Hero Academia FINAL SEASON. In addition, charismatic animator Nakamura Yutaka, who is responsible for countless iconic moments for the anime studio, makes his first-ever television appearance.

Oct 26, 2025

This episode focuses on DIGIMON, the global hit that has evolved from simple pixel-art games into a beloved anime series. How did a modest handheld game turn into such a powerful, emotional story? We sit down with the key figures behind its success and visit the studio producing the latest series, DIGIMON BEATBREAK. Discover what has kept DIGIMON evolving and fans hooked for over 25 years.

Nov 30, 2025

In this episode, we explore the craft of anime sound. Voice actor Otsuka Akio, who has performed in over 400 anime titles, recreates recording sessions from My Hero Academia and BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War, revealing the techniques behind iconic lines. We also go behind the scenes at the music recording session for the new anime Star Wars: Visions Volume 3 "The Duel: Payback," where composer Inai Keiji crafts a dramatic score that brings the visuals to life.

Dec 28, 2025

This time, we spotlight sports manga and anime, a genre beloved in Japan and worldwide. How has the portrayal of sports evolved over time, and how have creators refined their craft? We explore those questions with anime critic Fujitsu Ryota. Plus, we visit the production of the figure skating anime Medalist to find out how animators capture the subtle movements and atmosphere of the rink.

Jan 25, 2026

This episode spotlights next-generation creator Yamashita Shingo, known for his key animation work on NARUTO SHIPPUDEN and opening direction for JUJUTSU KAISEN. Plus, we follow Yamashita behind the scenes as he directs his new feature film, Cosmic Princess Kaguya! See how he blends cutting-edge tools with a fresh creative vision to craft anime.

Mar 22, 2026

This time, we're featuring MAO, the latest from manga legend Takahashi Rumiko, creator behind Urusei Yatsura, Inuyasha, and more. We share handwritten comments from Takahashi herself, offering a glimpse into the passion driving the series. Plus, we go behind the scenes of the upcoming anime adaptation to see how the creative team is working to bring the original manga's world to life.

Apr 26, 2026

This episode spotlights That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, a fantasy series that has grown from a web novel into a hit anime. Original creator Fuse makes his first-ever TV appearance to share the passion behind the story. We also go behind the scenes at the anime studio, revealing production secrets from the very beginning of the series. Plus, we look at innovative production methods being used for the upcoming new season.

May 31, 2026

This episode shines a spotlight on Sound! Euphonium, a coming-of-age story set in a high school concert band. Original novelist Takeda Ayano shares how she drew on her own years in the band to craft this true-to-life story. We also head to Kyoto Animation, the studio behind the series, to explore its tender portrayals of Uji, Kyoto—the show's real-world setting—and the meticulously hand-drawn performance scenes. Finally, we go behind the scenes of the studio's latest film for an inside look at how Kyoto Animation brings its work to life.

Jun 28, 2026

This episode spotlights rising director Kameyama Yohei. His debut anime series Milky☆Subway: The Galactic Limited Express topped viewer-satisfaction rankings in summer 2025, and five months after its finale was broadcast, the series returned to theaters as a reedited cut. The story is a sci-fi comedy about a group of convicts who turn an interplanetary express train into chaos, built on a distinctive world and fast, overlapping dialogue. In his first television appearance, Kameyama shares his thoughts behind the series, and we present the first half of the film uncut.