Lazarus Episode 1 is set to premiere on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at 11:45 PM JST. This highly anticipated series is the latest venture by the renowned director Shinichiro Watanabe, celebrated for anime milestones including Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo. For this project, Watanabe has partnered with Studio MAPPA and acclaimed director Chad Stahelski, known for his work on the John Wick franchise, who will oversee the action choreography.
Set in the year 2052, the narrative unfolds within the same universe as Watanabe’s previous works. It revolves around Dr. Skinner, a scientist who develops a miraculous cure capable of healing any illness but soon reveals a devastating downside: it ultimately endangers lives with a fatal side effect occurring within three years. The first episode of Lazarus will delve deeper into the implications of Skinner’s cure, referred to as Hapuna, and the formation of a dedicated task force tasked with locating Skinner amidst chaos, with the main character Axel thrust into the heart of the conflict.
Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers regarding the Lazarus series. The views presented are those of the author.
Lazarus Episode 1: Release Date and Global Viewing Times
According to official announcements via the production’s social media channels, Lazarus Episode 1 will air at 11:45 PM JST on April 6, 2025. Below are the corresponding release times for viewers around the globe:
| Time Zone | Release Time | Release Day | Release Date |
| Pacific Time | 7:45 AM | Sunday | April 6, 2025 |
| Central Time | 9:45 AM | Sunday | April 6, 2025 |
| Eastern Time | 10:45 AM | Sunday | April 6, 2025 |
| Greenwich Mean Time | 2:45 PM | Sunday | April 6, 2025 |
| Central European Time | 4:45 PM | Sunday | April 6, 2025 |
| Indian Standard Time | 8:15 PM | Sunday | April 6, 2025 |
| Philippine Time | 10:45 PM | Sunday | April 6, 2025 |
| Australia Central Time | 12:15 AM | Monday | April 7, 2025 |
Where to Watch Lazarus Episode 1
Japanese viewers eager to watch this new series crafted by Shinichiro Watanabe can catch it on TXN (TV Tokyo). Meanwhile, international fans seeking the English-subtitled version can stream Lazarus Episode 1 on Adult Swim’s Toonami, ensuring that audiences worldwide can engage with this compelling new story.
The Series Premise: An Overview
The narrative centers around Dr. Skinner, who, in a twist of fate, creates a cure called Hapuna that appears to be a miracle for humanity. However, his announcement that the cure carries a lethal side effect, resulting in only three more years of life for those treated, thrusts him into a public scandal. As chaos ensues, Skinner retreats from society, driving authorities to form a specialized unit known as Lazarus to contain the fallout. This ensemble team will include Axel, a skilled former convict known for his escapes from prison, who joins the mission against all odds.
As the story progresses, viewers can expect Axel’s journey to intertwine with the mysteries surrounding Skinner’s intentions and the dark future that his invention has wrought.
Expectations for Lazarus Episode 1
The inaugural episode of Lazarus will primarily focus on setting up the core narrative, the key characters, and the overarching themes of the series. Expect a deep dive into Dr. Skinner’s past actions, the consequences of his revolutionary cure, and the pivotal moments leading to the formation of the Lazarus task force, including a closer introduction to Axel’s character.
- Deep exploration of character motivations
- Insight into the societal ramifications of the cure
- Action-packed sequences showcasing collaboration between Watanabe and Stahelski
For further insights and updates, be sure to check regularly on the official channels or visit this source.