ANIME MANGA EXPLOSION (2023)
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.
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Episode 1 - THE ANIME STUDIO: Pierrot
Release Date: 2025-01-26This 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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Episode 2 - American Comic Book Anime
Release Date: 2025-03-16This 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.
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Episode 3 - Legendary Creator Yasuhiko Yoshikazu
Release Date: 2025-04-27This 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.
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Episode 4 - The Apothecary Diaries Special
Release Date: 2025-05-25This 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.
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Episode 5 - FEATURED ANIMATION ARTIST: Yoshiura Yasuhiro
Release Date: 2025-06-29This 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.
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Episode 6 - Classic Tales Reborn: SAINT SEIYA / TOUGEN ANKI
Release Date: 2025-07-17This 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.
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Episode 7 - THE ANIME STUDIO: bones
Release Date: 2025-07-28This 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.