Dawning on Netflix’s sunny shores April 28th is a new anime about Japan’s first black samurai, “Yasuke.” Excitement on social media grows more and more for “Yasuke” as MAPPA is producing it. Their reputation runs high with beloved shows like Attack on Titan, newcomer Jujutsu Kaisen and more so it’s unsurprising that fans have higher expectations. Netflix cites it as a “genre-bending, cross-cultural production that will redefine what anime can be” which is especially exciting for those interested in POC involvement and representation in animated, and non-animated, media. Needless to say, this is a big step for the POC members of the anime community. Yasuke is portrayed as a talented samurai and the greatest ronin ever known who’s tasked with protecting a mysterious young girl from nefarious forces in chaotic Feudal Japan alongside warlords. “Yasuke” will be comprised of six episodes with a score crafted by Grammy award-winning artist Flying Lotus, and stars LaKeith Stanfield most memorably known for his roles in movies “Dope” and “Get Out.” Personally, I have high expectations for this series and hope it stands apart from the many other popular anime that debuted on Netflix this season like “High-Rise Invasion”, the second season of “Beastars” and more. I have no doubt that MAPPA alongside Netflix will outdo themselves once again and provide the community with a much needed animated cultural oasis.

Feel free to set a reminder on Netflix for the release of “Yasuke” to stay updated!