Shinichirō Watanabe is a renowned Japanese anime director, writer, and producer celebrated for his unique storytelling, music-blending, and unforgettable characters. Best known for his groundbreaking works Cowboy Bebop (1998) and Samurai Champloo (2004), Watanabe masterfully fuses action, music, and philosophy, creating timeless anime that continue to inspire fans worldwide.
His portfolio also includes acclaimed titles like Kids on the Slope (2012), Space Dandy (2014), and Carole & Tuesday (2019), each showcasing his signature style of deep narratives and genre-defying creativity. Most recently, he is making waves with his highly anticipated sci-fi thriller, Lazarus which is set to premiere this year exclusively on Netflix.
Watanabe was a Guest of Honor at this year’s Anime Los Angeles in Long Beach, California, and we had the incredible opportunity to sit down with him! In this exclusive interview, we dive into his latest project, Lazarus, and uncover the creative vision behind his newest masterpiece. Don’t miss this must-watch conversation with one of anime’s greatest storytellers!
Special thanks to Jo Ann Faustino, Takayuki Karahashi of The Green Room International, and Otaku Hourly for making this interview possible! I would also like to extend my gratitude to Vincent Reyes for their ongoing dedication and hard work as our Field Production Assistant, ensuring our interviews run seamlessly.
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Anime Los Angeles 2025 (ALA 20) concluded on January 12, 2025, leaving attendees with cherished memories from one of the West Coast’s first anime conventions of the year. Held at the Long Beach Convention Center, this year’s event not only showcased the best of anime culture but also brought the community together to explore the convention’s nostalgic theme: History.
This year’s theme, History, set the stage for celebrating Robotech’s 40th anniversary while highlighting anime’s evolution into a global phenomenon. Robotech (1985) introduced Western audiences to anime with its blend of mecha battles, love, and survival across generations. Created by combining three Japanese series, Super Dimension Fortress Macross, Super Dimension Cavalry Southern Cross, and Genesis Climber Mospeada— its mature storytelling and rich lore made it a cornerstone of anime’s global popularity.
Attendees enjoyed a range of insightful panels, including Anime Mecha to Real-Life Toys, featuring guest of honor Keiichiro Maeno. Maeno shared his expertise on 3D sculpting, articulation, and the recreation of iconic mechanical anime designs.
The panel The Making of Robotech offered a nostalgic look at anime production in the 1980s, a time when the medium was far from mainstream. Meanwhile, fans also got a glimpse of anime’s future with the special premiere of Lazarus, an upcoming series directed by Shinichirō Watanabe, celebrated for classics like Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo.
Star Guests and Memorable Moments
ALA 20’s lineup featured an impressive roster of Guests of Honor:
Shinji Aramaki (Appleseed, Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045), who shared insights into the future of animation.
Tomonori Kogawa (Space Runaway Ideon, Aura Battler Dunbine), offering a rare retrospective of his career in character design.
Shinichiro Watanabe (Cowboy Bebop, Samurai Champloo), who packed the main hall during his signing sessions and Q&A session about directing timeless classics.
SHIHORI, whose musical performances captivated fans during the live entertainment on Friday night.
This year’s ALA featured an impressive lineup of talent, including voice actors Rebecca Forstadt, Melanie MacQueen, Wendy Lee, Suzie Yeung, Richard Epcar, and his wife, Ellyn Stern along with popular influencerKaho Shibuya.
Exclusive Premieres and Screenings
Attendees were treated to exclusive previews of upcoming anime projects, including the premiere of Shinichiro Wantabe’s highly anticipated anime series Lazarus. The series is set in 2052 and follows Axel, a master criminal, on a mission to find the missing creator of Hapna—a drug that brought global peace but hides deadly consequences. The series features action design by Chad Stahelski (John Wick) and a soundtrack by Kamasi Washington, Floating Points, and Bonobo, promising thrilling visuals and a rich auditory experience. Lazarus is set to premiere on Adult Swim in 2025, joining the year’s most anticipated anime releases.
Attendees also enjoy concert night on Friday and Saturday, featuring local talent and musical guests such as hard rock band, Against The Sun and Jpop artist, SHIHORI.
What con without an exhibit hall? ALA’s Vendor Hall and Artist Alley were a treasure trove of exclusive merchandise and one-of-a-kind artwork. From collectible figures to fan art prints, attendees had plenty of opportunities to support creators and take home unique souvenirs.
Anime Los Angeles continues to be a cornerstone of anime fandom on the West Coast, blending community-driven programming with industry innovation. With ALA 21 already announced for January 2026, fans are eager to see what next year will bring.
Stay tuned for our interviews from Anime Los Angeles 2025.For more information and updates, visit the official Anime Los Angeles website or follow their social media channels.
What was your favorite part of ALA 20? Let us know in the comments!
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