Chika Umino to Feature in Special Extended Episode of Urasawa Naoki no Manben Neo on NHK BS
There is some really great news coming in for the fans of manga and documentary lovers alike. An extended special of the highly popular documentary program Urasawa Naoki no Manben neo, starring the legendary Chika Umino, is all set to be broadcast tomorrow, March 19th, on NHK BS. This is quite a big deal because Umino sensei is known for being somewhat private, and getting such a detailed look into her professional life is a rare treat for everyone who follows her work.
The image above is from the "Naoki Urasawa's manga neo: Chika Umino expansion special," with the photo graciously provided by NHK. For those who might have missed it, Chika Umino previously appeared in an episode of Naoki Urasawa's Manben Neo that was broadcast on NHK E-Tele back in November 2025. While that original broadcast was only 49 minutes long, this upcoming extended special will run for a full hour. This means we are going to see plenty of unreleased scenes that were previously cut due to time constraints.
A Deep Dive into the Creation of March Comes in Like a Lion
In this program, the cameras actually sneak into the very private writing site of March Comes in Like a Lion. It is going to be a very close look at how a masterpiece is built from scratch. Fans will get to witness the intricate process of name creation, the delicate inking phase, and the beautiful production of color manuscripts. Seeing the effort put into each page explains why March Comes in Like a Lion is a masterpiece in the eyes of many readers worldwide.
The show also includes a very special segment where Naoki Urasawa and Chika Umino sit down in the studio for a detailed talk. Listening to two masters of the craft discuss their techniques and philosophies is definitely something you don't want to miss. Here are a few things that the extended special covers:
- Behind-the-Scenes Access: A rare glimpse into Umino sensei’s studio workspace and her daily routine.
- Artistic Techniques: Detailed shots of her inking and how she chooses her vibrant color palettes.
- Unreleased Footage: Over ten minutes of extra content that wasn't included in the original 2025 broadcast.
- Creative Dialogue: A heartfelt conversation between Urasawa and Umino about the challenges of long-term serialization.
Why This Documentary Is a Must-Watch for Fans
For anyone who has ever wondered about the emotional depth of Rei Kiriyama's journey, this documentary provides a lot of context. Understanding the creator's mindset helps one appreciate why March Comes in Like a Lion is a masterpiece that resonates so deeply with its audience. The sheer dedication Umino sensei shows towards her characters is truly inspiring. If you are free tomorrow, make sure to tune into NHK BS and catch this expanded special. It is not every day we get to see such legends sharing their secrets on screen.
