NHK WORLD-JAPAN programme focus in October: Anime Manga Explosion

2 October 2026

Anime Manga Explosion

THE ANIME STUDIO:
TOEI ANIMATION

October 10 Sat. 
1:10/7:10/13:10/19:10 (UTC)

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 ENCHANTRESS, 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.

America’s Startup Arms Race

October 11 Sun. 
0:00/6:10/12:10/18:00 (UTC)

A wave of young entrepreneurs is surging into America’s defense industry.Fueled by massive investment, they are redefining the future of weapons development.We explore this new trend.

Journeys in Japan

Tuesdays
0:30 /5:30/15:30 /21:30 (UTC)

Mondays
9:30 (UTC)

Explore a different side of Japan. Meet the locals and discover traditions and cultures not usually found in guidebooks!