Netflix has announced a new anime series ‘Yasuke’, which revolves around the “first African Samurai”. It will begin streaming on April 29.
The official synopsis for the six-episode anime series reads:
“In a war-torn feudal Japan filled with mechs and magic, the greatest ronin never known, Yasuke, struggles to maintain a peaceful existence after a past life of violence.
“But when a local village becomes the center of social upheaval between warring daimyo, Yasuke must take up his sword and transport a mysterious child who is the target of dark forces and bloodthirsty warlords.”
John Derderian, Netflix, Vice President of Japan & Anime, said:
“The story, just like the passionate creative team, transcends borders, cultures and languages and is one that we’re so proud to tell at Netflix and share with the world.”
LeSean Thomas, Creator, Executive Producer and Director of Yasuke, added:
“There is a serendipitous nature about this project, how an African-American man goes to Japan to live and work amongst the very best in Japanese anime to create an anime about an African who goes to Japan to live amongst the Japanese elite and become a warrior.
“Part of me deep down feels I was meant to create this adventure series with MAPPA, Flying Lotus, LaKeith & the rest of this talented team.”
The platform also released more first-look images:
Yasuke follows a string of high-profile anime series announced by Netflix recently, including Dota: Dragon’s Blood, which comes out on March 25.