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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.

Sets in the 1910s, this is the story of Hanada Suzuko, a young girl who grew up in a family that owned a bathhouse in downtown Osaka. From a young age, Suzuko loved to sing and dance, and joined the Umemaru Girls Opera Company (USK) in Dotonbori. Suzuko continued to show her talent for singing and eventually became a star of the postwar era.

FRONTRUNNERS highlights professionals at the very forefront of their field. We showcase their amazing work, discover their motivations, and learn about the challenges they face in the future.

Ramen is a savory combination of umami-packed broth and perfectly cooked noodles. This program offers an encyclopedic view of this delectable dish, taking you on a journey across Japan to discover ever-evolving local variations. Join us as we explore a tapestry of local customs and food culture through the lens of ramen.

Explore the rich legacy and evolution of diverse designs across Japan. DESIGN x STORIES digs into their origins and how they inspire creators today.

A complete recording of Nogizaka46 Erika Ikuta's graduation concert, held at Yokohama Arena on December 14th and 15th, 2021! The bonus disc includes behind-the-scenes footage of the concert.

An exclusive behind-the-scenes documentary on ‘Nogizaka46 SG Under Live’! Discover the unique charm of ‘Undara’ and the thoughts of each member.

XG Documentary Series

One of the most appealing features of Japan's national road network is the various Michinoeki, literally way stations, that provide a place for motorists to rest, dine and shop. They offer information on the locality and restaurants with regional specialties, and often sell local crafts and delicacies for travelers to take home. A stop at one or more of these spots helps to make any road trip in Japan unforgettable.

Swedish outdoor enthusiast and reporter Janni Olsson leads her team on various outdoor adventures across Japan.

High school students from all over the country present new business ideas using the latest AI technology, deep learning, in the National High School Deep-Learning Contest, abbreviated as D-Con. From agriculture and healthcare to environmental issues, the contest portrays the efforts of young people striving to change the world with a single idea.

Beginning of winter at the foot of Mt.Fuji. The longest training camp in the history of the Sakamichi Group begins. The assigned song was the one with the highest dancing difficulty, "BAN." "You can't stand on stage as Sakurazaka46 members like this." Harsh words echoed in the silent gymnasium. Dreams. Hopes. Bonds. Conflicts. Setbacks. Loneliness. Smiles. Sweat. Tears. All this emotion in in close-up footage taken over 170 days. Sakura like no one has ever seen are now about to bloom.

A business documentary featuring the kodan storyteller Kanda Hakuzan, as he narrates the 'Dark History of Companies (=History of Struggles)' in his unique style. Transforming the history of challenges and failures of various companies into moments of laughter, while uncovering valuable life lessons for the present.

From natural landscapes to historic architecture representing centuries of cultural development, Japan’s World Heritage sites offer a wide range of glimpses into history and the beauty of nature.

The show features two individuals who are passionate about Japanese performing arts but have never been exposed to traditional arts before. Now one of them takes up the challenge of performing herself and shares uncertainties and surprises that arise from their initial experiences. Furthermore, the program goes beyond the surface and explores the "behind-the-scenes" aspects and the intricacies of lesser-known performances.

Actress Maeda Atsuko challenge hairtail and horse mackerel in Tokyo Bay in summer.

This special, streamed on the Toei Tokusatsu Fan Club, commemorates the 10th anniversary of the series and the release of the Blu-ray Box. The first part will be streamed on June 11, 2023, and the second part on June 18. The audio commentary for episode 1 will also be available on the Toei Tokusatsu YouTube Channel. Featuring Masato Wada as Nobuo Akagi, Sanshiro Wada as the Akiba Red suit actor, and producer Atsushi Hikasa.

A century after the Great Kanto Earthquake, previously unknown details have been extracted from newly 8K remastered and colorized footage, vividly demonstrating how Tokyo citizens faced the disaster.

Traditional festivals called matsuri are found all over Japan. In this series, we present diverse matsuri and the preparations leading up to them. Each matsuri presents a new face of local Japan.

Pianos are placed in airports, stations and street corners around the world for anyone to play. Join us as we unfold life stories of each piano player and watch them through fixed camera lenses.

The prestigious entertainment quarter of Gion in Kyoto Prefecture is one of the largest in Japan. As an area priding itself on traditional hospitality, Gion was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Several geiko and maiko lost their places of work, and without any opportunity to pass down traditional ways to the new generation, the art itself seemed in danger. The revival of the Miyako Odori, a large-scale dance performance to be performed for the first time in three years, is their only hope. We join some young maiko who fell in love with this wondrous district and life in Gion as they attempt to overcome adversity. We bring you rare footage from inside the okiya where they live and train; a side of life normally unseen by outsiders. Young maiko work hard to realize their dreams in the sometimes strict, sometimes kind world of Gion.

Water, rice, and koji fungi – Japanese sake, brewed through the blessings of nature and the rhythm of time. This program follows travelers as they visit destinations from over 1000 sake breweries, each producing sake that reflects the uniqueness of their region. Viewers learn about the charm of each location while being taught the way of enjoying their evening sake by master brewers.