The Allure of Shinichirō Watanabe’s “Lazarus” — What It Shares with Cowboy Bebop

Among the 2025 spring anime releases, “Lazarus” stands out as a must-watch original sci-fi action series directed by none other than Shinichirō Watanabe, known for his iconic work “Cowboy Bebop.”

In “Lazarus,” we witness a familiar yet evolved creative style—visually striking, musically profound, and full of emotionally charged characters racing against time.

This article explores the unique appeal of “Lazarus,” its thematic and stylistic parallels with “Cowboy Bebop,” and why fans of Watanabe’s work shouldn’t miss it.

What You’ll Learn from This Article

• An overview of Shinichirō Watanabe’s new anime “Lazarus”
• The show’s themes, characters, and sci-fi world-building
• How “Lazarus” compares to “Cowboy Bebop” in tone and style
• Musical influences and visual direction that enhance the story
• Viewer impressions and behind-the-scenes insights

The World and Direction of “Lazarus” by Shinichirō Watanabe

A Heavy Storyline Blending Near-Future Sci-Fi and Pharmaceutical Crisis

Set in the year 2052, “Lazarus” introduces a world that has seemingly achieved utopia thanks to a miraculous painkiller called “Hapuna,” developed by genius scientist Dr. Skinner.

However, the peace is shattered when Skinner, after vanishing for three years, announces that Hapuna contains a “death trigger” that activates three years post-consumption.

Humanity is now on a 30-day countdown to extinction, unless the “Lazarus” special team can find the missing scientist and retrieve the antidote.

It’s a high-stakes sci-fi thriller where Watanabe’s signature theme—“the fragility and darkness of humanity masked by technology”—is powerfully present.

Just like “Cowboy Bebop” explored loneliness and crime in space, “Lazarus” presents modern concerns like pharmaceutical ethics and ecological collapse in a near-future setting.

Should we blindly trust science that promises happiness? The question lingers throughout, adding a layer of philosophical tension rarely seen in mainstream anime.

Hollywood-Grade Action Supervised by the Director of “John Wick”

Another major highlight of “Lazarus” is its incredibly dynamic and realistic action sequences.

The action is supervised by Chad Stahelski, best known for directing the “John Wick” franchise. His Hollywood expertise fuses with anime’s kinetic style to deliver high-octane scenes rarely seen in the medium.

Take Axel, the protagonist: his parkour chases across skyscrapers blend fluid animation with physical believability, offering a visual experience that borders on live-action realism.

Thanks to MAPPA’s renowned animation quality and Watanabe’s masterful direction, the choreography feels precise, intense, and weighty—each movement carrying emotional and narrative impact.

This is more than flashy spectacle; it’s “action with meaning,” where every fight propels the story forward and deepens our connection to the characters.

By integrating Hollywood action sensibilities into anime, “Lazarus” redefines what’s possible in animated combat storytelling.

The Team Dynamics of “Lazarus”: A Cast of Misfits with Unique Skills

Axel the Thrill-Seeker and His Team’s Troubled Pasts

The story of “Lazarus” is propelled by a team of five unique individuals, each with their own backstories and specializations.

The main character, Axel Gilbert, is a 23-year-old Brazilian escape artist with incredible physical prowess and a taste for danger.

He joins the team after being recruited while serving an 888-year sentence—a testament to his rebellious spirit and skills.

The rest of the team is equally compelling. There’s Doug, a Nigerian physics genius with a quiet fire, who punched his university president after being told Black scientists couldn’t win a Nobel Prize.

“Chris” Christine from Russia is a battle-hardened sister-figure with unmatched firearm skills.

Leland, a drone specialist from Canada, hides family trauma beneath his mild demeanor.

And Elena, a shy 15-year-old hacker from Hong Kong, operates under the infamous alias “Mad Screamer.”

Each team member has a complicated past, adding layers of emotional depth to what might otherwise be a standard action team setup.

Watanabe’s strength in portraying flawed but lovable characters shines through once again.

Diverse Backgrounds and Perfect Team Balance

What sets the “Lazarus” team apart is its global diversity and strategic role distribution.

Coming from Brazil, Nigeria, Russia, Canada, and Hong Kong, the five members form a truly international group whose differences serve as strengths rather than weaknesses.

Each character fulfills a clear function—brawn, brains, guns, tech, and stealth—and together they create a believable dynamic where mutual respect grows from necessity.

Their interactions, conflicts, and eventual teamwork build a human story of trust and cooperation amid chaos.

More than a high-stakes mission, “Lazarus” explores the fragile chemistry of individuals learning to rely on each other across cultural and emotional divides.

Visuals and Music: “Lazarus” as a Multi-Sensory Experience

Kamasi Washington and a World-Class Soundtrack

One of the most striking elements of “Lazarus” is its bold and genre-defying soundtrack.

The music is led by jazz saxophonist Kamasi Washington, joined by Bonobo and Floating Points—world-renowned artists known for their experimental, genre-blending sound.

This global musical lineup amplifies the series’ atmosphere, enriching each scene with depth, texture, and emotional resonance.

The opening theme, “VORTEX,” is a powerful, cinematic jazz fusion piece that pulls viewers into the story before a single line is spoken.

Meanwhile, the ending theme, “Lazarus” by The Boo Radleys (from their 1993 album), inspired the very title of the show—a nod to Watanabe’s long-standing relationship with music.

Much like “Cowboy Bebop” with its iconic jazz by Yoko Kanno, “Lazarus” proves that music is not a background element, but a vital storytelling force.

One-Cut Ending Animation by Mai Yoneyama

The ending sequence of “Lazarus” is gaining attention for its breathtaking one-shot animation directed by Mai Yoneyama.

