Storyline

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.

First Aired

2023-04-30
Last Aired

2024-12-29
Creator
Genre

Documentary
Seasons

3
Episodes

18
Status

Returning Series
Language

English, 日本語
Network

NHK WORLD-JAPAN

Keywords:

mangaka manga artist manga industry anime production

Stream and watch ANIME MANGA EXPLOSION

Season 1

Season 2

Season 3

1. The Rose of Versailles Special

ANIME MANGA EXPLOSION is a new series that dives into the world of Japanese anime and manga, both of w...More

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.Less

28mins 2023-04-30

2. Captain Tsubasa Special

This time, we're featuring Captain Tsubasa, the timeless soccer manga from Takahashi Yoichi. The serie...More

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.Less

28mins 2023-06-04

3. Anime Encyclopedia: MECHANICAL DESIGNER

In this episode, we feature the mechanical designers responsible for some of Japan's most famous anime...More

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 modelsLess

28mins 2023-07-23

4. THE ANIME STUDIO―MADHOUSE―

This time, we're featuring MADHOUSE, an anime studio with over 50 years of history. Go behind the scen...More

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.Less

28mins 2023-07-30

5. FEATURED ANIMATION ARTIST Hori Takahide

In this episode, the spotlight is on Hori Takahide, director of the sci-fi feature film JUNK HEAD. How...More

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.Less

28mins 2023-08-27

6. FEATURED ANIMATION ARTIST Yokoshima Toshihisa

This time, we're featuring animation director Yokoshima Toshihisa, who was selected to direct the feat...More

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.Less

49mins 2023-10-21

7. Baki Special

This episode focuses on Baki the Grappler, a martial arts manga in publication for 30 years. Featuring...More

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.Less

28mins 2023-10-29

8. THE ANIME STUDIO: TMS ENTERTAINMENT

In this episode, we're featuring TMS ENTERTAINMENT, a long-established studio celebrating its 60th ann...More

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.Less