List of Bakuman episodes  The "Bakuman" anime series is based on the manga series of the same name, written by Tsugumi Ohba and illustrated by Takeshi Obata. The anime is directed by Ken'ichi Kasai, animated by J.C.Staff, and produced by NHK. The episodes follow Moritaka Mashiro and Akito Takagi as they attempt to create a popular manga to be made into an anime. A 25-episode anime television series aired between October 2, 2010 and April 2, 2011 on the television network NHK. In March 2011, airing was delayed one week due to the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami. A second season aired 25 episodes between October 1, 2011 and March 24, 2012. A third season began airing on October 6, 2012, and ended on March 30, 2013 after 25 episodes. The first season uses three pieces of music: one opening theme and two ending themes. The opening theme is "Blue Bird" by Kobukuro. The first ending theme is by Ya-kyim, and the second ending theme is by Yu Takahashi. The second season also has three pieces of music: one opening theme and two ending themes. The opening theme is "Dream of Life" by Shuhei Itou. The first ending is "Monochrome Rainbow" by Tommy heavenly6 and the second ending is by Fumiya Sashida. The third season has four pieces of music: two opening themes and two ending themes. The first opening theme is by Nano Ripe and the second opening is "23:40" by Hyadain feat. Base Ball Bear. The first ending theme is "Pride on Everyday" by Sphere and the second ending theme is "Yume Sketch" by JAM Project. The series uses also several themes for fictional anime series: