Virtual Crunchyroll Expo: Watch Yu Suzuki talk Shenmue Anime

Watch an exclusive V-CRX interview with Shenmue creator Yu Suzuki on the upcoming Shenmue anime adaption in the works by Crunchyroll & Adult Swim.

Shenmue creator Yu Suzuki discussed the key themes that fans will see in the upcoming Shenmue -The Animation- 13-episode anime series at V-CRX 2020. Suzuki commented that he believes the general themes in Shenmue are universal & ‘understood around the world. Focusing on love, courage, friendship, and family.’ He hopes to bring ‘the spirit of Japan and express the culture at the same time’ with the series. The famed SEGA developer is serving as Executive Producer on Shenmue’s anime series.

Yu Suzuki feels that the older & most hardcore Shenmue fans that have followed Ryo Hazuki’s journey for 15-20 years will embrace the Anime series warmly. After all, Shenmue’s loyal legion of fans have maintained their fandom even in the years where it looked like the series wouldn’t return, hampered by the label of being one of the most expensive video games ever produced. Yet, two remasters and a sequel (including a Limited Run Games Dreamcast case) later, Shenmue is now seeing a resurgence in popularity. Thus, Suzuki feels part of being a fan for that long of the series, is ‘accepting everything Shenmue.’

Shenmue’s anime director Chikara Sakurai, joked that he was ‘too poor to buy the game when it came out. But he wanted to learn as much about it as he could for free.’ Chikara Sakurai described the surreal feeling of finally getting to play Shenmue years later, ‘It’s hard to describe… It gave me this strange feeling. It’s like I can finally do something I couldn’t do then.’ The director went on to comment that it was important to him to restrain himself from taking creative liberties with Shenmue and preserve the game’s integrity.

Shenmue -The Animation- (Anime Adaption) Synopsis:

Shenmue – the Animation – Photo provided by Crunchyroll

Be sure to read Shenmue Anime announced by Crunchyroll, Adult Swim at V-CRX 2020!

Follow all of The Natural Aristocrat®’s V-CRX coverage at the Virtual Crunchyroll Expo 2020 section.