ANIME MANGA EXPLOSION - Season 4

First aired: 1/25/2026 6 episodes

Episodes

1. NEXT GENERATION PIONEER: Yamashita Shingo

Aired: 1/25/2026

This episode spotlights next-generation creator Yamashita Shingo, known for his key animation work on NARUTO SHIPPUDEN and opening direction for JUJUTSU KAISEN. Plus, we follow Yamashita behind the scenes as he directs his new feature film, Cosmic Princess Kaguya! See how he blends cutting-edge tools with a fresh creative vision to craft anime.

2. MAO Special

Aired: 3/22/2026

This time, we're featuring MAO, the latest from manga legend Takahashi Rumiko, creator behind Urusei Yatsura, Inuyasha, and more. We share handwritten comments from Takahashi herself, offering a glimpse into the passion driving the series. Plus, we go behind the scenes of the upcoming anime adaptation to see how the creative team is working to bring the original manga's world to life.

3. That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime SPECIAL

Aired: 4/26/2026

This episode spotlights That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, a fantasy series that has grown from a web novel into a hit anime. Original creator Fuse makes his first-ever TV appearance to share the passion behind the story. We also go behind the scenes at the anime studio, revealing production secrets from the very beginning of the series. Plus, we look at innovative production methods being used for the upcoming new season.

4. Sound! Euphonium Special

Aired: 5/31/2026

This episode shines a spotlight on Sound! Euphonium, a coming-of-age story set in a high school concert band. Original novelist Takeda Ayano shares how she drew on her own years in the band to craft this true-to-life story. We also head to Kyoto Animation, the studio behind the series, to explore its tender portrayals of Uji, Kyoto—the show's real-world setting—and the meticulously hand-drawn performance scenes. Finally, we go behind the scenes of the studio's latest film for an inside look at how Kyoto Animation brings its work to life.

5. FEATURED ANIMATION ARTIST: Kameyama Yohei

Aired: 6/28/2026

This episode spotlights rising director Kameyama Yohei. His debut anime series Milky☆Subway: The Galactic Limited Express topped viewer-satisfaction rankings in summer 2025, and five months after its finale was broadcast, the series returned to theaters as a reedited cut. The story is a sci-fi comedy about a group of convicts who turn an interplanetary express train into chaos, built on a distinctive world and fast, overlapping dialogue. In his first television appearance, Kameyama shares his thoughts behind the series, and we present the first half of the film uncut.

6. Detective Conan Special

Aired: 7/26/2026

This episode spotlights Detective Conan, a mystery series loved for more than 30 years. We introduce the appeal of the original manga and go behind the scenes of the anime's production, exploring how mysteries are adapted for animation and how the characters are designed with respect for the source manga. We also follow the scenario meetings where the anime's original stories are created, and highlight the dedication of the staff behind this long-running series.