Sengoku Youko Anime: Director and Producer Discuss Adapting the Highly Anticipated Series

When discussing the inception of the Sengoku Youko project, Ailian Cai reveals that it came to them in late 2020. Being familiar with Satoshi Mizukami’s works, they were surprised to find that Sengoku Youko had not yet been adapted into an anime. Excited by the prospect, they approached the president of White Fox, who shared their enthusiasm and marked the beginning of their journey.

Director Kagetsu Aizawa expresses his happiness at being offered the role of director for Sengoku Youko. The support from the president of White Fox reassured him that he could wholeheartedly pour his love and energy into the project.

The Appeal of Sengoku Youko: Character Development and Storytelling

Both Aizawa and Cai praise the Sengoku Youko manga, with Aizawa particularly drawn to the deep traits, strengths, and weaknesses exhibited by the characters. He found the character development in the story to be admirable and aimed to create an anime that would resonate with viewers long after they finished watching.

Reflecting on his experience as series director for Hakyuu Houshin Engi, Aizawa shares that he learned the importance of not shying away from challenges and risks. He emphasizes the need to persevere and create excellent products to satisfy fans. These lessons were applied to the production of Sengoku Youko, and Aizawa hopes that viewers will appreciate the results.

Assembling the Creative Team: Passion and Collaboration

The process of assembling the creative staff and team for Sengoku Youko was a collaborative effort involving White Fox. While White Fox chose the main staff for the production, Aizawa and Cai ensured that every member, regardless of their experience, shared a passion for the project. They specifically highlighted the contributions of Jukki Hanada, the series composer, and Evan Call, the music producer, who played crucial roles in bringing Sengoku Youko to life.

Directing a three-cour anime series like Sengoku Youko presented its own set of challenges. Aizawa highlighted the difficulty of securing the necessary staff due to the abundance of ongoing anime projects. Despite these challenges, the team strived to deliver captivating battle scenes and sought to enhance the original manga’s story with additional details.

Sengoku Youko: A Fusion of Humans and Yokai

Describing the premise of Sengoku Youko, Aizawa emphasizes the importance of both strong and weak characters in the story. He encourages viewers to pay attention to how the weaker characters navigate the world and approach life. Ailian Cai adds that the series revolves around the coexistence of humans and yokai, with relatable perspectives offered through the eyes of the protagonist, Shinsuke. The fusion of humans and yokai, as well as the character development, are also highlights of the series.

For viewers familiar or unfamiliar with the manga, Sengoku Youko promises exciting action scenes and a faithful adaptation of the main story. Aizawa and Cai hope that those new to the series will be inspired to explore the original works by Mizukami-sensei.

Conclusion: An Epic Journey Awaits in Sengoku Youko

Sengoku Youko, animated by White Fox, is set to premiere on January 11, 2024. With a three-cour run, fans can expect to immerse themselves in the world of Sengoku Youko and witness the captivating characters embark on an epic journey. Be prepared for captivating battle scenes, deep character development, and a story that resonates long after the series concludes.