The highly anticipated reboot of Gosho Aoyama’s classic manga, Yaiba: Samurai Legend, is gearing up for its premiere in April 2025, and fans in North America, Latin America, Australia, and New Zealand can rejoice! Viz Media has announced that the new anime series will be available for streaming on Netflix, while viewers in the United States can catch it on Hulu.
A New Chapter for a Beloved Samurai
Yaiba: Samurai Legend breathes new life into Gosho Aoyama’s original manga series, which was serialized in Shogakukan’s Weekly Shonen Sunday magazine from 1988 to 1993. The story follows Yaiba Kurogane, a young samurai who has spent his life training in the jungle.
From Jungle Training to Modern Japan
A twist of fate brings Yaiba back to Japan, where he begins living with the Mine family, who have connections to his father, Kenjuro. Yaiba’s wild and reckless ways constantly surprise Sayaka, the Mines’ daughter.
A Fateful Encounter and Ancient Powers
One day, Yaiba accompanies Sayaka to school and has a life-changing encounter with Takeshi Onimaru, a kendo expert. Their clashes ignite a battle for strength, awakening two ancient powers: the Fujinken, the Wind God’s Sword, and the Raijinken, the Thunder God’s Sword. These supernatural blades, which have shaped the world since ancient times, are now at the center of Yaiba and Onimaru’s destinies.
Streaming Details and Premiere Date
Yaiba: Samurai Legend is set to premiere in Japan on April 5, 2025, on YTV, NTV, and their affiliated networks. The series will air every Saturday at 5:30 p.m. JST, right before Detective Conan’s 6:00 p.m. timeslot, creating the “Gōshō Aoyama Hour” programming block.
Global Streaming Availability
Following its Japanese premiere, the anime will be available for streaming on Netflix in North America, Latin America, Australia, and New Zealand. U.S. viewers can stream the series on Hulu. Episodes will be released weekly on these platforms.
Production and Cast
Yaiba: Samurai Legend is produced by Wit Studio, known for their work on anime such as Attack on Titan and Vinland Saga. Takahiro Hasui directs the series, with Touko Machida supervising the scripts. Yoshimichi Kameda is in charge of character designs and serves as chief animation director, while Maiko Okada is the animation producer. The music is composed by Yutaka Yamada and Yoshiaki Dewa.
Voice Cast
The anime features a talented voice cast, including:
- Minami Takayama as Yaiba Kurogane
- Manaka Iwami as Sayaka Mine
- Yoshimasa Hosoya as Takeshi Onimaru
- Katsuyuki Konishi as Kenjuro Kurogane
- Junichi Suwabe as Musashi Miyamoto
Theme Song
The opening theme song for the anime is “Blade,” performed by Blue Encount.
A Fresh Take on a Classic
Yaiba: Samurai Legend promises a visually stunning and action-packed experience, reimagining the original story with modern animation. Long-time fans and newcomers alike can look forward to a thrilling samurai epic filled with adventure, rivalry, and supernatural elements. With its streaming availability on Netflix and Hulu, the series is set to reach a wide audience and introduce a new generation to the world of Yaiba.
