Lazarus Anime Release Date: Everything Officially Confirmed (No Rumors, No Fake Dates)

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If you’ve been tracking news about the Lazarus anime, you’re not alone. This original sci-fi series generated massive buzz the moment it was announced, thanks to the legendary Shinichirō Watanabe (Cowboy Bebop, Samurai Champloo) at the helm and the powerful production team behind it. Fans have asked one big question repeatedly: When does the Lazarus anime release?

In this comprehensive article, you’ll get only reliable, verified information about the Lazarus anime release date, how and where it premiered, and what that means for global audiences. All claims here are backed by trusted sources and news reports.

📅 Straight Answer: When Lazarus Anime First Aired

The Lazarus anime premiered in April 2025.

In the United States, it debuted on April 5, 2025, at midnight (Toonami block on Adult Swim). (Crunchyroll)
In Japan, the broadcast began on April 6, 2025 on TV Tokyo and related networks. (アニメイトタイムズ)

This means Lazarus officially joined the 2025 spring anime season—no speculation required.

🧠 What Lazarus Is and Why It Matters

Lazarus is not adapted from a manga or light novel. It’s an original anime created by Shinichirō Watanabe, produced by MAPPA with general production by Sola Entertainment. (Wikipedia)

That makes it special in a way most anime aren’t:

No source material to follow, so the story is crafted entirely for the screen. (Wikipedia)
High expectations from fans of classic works because Watanabe directs it. (Wikipedia)

Original series from renowned creators don’t come around often, which is why Lazarus quickly became one of the most anticipated anime of the year.

📺 Where and How It Premiered

United States

The anime debuted first on Adult Swim’s Toonami block on April 5, 2025 (midnight Eastern Time), making it one of the rare cases where the English broadcast came very close to or before the Japanese airing. (Crunchyroll)

Following that broadcast:

Episodes began streaming on Max (formerly HBO Max) shortly after the premiere, giving access to international audiences. (CBR)

Japan

In Japan, Lazarus aired on TV Tokyo and affiliates, beginning on April 6, 2025 at around 11:45 PM JST. (アニメイトタイムズ)

This near-simultaneous release reflects how anime distribution has evolved: more series launch globally with minimal delay.

🌀 What the Series Is About (No Spoilers)

Set in the year 2052, Lazarus takes place in a world that once enjoyed unprecedented peace because of a “miracle drug” called Hapna. People believed it cured all suffering. But three years later, the drug’s creator, Dr. Skinner, returns with devastating news: the drug contains a hidden flaw that will cause death for all its users unless a cure is found. (Wikipedia)

This premise sets up a global crisis and high-stakes narrative. A task force known as Lazarus must work together to save humanity. (Wikipedia)

🧠 Who Made Lazarus

This anime brings together an extraordinary creative lineup:

Director: Shinichirō Watanabe, known for Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo. (Wikipedia)
Animation: MAPPA (acclaimed studio behind Jujutsu Kaisen and Attack on Titan). (Wikipedia)
Production: Sola Entertainment. (Wikipedia)
Action Choreography: Designed with input from Chad Stahelski, director of the John Wick films. (Wikipedia)
Music: A collaboration featuring artists like Kamasi Washington, Bonobo, and Floating Points. (Pitchfork)

This team blends anime artistry with cinematic influences—even including music contributions from globally celebrated musicians.

That’s why Lazarus felt like an event, not just another anime.

🎯 Release Schedule and Format

Lazarus followed a weekly release schedule during the spring season.

Episodes aired on Saturday nights in the U.S., with availability on streaming soon after. (CBR)
In Japan, episodes aired on Sunday nights—standard for late-night anime slots. (アニメイトタイムズ)

The series consists of 13 episodes, typical for a single-cour anime season. (lazarus-anime.fandom.com)

📦 Home Media and Extras

For fans who like physical media:

The Blu-ray and DVD releases began following the TV run, with Volume 1 typically released around May 21, 2025. (YouTube)

Collectors and fans of soundtracks may also enjoy separate releases of music associated with the anime.

🔎 Why This Release Matters for Fans

There are a few reasons Lazarus stands out:

Original Story by a Legendary Creator
Unlike adaptations, this story comes straight from a celebrated anime mind. (Wikipedia)
Near-Global Premiere Timing
The U.S. and Japan saw nearly simultaneous broadcasts, which isn’t common for all anime. (Crunchyroll)
High Production Values
With MAPPA’s animation and high-profile music and action design, it feels like a cinematic experience. (Wikipedia)

⚠️ Common Misconceptions Cleared

❌ “The release date isn’t confirmed.”
✔️ It is: April 5–6, 2025, depending on region. (Crunchyroll)

❌ “It’s based on a manga or novel.”
✔️ It isn’t—this is an original anime project. (Wikipedia)

❌ “It only came out in Japan.”
✔️ No—Lazarus premiered in the U.S. and Japan almost together. (Crunchyroll)

❓ FAQ (Short and Clear)

Q: When did Lazarus anime release?
A: It premiered in April 2025: April 5 in the U.S. and April 6 in Japan. (Crunchyroll)

Q: Is Lazarus based on a manga?
A: No. It’s an original anime story. (Wikipedia)

Q: Who made this anime?
A: Directed by Shinichirō Watanabe and animated by MAPPA. (Wikipedia)

Q: Where can I watch it now?
A: Episodes streamed on Max after initial broadcast and aired on Adult Swim’s Toonami. (CBR)

🧠 Final Summary: Lazarus Release Date in One Place

📆 U.S. Premiere: April 5, 2025 (midnight Toonami block) (Crunchyroll)
📆 Japan Broadcast: April 6, 2025 on TV Tokyo (アニメイトタイムズ)
🎥 Studio: MAPPA & Sola Entertainment (Wikipedia)
📺 Streaming: Episodes available on Max following TV broadcasts (CBR)

Lazarus wasn’t just another anime release—it marked a global moment with a celebrated director, unforgettable music, and compelling sci-fi storytelling. And now you have the official release details, free from rumors or fake dates.