Aimi Uchida
Director
Naoki Urasawa's Manben neo (2020)
Season 1
Reboot of the original Manben series from 2014-2017. Naoki Urasawa is returning to visit eight different manga authors, observe them in their daily work and discuss the creation of manga.
Released Oct. 1, 2020
Episode 48 min
None+
Genres: Documentary, Talk
Keywords: tmdb.mangaka, tmdb.manga, tmdb.manga-artist, tmdb.manga-industry
Production Companies: NHK Enterprises, NHK
Network: NHK Educational TV
S1E1 - Chiba Tetsuya
Urasawa visits legendary manga author Chiba Tetsuya, most famous for his series Tomorrow's Joe.
Oct. 1, 2020, midnight
10.0
S1E2 - Iwamoto Nao
Urasawa visits Iwamoto Nao, author of The Tengu's Daughter and The Seven Knights of the Marronnier Kingdom.
Oct. 8, 2020, midnight
S1E3 - Sugimura Shinichi
None
Oct. 15, 2020, midnight
10.0
S1E4 - Hoshino Yukinobu
This time, we go behind the scenes of manga creation with sci-fi master Hoshino Yukinobu. Marvel at the power of the pen as Hoshino works on incredible ocean scenery for his epic, Kaitei.
Oct. 22, 2020, midnight
9.0
S1E5 - Morohoshi Daijiro
None
Nov. 12, 2020, midnight
10.0
S1E6 - Nishi Keiko
Witness manga come to life as Nishi Keiko works on her popular manga Hatsukoi no Sekai. Join us and learn how the romance master's focus on "show, don't tell" creates epic love stories.
Nov. 19, 2020, midnight
S1E7 - Soryo Fuyumi
This time, we go behind the scenes of manga creation with Soryo Fuyumi as she takes on the historical epic Cesare. Join us as we discover the secrets of her art and "unthinkable" techniques.
Dec. 10, 2020, midnight
S1E8 - Sakamoto Shin-ichi
Get a behind-the-scenes look at how a manga is created with Sakamoto Shin-ichi, a master of realistic imagery and digital creation, and find out how much technology has advanced as the creator works on his newest serialized manga about Dracula. How does Sakamoto fuse analog and digital creation? Why does it take half a day to finish one panel? And what did he gain from turning the novel "Kokou no hito" into a manga? Learn all that and more in this episode of Urasawa Naoki's "Manben."
Dec. 17, 2020, midnight
S1E9 - Yasuhiko Yoshikazu
Known as the animator behind "Mobile Suit Gundam," Yasuhiko Yoshikazu takes on his final serialized manga, "Inui and Tatsumi." At over 70, he moves his brush across the page, effortlessly creating exciting action from different perspectives. Watch as he builds complex scenes from unexpected starting points and learn how "Space Battleship Yamato" brought back his passion for manga.
June 9, 2021, midnight
S1E10 - Kashiwagi Haruko
None
June 16, 2021, midnight
S1E11 - Oshimi Shuzo
None
June 23, 2021, midnight
S1E12 - Watanabe Wataru
This time, Watanabe Wataru joins us with Yowamushi Pedal, the first sports manga featured on our show. How does Watanabe use black ink to create an exhilarating sense of speed? What techniques help bring races to life on the page? And why do Watanabe and Urasawa love g-pens so much? Find out all this and more in another exciting look into the secrets of a modern manga sensation.
March 2, 2022, midnight
S1E13 - Aoike Yasuko
None
March 9, 2022, midnight
10.0
S1E14 - Arai Hideki
None
March 16, 2022, midnight
S1E15 - Tezuka Osamu
Tezuka Osamu, often called "the god of manga," was responsible for many of the twentieth century's biggest hits. His accomplishments include titles such as Black Jack, Astro Boy, and the work that many people consider to be his masterpiece, Phoenix. Rare documents and interviews with assistants reveal some of the secrets to his success. Tezuka stayed at his drawing board until his death in 1989. Join a star of the contemporary manga scene, Urasawa Naoki, as he explores the artistry of one of the medium's major figures.
Feb. 4, 2023, midnight
S1E16 - Minase Ai
Join us as we visit the workspace of manga artist Minase Ai, well-known for tales of youthful romance such as Hachimitsu ni Hatsukoi. On our visit we see her working on Seishun Heavy Rotation, which requires her to draw two preliminary drafts before the final version is ready. Her meticulous attention to detail and the technique used to produce a sparkling effect draw admiration. Along with the focus on the artist's skill, we delve into the thoughts and emotions that infuse this heartwarming love story.
Feb. 11, 2023, midnight
S1E17 - Terada Katsuya
Join us as we go behind the scenes of manga creation with world-famous artist Terada Katsuya as he works on the highly anticipated full-color entry in his Saiyuki Daienou series.
Feb. 18, 2023, midnight
S1E18 - Shimamoto Kazuhiko
None
Feb. 25, 2023, midnight
S1E19 - Mizuki Shigeru
None
March 17, 2024, midnight
S1E20 - Otomo Katsuhiro
Manga star Urasawa Naoki explores the hidden world of manga creation alongside Otomo Katsuhiro, the internationally renowned legend who created a masterpiece that shaped Urasawa's life.
March 29, 2025, midnight
S1E21 - Umino Chica
None
Nov. 22, 2025, midnight
Network: NHK Educational TV
Episode Runtime: 48 min.
Season Runtime: 1024 min.
Released: Oct. 1, 2020
Last Air Date: Nov. 22, 2025, midnight
Status: Returning Series
Certification: NR
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