Executed entirely in a continuous cut, the sequence is both technically impressive and emotionally moving.

The camera glides through shifting scenes and perspectives, expressing mood and theme without any need for dialogue.

This approach delivers a unique kind of immersion and flow, mirroring the emotional undercurrents of the main story.

It’s a masterclass in using movement, color, and composition to leave viewers with a sense of quiet reflection and awe.

Much like the famous “Tank!” OP from “Cowboy Bebop,” this ED stands out as a creative signature—and elevates the viewing experience.

What “Lazarus” Shares with “Cowboy Bebop”

A Hardboiled Narrative and Cool Aesthetic

It’s impossible to watch “Lazarus” without drawing comparisons to Shinichirō Watanabe’s breakout hit, “Cowboy Bebop.”

Both series share a cool, dystopian setting where technology, decay, and existentialism coexist.

In “Lazarus,” as in “Bebop,” the future is neither shiny nor hopeful—it’s gritty, troubled, and filled with broken people searching for meaning.

The storytelling is also unapologetically hardboiled.

Characters speak with a quiet cynicism, the atmosphere is moody and noir-inspired, and the pacing allows time for silence, memory, and loss.

Watanabe fans will immediately recognize the signature blend of stoicism, melancholy, and style.

In essence, both works are human dramas disguised as sci-fi action—and that’s what makes them so memorable.

A Fusion of Music and Visual Storytelling

One of Watanabe’s hallmarks is how he uses music not as background noise, but as a storytelling engine.

In “Cowboy Bebop,” jazz wasn’t just an aesthetic—it defined the rhythm, structure, and tone of the entire show.

In “Lazarus,” this idea evolves through a more global, modern sound palette.

From Kamasi Washington’s soulful horns to Bonobo’s ambient textures, the music guides the viewer’s emotional journey across scenes of action, introspection, and revelation.

Rather than rely on exposition or dialogue, “Lazarus” lets the soundscape speak.

This synergy of sight and sound has become a trademark of Watanabe’s creative universe, and “Lazarus” embraces it with even greater ambition and confidence.

Viewer Reactions: Impressions from Rakeruma

“I couldn’t shake the feeling even after the credits rolled.”

As the editor of the anime blog “Lakelma,” I watched the first episode of “Lazarus” with high expectations—and it still managed to exceed them.

The weight, the pacing, the silence between lines… it’s undeniably a Watanabe work from the very first scene.

When Skinner delivers his apocalyptic message, I felt a chill. This wasn’t just fiction—it felt eerily real, like a warning we might face someday.

And don’t even get me started on the music! 🎷✨

Kamasi Washington’s saxophone didn’t just “fit”—it bled emotion into the frame. It elevated the scene from great to unforgettable.

The characters already feel layered, especially Axel, who’s reckless but weirdly relatable.

And I love that the team isn’t bonded yet—they’re still “strangers,” and that tension feels so real 💥

I can’t wait to see how they grow together, how their flaws become strengths, and how they clash and reconcile as the story unfolds.

Even after just one episode, I’m convinced: “Lazarus” is going to be one of the standout anime of 2025.

Summary: Why “Lazarus” Feels Like Watanabe’s Magnum Opus

“Lazarus” as the Culmination of Watanabe’s Artistic Vision

“Lazarus” distills the essence of everything Shinichirō Watanabe has built throughout his career.

It carries forward the melancholy of “Cowboy Bebop,” the stylized action of “Samurai Champloo,” and the genre-mashing freedom of “Space Dandy”—yet it feels more urgent, more grounded in modern anxieties.

Themes of environmental collapse, pharmaceutical ethics, and technological disillusionment give “Lazarus” its relevance and bite.

Watanabe himself has described the show as a “challenge” and “statement.”

This is not just entertainment—it’s a question posed to humanity: what happens when the tools that save us also destroy us?

With high-caliber visuals, deep characters, and unforgettable sound, “Lazarus” may well be his boldest work yet.

Looking Ahead: A Series to Watch Closely

Though only recently aired, “Lazarus” has already garnered buzz from fans and critics alike.

The urgency of its ticking-clock premise, the intrigue of its cast, and the craftsmanship of its execution promise a gripping season.

MAPPA’s production quality, a star-studded voice cast, and international musical talent combine to create a truly global anime experience.

Nearly 25 years after “Cowboy Bebop,” Watanabe has returned with something fresh yet familiar—and it’s captivating a new generation of anime lovers.

Frequently Asked Questions: “Lazarus”

• Q1. Where can I watch “Lazarus”?
  In the United States, “Lazarus” is available for streaming on platforms such as Crunchyroll, Hulu, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video. Availability may vary by region, so please check your local listings.
• Q2. Is “Lazarus” connected to “Cowboy Bebop”?
  No direct plot connection exists, but stylistic and thematic similarities are very apparent. If you enjoyed “Bebop,” you’ll definitely appreciate Watanabe’s signature mood and direction here too.
• Q3. Is it suitable for all ages?
  Not quite. The series features themes like drug use, violence, and heavy philosophical content, making it more appropriate for older teens and adults.
• Q4. Can I catch up if I start now?
  Absolutely! Streaming services offer episodes from the beginning, so it’s easy to binge and catch up.
• Q5. Is there a manga or original novel?
  No—“Lazarus” is a completely original anime project by Shinichirō Watanabe. That means you’ll only experience this story through the anime—making it all the more special.

Summary

• “Lazarus” is a bold new sci-fi action anime from Shinichirō Watanabe
• Its plot revolves around a miracle drug with a deadly secret
• The anime features international characters, top-tier animation, and global musical talent
• Stylistically, it shares many traits with “Cowboy Bebop”
• It’s already receiving high praise from fans and critics alike