Japanese culture update 

NHK World Japan documentary series continue to be a great source of information about Japanese culture, history and life — including popular culture like anime and manga. Here are some interesting Video On Demand (VOD) that I have recently noticed.

White Flag: Mizuki Shigeru and the War

This episode of the “Documentary 360” series is about Mizuki Shigeru. “Manga artist Mizuki Shigeru’s masterpiece “White Flag” comes to life as an anime. His story was based on a WWII soldier who defied his superiors to protect his men. What truly happened on “Iwo Jima”?” This episode was broadcast on September 11, 2026 and is available as VOD until September 11, 2027. A GREAT documentary !

Bread

This episode of the short documentary series “Japan Delish” is about Japanese bread.  “Ever heard of an-pan?! From fruit sandwiches to curry-filled delights, Japanese bread is full of delicious surprises!” This episode was broadcast on December 6, 2025 and is available as VOD until December 5, 2026.

Sake Truth

This episode of the documentary series “Time and Tide” is about sake.  “Sake is gaining attention worldwide for its rich and complex flavors. We explore various aspects of Japan’s national drink, from the koji that determines the flavor to medieval innovations that laid the foundation for sake-making today. We also shine a light on heated sake, or kanzake, and examine the science behind how heat affects its flavor profile.” This episode was broadcast on December 19, 2025 and is available as VOD until December 19, 2026.

Some more news from Anime News Network:

And one more thing …

I forgot. I wanted also to mention this book just recently released in English. It is described as: “In this captivating collection of dialogues, renowned manga artist, writer and painter Mari Yamazaki and art historian Nicole Coolidge Rousmaniere — lead curator of the Art of Mangaexhibit at the de Young Museum and The Brooklyn Museum — explore the patterns of human history to find a roadmap for optimism in the modern world.” (Contributors includes one of my favourite mangaka and one of my favourite translators !) [2026/10/05]

  • YAMAZAKI Mari & COOLIDGE-ROUSMANIERE Nicole  (Translated by Frederik L. Schodt & Beth Cary). Happiness Theories; A Manga Artist & An Art Historian Find Wisdom in 3,000 Years and in LIFE. Shueisha, sept. 2026. 228 pg. $24.99. 979-8-950818-07-3 [Amazon • Goodreads • Les libraires]

Anime & manga update [002.026.277]

/ Clodjee / Leave a comment

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