ANIME MANGA EXPLOSION

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.