Netflix unveils images and a release date for new African samurai anime Yasuke

MAPPA just can’t miss. 

Netflix has revealed a first look at its upcoming anime Yasuke, which was first revealed during Netflix Anime Festival 2020. We also got a release date: April 29. The series will consist of six episodes, though you won’t have to wait long to see them!

The main character of this series, Yasuke, is based on the world’s first real-life African samurai warrior, but this anime takes his story in a very different direction. The series takes place in a fantastical version of feudal Japan, following Yasuke as he struggles to settle into a peaceful life after seeing so much violence during his time as a samurai. When a local village becomes the center of social upheaval between warring daimyo, Yasuke will have to return to his sword and transport a mysterious child targeted by dark forces and evil warlords. 

Yasuke comes from the anime studio MAPPA, known for their work on Jujutsu Kaisen and Attack on Titan: the Final Season. The series was created by LeSean Thomas (Black Dynamite, the Boondocks), with Lakeith Stanfield (Atlanta, Get Out) voicing Yasuke and Flying Lotus providing music. Takeshi Koike (Lupin the Third: the Woman Called Fujiko Mine) also directs.

Check out more images below:

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