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.
Anime Studio: Toei Animation
This new episode of the documentary series Anime Manga Explosion introduces us to one of the main anime studio of Japan. “This episode spotlights TOEI ANIMATION, an anime studio marking its 70th anniversary. We trace the studio’s history, beginning with the story behind The White Snake Enchanteress, Japan’s first full-color feature-length animated film. We then follow Mazinger Z, which helped create a new business model for Japanese anime, and Dragon Ball, which carried Japanese anime around the world. Finally, we step inside production on the studio’s current series, One Piece, to see the craft behind the animation.” This episode was broadcast on October 9, 2026 and will be available as VOD only until October 17, 2026.
Anime Journal
This is a new documentary series about anime fandom. “This new program digs deep into what overseas fans loved about the anime released this year and how the translators of one anime, Akane-banashi, approached its traditionally Japanese subject matter.” This episode will air on October 14, 2026 (12:30 AM, 04:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 7:30 PM).
Deep Dive with Hideo Kojima
The documentary series Game-Genome explores the inner workings of video games. This episode is about Death Stranding. “Half a century since the birth of video games, we explore how legendary titles have shaped our ideas and created a new culture. “DEATH STRANDING” won new plaudits for its uncanny predictions of our experiences during the pandemic. Program guests share their love for the game, and why it’s captivated so many. Renowned developer Hideo Kojima guides us on a deep dive into his creation and explores his inspiration and motivations. A special, expanded episode with new footage in response to the reaction to the original broadcast.” This episode was broadcast on June 24, 2023 and is available as VOD until September 5, 2027.
Mother 2 (EarthBound)
Another episode of the documentary series Game-Genome. “MOTHER 2 is a classic RPG known internationally as EarthBound. Its creator, Itoi Shigesato, joins longtime fans to discuss how the game was made, revealing secrets behind its lasting popularity.” This episode was broadcast on September 12, 2026 and is available as VOD until September 12, 2027.
Some more news from Anime News Network:
- Billy Bat Manga Wins Harvey Award
- Firefly Wedding Manga Gets Live-Action Adaptation on TV in 2027
- All the News and Reviews from New York Comic Con 2026
- Ghost of Tsushima: Legends Anime Announces 2 Cast, Additional Staff Members, 2028 Delay
- Gundam Seed Freedom Zero Prequel Anime’s Trailer Reveals Theatrical Release in Japan on January 15, N. America in February 2027
- Macross Frontier Anime’s Blu-ray Disc Ships in 2027
- Dark Horse to Release Gou Tanabe’s The Outsider and Other Early Adaptations Collection
- Live-Action 5 Centimeters Per Second Film Screens in N. America on October 23
- Crunchyroll Acquires The Apothecary Diaries Anime Film
- Hideaki Anno, Yutaka Izubuchi Co-Direct Yamato √2199 Film at I.G, Khara
- Young Magazine USA Special Gets 2nd Issue
- Crunchyroll to Stream Dragon Ball Super: Beerus Anime Starting on October 11
And one more thing …
A dear friend, from the Protoculture days, brought to my attention this AI re-edit of the first episode of Robotech Macross, “Boobytrap”. It is a perfect transposition of the anime into a “live-action“ produced by AI. That’s quite something. Exploring on this subject, I also found on Youtube this AI-produced “live-action” titled Macross Robotech The Movie: The Future Meets The Past. It seems to be in several parts (here another one). It tells a different story using the Robotech characters. Interesting. Is this the future of movies ?