Manben: Behind the Scenes of Manga with Urasawa Naoki

Cameras capture manga masters at work, giving you an exclusive behind-the-scenes view of their creative process. This time, Watanabe Wataru joins us with Yowamushi Pedal, the first sports manga featured on our show. How does Watanabe use black ink to create an exhilarating sense of speed? What techniques help bring races to life on the page? And why do Watanabe and Urasawa love g-pens so much? Find out all this and more in another exciting look into the secrets of a modern manga sensation.

Join us as we visit the workspace of manga artist Minase Ai, well-known for tales of youthful romance such as Hachimitsu ni Hatsukoi. On our visit we see her working on Seishun Heavy Rotation, which requires her to draw two preliminary drafts before the final version is ready. Her meticulous attention to detail and the technique used to produce a sparkling effect draw admiration. Along with the focus on the artist's skill, we delve into the thoughts and emotions that infuse this heartwarming love story.

Tezuka Osamu, often called "the god of manga," was responsible for many of the twentieth century's biggest hits. His accomplishments include titles such as Black Jack, Astro Boy, and the work that many people consider to be his masterpiece, Phoenix. Rare documents and interviews with assistants reveal some of the secrets to his success. Tezuka stayed at his drawing board until his death in 1989. Join a star of the contemporary manga scene, Urasawa Naoki, as he explores the artistry of one of the medium's major figures.