Baku Yumemakura’s Garoden novels receive anime adaptation on Netflix

On Monday, April 22, 2024, Netflix Japan released an English-subtitled promotional video announcing the anime adaptation of Baku Yumemakura’s Garoden novels. According to the brief clip, the anime, titled Garoden: The Way of the Lone Wolf, will debut exclusively on Netflix in May 2024. The video also provided information on the cast and crew involved in the production.

Baku Yumemakura’s Garoden is a series of Japanese novels that centers on the topic of martial arts. The initial installment, consisting of 13 novels, was first published in July 1985 and continued serialization until 2003. Due to its popularity, a second installment was released in 2006, and as of now, five volumes have been published.

The Release Date for the Anime Adaptation of Baku Yumemakura’s Garoden Novels is May 23, 2024

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SpSpncmISc

Previously stated, on Monday, April 22, 2024, Netflix Japan released an English-subtitled trailer for the anime adaptation of Baku Yumemakura’s Garoden novels.

Titled Garoden: The Way of the Lone Wolf, the anime with a martial arts theme is scheduled to debut on Netflix on May 23, 2024. The trailer offers a glimpse of the intense combat scenes that will be featured in the show, as well as the protagonist Bunshichi Tanba’s rival, Juzo Fujimaki.

The most recent promotional video showcases Juzo’s unwavering determination as he is driven by fate to enter a brutal underground tournament focused on combat. The preview reveals him skillfully maneuvering through a treacherous path, facing formidable adversaries.

The key visual for Garoden: The Way of the Lone Wolf (Image via Netflix)

Juzo’s head carries a three million bounty and a detective is determined to track him down. As per the PV, Juzo must confront not only formidable adversaries but also his own personal struggles in his journey.

In addition to hinting at the storyline, the PV has also unveiled the theme songs for this action anime. The opening theme, FIGHT & PRIDE, and the ending theme, CRY BOY, are both performed by Takeshi Ueda’s band, AA=.

Juzo as seen in the trailer (Image via Netflix)

In addition to the trailer, the anime adaptation of Baku Yumemakura’s Garoden novels has also announced the cast and staff. Ryota Takeuchi, known for his role as Wakatoshi in Haikyuu!!, will be playing the lead role of Juzo Fujimaki.

The talented cast features Tetsu Inada as the lead character, Bunshichi Tanba, with Shunsuke Takeuchi lending his voice to Tsutomu Himekawa. Additionally, Ryota Suzuki portrays Ryoji Kubo and Rintaro Nishi takes on the role of Shozan Matsuo.

Aya Endo provides the voice for Saeko Izumi, while Hidenobu Kiuchi voices Fumihito Tamon. Soichiro Izumi is portrayed by Tessho Genda, and Tomoyuki Hikita is brought to life by Junya Enoki. Yoshimasa Hosoya is also a member of the anime’s cast, playing the role of Nyoze Carlos Nagato. Additionally, renowned voice actor Junichi Suwabe, known for his role as Sukuna in Jujutsu Kaisen, stars as Ichiro Shino.

Yuko Kaida voices Miyuki Koiso in the series, while Shiro Saito portrays Ranbo and Maki Izawa voices Gunso. In addition, Kenjiro Tsuda takes on the role of Oleg Zaytsev, and Yume Miyamoto plays Chisaki Shino.

Juzo prepared to participate in the tournament (Image via Netflix)

At NAZ Studios, Atsushi Ikariya leads as the director while Daisuke Mataga serves as the assistant director. Ikariya-san collaborates with Momoko Kawai to design characters for the Garoden: The Way of the Lone Wolf anime, while Sadayuki Murai is credited as the scriptwriter. Takeshi Ueda is in charge of composing music for the series, and Kisuke Koizumi is the sound director.

The creators of the anime adaptation of Baku Yumemakura’s Garoden novels have also chosen to incorporate the authentic movements of martial artists from various disciplines, including karate, Jiu-Jitsu, sumo, wrestling, boxing, and others.

Juzo fights a grizzly bear, as seen in the trailer (Image via Netflix)

According to Netflix, notable individuals such as Koki, Takeru, Murilo Takeshi de Souza, Rei Tsuruya, Takeru Uchida, Shimon Kagiyama, Fubito Aizawa, and other talented individuals have greatly enhanced the realistic portrayal of action sequences.

The highly anticipated upcoming anime is based on Baku Yumemakura’s novel series. It will center around Juzo Fujimaki, a fugitive running from his past crimes. Compellingly, he is coerced into participating in an illicit underground fighting tournament, where he must confront skilled martial artists.