Shinichirō Watanabe’s latest anime series, Lazarus, animated by Studio MAPPA, has received a prestigious nomination for “Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music” at the 77th annual Primetime Emmy Awards. The acclaimed jazz saxophonist Kamasi Washington is credited for the nominated opening theme song, “Vortex”.
Lazarus and Its Visionary Creators
Lazarus, known as Lazaro in Japanese, is an original science fiction thriller that premiered on Adult Swim’s Toonami block on April 5, 2025, with episodes subsequently available on Max. The series marks the return of renowned director Shinichirō Watanabe, celebrated for his iconic works such as Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo, to the sci-fi genre. Watanabe not only directed but also crafted the original story for Lazarus. The animation is handled by Studio MAPPA, known for its high-quality productions like Jujutsu Kaisen and Chainsaw Man. Adding to the series’ unique appeal, Chad Stahelski, the director of the John Wick film franchise, designed the action sequences, bringing a distinct cinematic flair to the anime’s combat. Sola Entertainment is responsible for the overall production of the series.
The narrative of Lazarus unfolds in the year 2052, a seemingly utopian era fostered by a miracle painkiller drug named “Hapna,” developed by the lauded neuroscientist Dr. Skinner. However, this tranquility is shattered when Dr. Skinner reappears three years after his mysterious disappearance, revealing a fatal side effect: everyone who has taken Hapna will perish within approximately three years. With only thirty days until the first wave of deaths, a special task force comprising five agents, collectively known as “Lazarus,” is assembled from across the globe to locate Dr. Skinner and secure a vaccine to avert humanity’s demise.
The Nominated Opening Theme: “Vortex”
The opening theme, “Vortex,” composed and performed by Kamasi Washington, was hand-selected by Shinichirō Watanabe as the main theme for Lazarus. Described as an “ambitious multi-suite jazz number,” “Vortex” seamlessly transitions between choral-punctuated ensemble movements, virtuosic saxophone solos, and an electrifying electric guitar climax. Its intricate composition perfectly complements the series’ blend of science fiction, action, and dramatic narrative, reflecting Watanabe’s well-known appreciation for jazz in his works. The distinct musical contributions of artists like Washington, alongside Bonobo and Floating Points who also provided scores for the series, emphasize the strong emphasis on music within Lazarus.
The nomination for “Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music” highlights the critical acclaim for the series’ musical elements, further cementing the anime’s significant impact on both critical audiences and the broader entertainment landscape.
