Drama Digest
Naoki Urasawa is back in 2020 to explore the gems of Japanese culture. Naoki Urasawa no Manben was a series started in 2015 that looked into a series of manga artists, their creative process, and their daily lives. Naoki Urasawa, the author of 20th Century Boys and Monster, hosts the show. This time around, the show consists of 8 mangakas. The star-studded cast focuses on the trailblazers of the manga world and everything they have to offer. Each episode highlights these mangakas, and we get a deeper look into their lives, livelihoods, and everything they give to the world. Who are these authors? Who are the faces behind great manga? How do their lives look? Watch the show and find out.
The Feel-Good Part
Manga is a form of media that so many people love. A great creative process and a struggle go into making these beautiful pieces of literature. This show highlights the greatness and effort that comes with the creation of manga. It is both endearing and fun. There is so much manga artists have to offer aside from their work. Whether it’s a commentary on society, politics, or anything, they find a way to allow the general public to learn and understand. The host is a manga artist who gives an added layer of empathy and understanding, allowing the audience to fall in love with these mangakas even more. There is also deep-rooted nostalgia in this show since it is a remake. And since the show uses the same host, and the distance between the original and the remake is not that far, it does not feel out of place or unwanted.
The Disappointing Factor
Mangaka is a very isolated and reserved artist. They are often introverted and do not like to share their process and live stories with people. Their preserved nature is endearing and adds to the mystery of their personas and the people behind their stories. In that sense, the show may come across as a bit invasive. However, it counters this by showcasing their lives at a respectful distance while still making us empathize with the people presented on screen. This perfect balance is what makes the show so good.
In-Depth Analysis
Manga culture is both a hidden and a public affair. The people behind it are rarely spoken about because they are introverted and sheltered. While they make a name for themselves within their fan base, the larger mainstream audience does not seem to remember them. It is a shame because they have a lot to offer and a lot to show. What the show does is bring us into the creative process. It may seem invasive, but at least it asks questions and keeps the audience intrigued by these essential men and women.
Star Power
Of course, our primary host of the show is the incomparable Naoki Urasawa, who gives us the same old joy and passion he came to be known for during the original installment of the show. He is known for several iconic mangas, including Monster, 20th Century Boys, Asadora!, Billy Bat, and more. Wakana Aoi provides the narration this season. She is known for her starring roles in Warotenka, Ao-Natsu, May December Couple, and more. Our eight mangaka this season are Daijiro Morohoshi, creator of Saiyuu Youenden, Mad Men; Hoshino Yukinobu, creator of Stardust memories, Blue City, and Kyojin-Tachi no Densetsu; Shin’ichi Sugimura, creator of All Nude and Cigarette Anthology; Tetsuya Chiba, creator of Akane-chan, Kaze no Yo ni, Ore wa Teppei, and more; Keiko Nishi, creator of Love Song, Otoko no Issho, and Ane no Kekkon; Fuyumi Soryo, creator of Cesare and MARS; Shinichi Sakamoto, creator of the Innocent series; and Yoshikazu Yasuhiko, creator of the Mobile Suit Gundam franchise. The show also has famous figures, including Naomi Iwamoto, Haruko Kashiwagi, Shuzo Oshimi, Wataru Watanabe, Yasuko Aoike, and Hideki Arai.
Overall Opinion
Manga and the culture surrounding it will not be enjoyable without the artists. There is much to learn, discover, and take away from these men and women who work tirelessly to create their stamps on Japanese culture. It is definitely worth the watch.
