Yasuke (2021)
A legendary Black Samurai returns to battle in this bold Netflix anime blending feudal Japan with magic, mecha, and myth.
Yasuke - Series Information
- Original Title: YASUKE －ヤスケ－
- First Air Year: 2021
- Last Air Year: 2021
- Created by: LeSean Thomas
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Animation, Drama, Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
- Content Rating (US): TV-MA
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 6
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: April 29, 2021 (United States - TV-MA), April 29, 2021 (Canada - 18+), April 29, 2021 (United Kingdom - 15), April 29, 2021 (Germany - 16), April 29, 2021 (France - 16), April 29, 2021 (India - A), April 29, 2021 (New Zealand - 16), April 29, 2021 (Australia - MA 15+), April 29, 2021 (Brazil - 16), April 29, 2021 (Mexico - C), April 29, 2021 (Spain - 16), April 29, 2021 (South Korea - 19)
- Networks: Netflix
- Production Companies: MAPPA
- Production Countries: Japan
Yasuke - Plot
A peaceful boatman once known as the Black Samurai is pulled back into conflict when he takes a little girl with mysterious powers under his wing.
Yasuke - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the world of Yasuke come to life:
Honor has a new name.
Where to Watch Yasuke
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Yasuke - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- LeSean Thomas
Main Cast
- LaKeith Stanfield
- Maya Tanida
- Takehiro Hira
- Julie Marcus
- Ming-Na Wen
- Noshir Dalal
- Dia Frampton
- Paul Nakauchi
- Darren Criss
- William-Christopher Stephens
Writers
- Alex Larsen
- Flying Lotus
- LeSean Thomas
- Nick Jones Jr.
Executive Producers
- Monica Alexander
- Flying Lotus
- LaKeith Stanfield
- Colin Stark
- Dylan Thomas
Yasuke - FAQs
Is Yasuke based on a true story?
The real Yasuke was an African man — believed to be from Mozambique — who arrived in Japan in 1579 and became a retainer of warlord Oda Nobunaga. The Netflix series draws on this remarkable historical figure but blends his story with fantasy, magic, and mecha elements for a fictional reimagining.
Where can you stream Yasuke?
Yasuke is available on Netflix as part of a standard subscription (flatrate) and also on Netflix Standard with Ads. Both options give you access to all six episodes of the series.
Who voices the main character in Yasuke?
LaKeith Stanfield voices the titular Yasuke, bringing a grounded, weary gravitas to the legendary Black Samurai. The cast also includes Ming-Na Wen, Darren Criss, Takehiro Hira, and Paul Nakauchi, among others.
Why does Yasuke blend history with fantasy and mecha?
Creator LeSean Thomas deliberately set the series in an alternate feudal Japan where magic and advanced technology coexist alongside samurai warfare. This science-fantasy approach lets the show honor Yasuke's real legacy while crafting an original, visually inventive action narrative that goes far beyond a straight historical retelling.
How many episodes does Yasuke have?
Yasuke consists of one season with six episodes, all released simultaneously on Netflix on April 29, 2021. The compact run makes it an easy binge, though many viewers felt the story could have benefited from a longer episode count.
Who created and composed the music for Yasuke?
The series was created by LeSean Thomas, an animator known for his work on The Boondocks and Black Dynamite. The score was composed by Flying Lotus, the acclaimed electronic musician, whose atmospheric and genre-blending soundtrack became one of the show's most praised elements.
Is Yasuke cancelled or will there be a second season?
Yasuke is listed as Ended with no second season announced. Netflix has not renewed the series, and the show's status remains concluded after its single six-episode run in 2021. Creator LeSean Thomas has expressed interest in continuing the story, but nothing official has been confirmed.
What are some anime series similar to Yasuke?
If Yasuke's blend of historical action and dark fantasy appeals to you, check out Drifters (2016), Hell's Paradise (2023), and Blade of the Immortal (2019) for similarly intense samurai-era storytelling. Fena: Pirate Princess (2021) and Seirei Gensouki: Spirit Chronicles (2021) also share its adventurous, fantastical spirit.
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