Follow Ryo Hazuki to become the ultimate martial artist and avenge your father’s death in Shenmue the Animation.
Directed by Chikara Sakurai (One Punch Man, Taboo Tattoo, Heavy Object) through Telecom Animation Film, with Sola Entertainment managing production. Shenmue the Animation will premiere on February 6 on Adult Swim, Crunchyroll, and Toonami. Creator Yu Suzuki is working on the project as an executive producer, while Kensuke Ishikawa (Tower of God) is the animation director. Kento Shimoyama (We Rent Tsukumogami and Bleach) handled the story, while Udaka handled the initial character designs. Ito Kashitaro performed at the opening of UNDEAD-NOID.
Shenmue the Animation’s official synopsis reads: “After witnessing his father’s murder at the family dojo, Ryo Hazuki dedicates his life to finding the culprit; a mission that takes him from the streets of Yokosuka, Japan to the sprawling metropolis of Hong Kong and beyond. As he continues his quest for revenge, aiming to become the ultimate martial artist, he learns that far more powerful mystical powers are at play”
The cast of Shenmue the Animation
- Ryo Hazuki will be voiced by Masaya Matsukaze (Japanese) and Austin Tindle (English): a high school student and heir to the martial arts of the Hazuki style. When his father is killed by a mysterious man named Lan Di, Ryo embarks on a journey to perfect his martial arts and uncover the truth behind his father’s death.
- Lan Di portrayed by Takahiro Sakurai (Japanese) and Scott Gibbs (English): A high-ranking member of the Chi You Men underground organization who kills Ryo’s father and steals the Dragon Mirror.
- Shenhua voiced by Natalie Rial (English): A young girl who lives in a rural village in Guilin under the care of her foster father. Simply put, she’s great with plants, animals, and other natural survival skills.
- Nozomi Harasaki voiced by Cat Thomas (English): Ryo’s classmate who secretly admires him ever since he saved her from bullies in middle school. Strong and caring, she usually helps her grandmother at the flower shop.
- Guizhang Chen is played by Jeremy Ji (English): Guizhang was born in Yokohama and was trained in martial arts by his father from an early age. Like Ryo, he received the same upbringing, although Guizhang behaves coldly, he feels close to Ryo.
- Chai is voiced by Greg Ayres (English): A member of the Chi You Men. He has a unique state that allows him to perform superhuman movements. After Lan Di takes the Dragon Mirror, he starts looking for a second mirror.
- Wong is voiced by Bryson Bogus (English): A member of Heavens. He considers Ren his brother and strives to become like him.
- Joy is voiced by Lucy Christian (English): Joy is a young woman who loves motorcycles. His father is in the trading business and is trusted by many people. Like Ryo, Joy also lost her mother at a young age.
- Xuying Hong Voiced by Christine Outen (English): His priest name is Lishao Tao. Although she is young, she is proficient in martial arts such as Tai Chi and Bajiquan. Her expression is still calm, but her clear eyes give the impression that she can see through people’s hearts and intentions.
- Ren is voiced by Cody House (English): The charismatic leader of Heaven, a street gang operating in the Beverly Hills Wharf area. He is obsessed with money and only trusts his friends. Ren is a rival of the Yellow Heads gang and plans to defeat them one day.
- Dou Niu voiced by Joe Daniels (English): As the leader of the Yellowheads, Dou Niu is also part of Chi Yu Meng. In order to gain Lan Di’s trust, he also sets out to find Yuanda Zhu. Dou Niu has a large bear body, which puts Ryo and his friends in a difficult position when they fight him.