Shinichiro Watanabe’s latest jazz-themed apocalyptic anime,Lazarus, is thriving in the anime space; it is a reminder of the director’s unquestionable success established by the iconicCowboy Bebopand the zanySpace Dandy.Lazaruselevates the ominous tone of the story through on-brand themes that pay tribute to Shinichiro Watanabe’s legacy.
Recently, the Television Academy announced Lazarus’s nomination for Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music at the 2025 Emmy Awards. This groundbreaking success sets the anime industry on a higher creative pedestal by paying homage to one of anime’s famed directors behind thesuccess of the Adult Swim show.
It would be a huge win for the anime community ifLazaruseventually secures the Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music Emmy Award, despite facing stiff competition from equally resonating title songs.
Lazarus Emmy Nomination Is Amazing, But It Faces Stiff Competition
It Would Be a Tough Win for Kamasi Washington’s Vortex
Lazarusalready earned a 91% critics ratingon Rotten Tomatoes for hosting a riveting story with profound philosophical undertones. Now it seems the anime could be securing another accolade as VORTEX, Kamasi Washington’s creation, just earned an Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music.
Lazarusjust received recognition from CBS’s 77th Annual Primetime Emmy Award nominationsalongside other stirring theme music that may deprive Shinichiro Watanabe’s fledgling brainchild of securing a deserving medal. Other rivaling nominees includeDept. Q,Dune: Prophecy,The Residence,The White Lotus, andYour Friends & Neighbors.
There’s no doubt that Kamasi Washington’s VORTEX captured Shinichiro Watanabe’s signature musical style, distinguishing his works from other renowned shows.
There’s no doubt that Kamasi Washington’s VORTEX captured Shinichiro Watanabe’s signature musical style, distinguishing his works from other renowned shows. It’s an unforgettable theme that exemplifies the story’s underlying narrative, connecting viewers to the substance of the story.
Lazarus May Not Be Shinichiro Watanabe’s Best Production, But It’s A Thought-Provoking Tale
It Features Philosophical Ideas Using an Apocalyptic Saga
Lazarushas already proven to fall short when compared to Shinichiro’s past works,like the revolutionaryCowboy Bebopthat changed international perception of anime, and the innovativeSamurai Champloothat featured incomparable stylistic combat and genre-defying storytelling. Regardless, the anime has its redeemable traits.
Lazarus features an enthralling storyline that captures humanity’s focus on the mundane and irrelevancies; it’s a wake-up call in the form of global biochemical danger, Hapna, that forces the world to reconsider its priorities. Although the anime squanders the potential of the biblically allusive “Lazarus” group, it makes up for it with breathtaking action choreography and an inspiring plot.
Best of all, Lazarus’s musical themes are the perfect reminisce of thejazz-loving Shinichiro Watanabe, who never fails to brand his creations with his unique stamp. In the end,Lazarus’s Emmy Award nomination is unarguable proof that the anime utilizes the creator’s winning formula.
