Yasuke

Yasuke was released in 2021 as an original net animation produced by the Japanese studio MAPPA. The series was created by LeSean Thomas, an American producer and director who sought to blend historical fiction with fantasy elements. It draws loose inspiration from the life of Yasuke, an African man who arrived in Japan in the 16th century and served under the daimyo Oda Nobunaga. The narrative reimagines this historical figure within a war-torn, high-tech feudal Japan, moving away from a strict biographical retelling to focus on thematic explorations of identity and duty.

The series' aesthetic reflects a collaborative effort between international creative teams and traditional Japanese animation techniques. Thomas partnered with musician Flying Lotus, who provided the score, to establish a specific atmospheric tone that bridged the gap between historical period drama and futuristic anime tropes. Upon its release, the production received attention for its unique visual synthesis and its attempt to integrate global perspectives into the established medium of anime, though critical reception regarding the balance of its historical and supernatural elements remained varied.