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All Seasons

Season 1

  • S01E01 THE ANIME STUDIO: TRIGGER

    • October 4, 2022

    Anime is ecstasy! Unlock the secrets behind "Cyberpunk: Edgerunners" and more with an inside look at TRIGGER! THE ANIME STUDIO focuses on studios that produce anime which have a passionate fan base in the world. In this episode, we take a look at TRIGGER, which has been sharing its work with the world including "Cyberpunk: Edgerunners" and "SSSS.GRIDMAN." TRIGGER is known for creating original works packed with creativity. Anime fans have gravitated to the studio's unique worldview, with stories, characters and settings built from scratch.

  • S01E02 Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Special! Inheriting the Sailor Crystal

    • December 13, 2022

    Japan's "Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon" has enchanted fans worldwide for decades and continues to reach new viewers 30 years since its debut. In this behind-the-scenes special, we interview the people involved in the creative process for the legendary manga and anime. Watch and learn the secrets of why "Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon" has been able to capture the hearts of female fans across the globe.

Season 2

  • S02E01 THE ANIME STUDIO: WIT STUDIO

    • February 14, 2023

    Japan's anime studios have been delighting audiences worldwide, and this program gives you a behind-the-scenes look at some of the biggest productions around. This time, we feature WIT STUDIO, an anime studio known for international hits like "SPY×FAMILY" and "Ranking of Kings." Learn the secrets of their creativity and international success directly from the studio's CEO, directors and animators.

  • S02E02 The Rose of Versailles Special

    • April 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.

  • S02E03 Captain Tsubasa Special

    • June 4, 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. 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.

  • S02E04 Anime Encyclopedia: MECHANICAL DESIGNER

    • July 23, 2023

    ANIME MANGA EXPLOSION dives into the world of Japanese anime and manga, both of which have gained an immense global following. 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 Shoji, 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.

  • S02E05 THE ANIME STUDIO―MADHOUSE―

    • July 30, 2023

    ANIME MANGA EXPLOSION dives into the world of Japanese anime and manga, both of which have gained immense global followings. 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.

  • S02E06 FEATURED ANIMATION ARTIST Hori Takahide

    • August 27, 2023

    ANIME MANGA EXPLOSION gives you a special look into the secrets of the world's biggest anime and manga series. 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.

  • S02E07 FEATURED ANIMATION ARTIST Yokoshima Toshihisa

    • October 21, 2023

    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.

  • S02E08 Baki Special

    • October 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.

  • S02E09 THE ANIME STUDIO: TMS ENTERTAINMENT

    • December 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.

Season 3

  • S03E01 Male Idol Anime Special

    • January 27, 2024

    ANIME MANGA EXPLOSION dives into the world of Japanese anime and manga, both of which have gained immense global followings. 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!

  • S03E02 Legendary Creator Nagai Go

    • February 24, 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.

  • S03E03 Legendary Producer Maruyama Masao

    • April 28, 2024

    ANIME MANGA EXPLOSION dives into the world of Japanese anime and manga, both of which have gained immense global followings. 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.

  • S03E04 Legendary Creator Amano Yoshitaka

    • May 25, 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.

  • S03E05 FEATURED ANIMATION ARTIST Tachikawa Yuzuru

    • July 21, 2024

    ANIME MANGA EXPLOSION unveils the secrets behind the world's most beloved anime and manga. 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.

  • S03E06 Girl Band Anime

    • July 28, 2024

    ANIME MANGA EXPLOSION dives into the world of Japanese anime and manga, both of which have gained immense global followings. 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.

  • S03E07 THE MOBILE POLICE PATLABOR Special

    • September 28, 2024

    ANIME MANGA EXPLOSION dives into the world of Japanese anime and manga, both of which have gained immense global followings. 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.

  • S03E08 THE ANIME STUDIO: CloverWorks

    • October 27, 2024

    ANIME MANGA EXPLOSION dives into the world of Japanese anime and manga, both of which have gained immense global followings. 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.

  • S03E09 FEATURED ANIMATION ARTIST: Ishida Hiroyasu

    • November 24, 2024

    ANIME MANGA EXPLOSION dives into the world of Japanese anime and manga, both of which have gained immense global followings. 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.

  • S03E10 BEASTARS Special

    • December 29, 2024

    ANIME MANGA EXPLOSION dives into the world of Japanese anime and manga, both of which have gained immense global followings. 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.

Season 4

  • S04E01 THE ANIME STUDIO: Pierrot

    • January 26, 2025
    • NHK World

    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.

  • S04E02 American Comic Book Anime

    • March 16, 2025
    • NHK World

    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.