Shenmue the Animation (2022)
A martial arts revenge epic brought to life — Ryo Hazuki's legendary quest finally leaps from console to screen in animated form.
Shenmue the Animation - Series Information
- Original Title: シェンムー the Animation
- First Air Year: 2022
- Last Air Year: 2022
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Animation, Drama, Action, Adventure
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 24 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 13
- Status: Canceled
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- First Air Date: February 6, 2022 (United States - TV-14), February 6, 2022 (Australia - M)
- Networks: Adult Swim, Crunchyroll
- Alternative Titles: シェンムー the Animation (JP)
- Production Companies: Telecom Animation Film, Sola Entertainment, WAVE MASTER, SEGA, TMS Entertainment, Adult Swim, Crunchyroll
- Production Countries: Japan, United States of America
Shenmue the Animation - Plot
After he witnesses his father's murder at the family dojo, Ryo Hazuki dedicates his life to finding the man responsible — a mission that takes him from the streets of Yokosuka, Japan to the sprawling metropolis of Hong Kong, and beyond. Soon he'll learn that larger, mystical forces are at play as he trains to become the ultimate martial artist in his quest for revenge.
Shenmue the Animation - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see Ryo's journey come to life in stunning animation.
Where to Watch Shenmue the Animation
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Shenmue the Animation - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Masaya Matsukaze
- Takahiro Sumi
- Akihiro Tajima
- Hiroaki Okuda
- Takaaki Torashima
- Satoru Ito
- Taisuke Nakano
- Mao Ichimichi
- Osamu Taira
- Shota Hayama
Executive Producers
- Yu Suzuki
Shenmue the Animation - FAQs
Is Shenmue the Animation based on a video game?
Shenmue the Animation is directly adapted from the legendary Shenmue video game series created by Yu Suzuki and originally released by SEGA in 1999. The anime faithfully adapts the storylines of both Shenmue and Shenmue II, condensing the games' narratives into 13 episodes for a new audience.
Where can you stream Shenmue the Animation?
Shenmue the Animation is available to stream on Crunchyroll, including through the Crunchyroll Amazon Channel. Both options offer the series as part of a subscription (flatrate). For a full overview of viewing options in your region, JustWatch is a great resource.
Does the anime cover both Shenmue games?
Yes — the 13-episode series covers the events of both the original Shenmue and its sequel Shenmue II. It follows Ryo's journey from Yokosuka through Hong Kong, adapting key story beats from both games while streamlining the narrative for television pacing.
Who are the main voice actors in Shenmue the Animation?
Masaya Matsukaze leads the cast as protagonist Ryo Hazuki, reprising his role from the original games. He is joined by Takahiro Sumi, Akihiro Tajima, Hiroaki Okuda, Mao Ichimichi as Joy, Osamu Taira as Ren, and Mirei Kumagai as Xiuying Hong, among others.
Was Shenmue the Animation cancelled after one season?
Shenmue the Animation was cancelled after its first and only season of 13 episodes. The series aired in 2022 and is no longer in production. While it concluded its adaptation of the first two games, no continuation covering Shenmue III has been announced.
When did Shenmue the Animation first air?
Shenmue the Animation premiered on February 6, 2022, in the United States on Adult Swim and simultaneously on Crunchyroll. The series also launched in Australia on the same date, bringing the beloved SEGA franchise to animation for the first time.
What is the content rating for Shenmue the Animation?
Shenmue the Animation carries a TV-14 rating in the United States, indicating content that may be unsuitable for children under 14. The series features martial arts combat, themes of revenge, and some violence consistent with its action-drama tone.
How was Shenmue the Animation received by critics?
Critical reception was mixed to moderately positive. Fans of the original games appreciated the faithful adaptation and the return of the original Japanese voice cast, while some critics noted the compressed pacing as a limitation. It was generally seen as a loving tribute to the source material.
More About Shenmue the Animation
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