Anime Manga Explosion That Time I got Reincarnated as a Slime (TenSura) Special

・Original Creator Fuse shares the story's origins in his first-ever TV appearance
・Season 2 and 3 director Nakayama Atsushi reveals secrets behind the animation production
・Tensura graphic designer Haibara Yuji talks about creating the Great Sage scene
・Behind-the-scenes for the latest Season 4 animation production
・Appearances by Season 4 director Tsuda Naokatsu and assistant director Yasuda Kenji

The ANIME MANGA EXPLOSION documentary series (NHK World TV) dives deep into the artistry of the creators behind Japanese manga and anime that electrify audiences worldwide.

On April 26th 2026, ANIME MANGA EXPLOSION airs a special episode on That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, known to fans as Tensura. This fantasy is based on the web novel launched in 2013. The storyline features a man reborn in another world as a slime named Rimuru Tempest, who rallies allies to build an ideal nation. The TV anime series began in 2018 and continues to mesmerize fans with the current fourth season.

In this episode of ANIME MANGA EXPLOSION, Tensura's creator Fuse makes his first TV appearance and reveals how he came up with the unique concept of a 37-year-old salaryman reincarnating as a slime. Plus, he shares the storyline that he initially had in mind and his decision to change the ending in response to reader feedback.

Our crew also visits Studio Eight Bit, the production company for the TV anime series. Nakayama Atsushi, who served as assistant director for season 1 and helmed seasons 2 and 3, reveals struggles from the anime's launch and his vision for the season 2 battle scene featuring a spectacular attack by Rimuru. Graphic designer Haibara Yuji handled numerous critical elements including the Great Sage scenes and brought his unique design approach that ventures beyond digital techniques to include analog methods.

Plus, we went behind-the-scenes for the production of the fourth season, on air from April 2026. Season four is set for an unusually long run with five cours, and in a rare setup for the anime industry, a three-director team has been assembled with supervisor Nakayama, director Tsuda Naokatsu, and assistant director Yasuda Kenji each contributing their individual strengths to the team. Tsuda shares his pre-production discussions with original story author Fuse about how to maximize the impact of the conflict in season four.

Don't miss these rare interviews and insights into the anime production!

Broadcast schedule:

April 26, 2026 (Sun) NHK World TV
28-minute episode broadcast from 12:10, 18:10, 23:10, and next day 5:10 (Japan time)

Free VOD streaming on the NHK World Japan website from the following day. See the viewing guide for details: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/ja/tv/howto_watch_in_japan/

Featuring: Fuse (Original Creator), Nakayama Atsushi (Assistant Director for Season 1, Director for Seasons 2 and 3, Supervisor for Season 4), Haibara Yuji (Tensura Graphic Designer), Tsuda Naokatsu (Director for Season 4), Yasuda Kenji (Assistant Director for Season 4), Eguchi Kohei (Animation Producer)

Narrator: Michael Turpin

Official website: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/shows/anime_manga/