Anyway Content links with Nippon for manga-themed series

UK label Anyway Content has forged a scripted co-development pact with Japan’s Nippon TV for a bi-lingual comedy drama about aspiring manga artists. 

How to be a Sensei will be launched by Nippon to international buyers at Mipcom this month. It follows a young British woman aiming to live out her dream of becoming an artist skilled in the Japanese graphic novel/comic style of manga, and of one day being regarded as a ‘Sensei’ (teacher) – a mark of respect in the art form.  

Set in the UK and Japan, her quest to succeed in the weird and wonderful world takes her through iconic and lesser-known Tokyo locations and introduces her to others plying their trade in manga.  

The series hails from Nippon TV’s creative director/scriptwriter Itaru Mizuno, who is teaming up with British comedy writer Zoë Tomalin (Have I Got News For You, Hypothetical) for the drama, which is in advanced development. 

Nippon TV’s head of global scripted, Sayako Aoki, is the producer for ‘How to be a Sensei’ with Anyway chair James Baker, head of development Kathryn Castles and development executive Cassie Smyth driving the project for the UK producer. Sayako will be in Mipcom to discuss the project with prospective financiers, commissioners, and production partners. 

How to be a Sensei is the latest scripted format to emerge from Nippon TV teaming up with Western partners. The Japanese broadcaster-producer-distributor co-developed Connected with UK’s Envision Entertainment, which is currently optioned by Tomorrow Studios for a US version, while Isaak has been co-developed with Germany’s ZDF Studios and Studio Zentral. 

Mizuno has been part of Nippon for 12 years recently working on hit Japanese series Rebooting (2023), and is part of the creative team on Connected and Isaak.  

Multi award-winning Tomalin is part of the writing team for the BBC’s flagship satirical programme, Have I Got News For You and she is the co-creator of Channel 4’s ‘Late Night Forever, as well as being a writer on 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 

Mizuno said: “How to be a Sensei is a sisterhood comedy-drama about two young girls pursuing pursue their dream of becoming manga artists. Along the way, they clash hard but also inspire each other to grow, ultimately forming a strong and lasting friendship. I’ve always been fascinated by the question: ‘How can people from different cultures and backgrounds respect and learn from one another?’ 

“This project captures that very essence. The cultural contrast between Japan and the UK provides a rich foundation for comedy, while the universal theme of young people chasing their dreams is something that resonates globally.”  

Baker added: “Recent successes have proven there is an appetite globally for storytelling that explores universal themes through different cultures. The partnership with Nippon TV is driven by the sole aim of enabling this funny, emotional and romantic tale to be told authentically through the brilliant creative minds and different perspectives involved.”