Shinichirō Watanabe’s latest anime series, Lazarus, produced by MAPPA, has officially received a nomination for an Emmy Award for its opening theme song. The acclaimed jazz saxophonist Kamasi Washington’s “Vortex” is the track recognized in the “Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music” category for the 77th annual Primetime Emmy Awards.
The nomination highlights the series’ unique blend of animation and a sophisticated musical score, a hallmark of director Shinichirō Watanabe, known for his work on Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo. Lazarus premiered on Adult Swim’s Toonami block on April 5, 2025, and subsequently streamed on Max.
The Genesis of “Vortex”
“Vortex” was specifically chosen by Shinichirō Watanabe as the main theme for Lazarus. The track is described as an “ambitious multi-suite jazz number that shifts between choral-punctuated ensemble movements, virtuosic saxophone solos, and a searing electric guitar climax.” Kamasi Washington, a Grammy-nominated artist, composed the captivating piece, bringing his signature jazz stylings to the anime’s opening sequence. The collaboration with Washington underscores Watanabe’s consistent emphasis on the symbiotic relationship between visuals and music in his projects.
Lazarus: A Sci-Fi Thriller with Acclaimed Talent
Lazarus is an original science-fiction thriller set in the year 2052, where humanity faces a dire threat from a supposed miracle drug called Hapuna. The series follows a team of elite agents, including protagonist Axel Gilberto, tasked with finding the drug’s creator, Dr. Skinner, to secure a cure before Hapuna’s fatal side effects manifest globally.
The production of Lazarus involved a formidable team, with animation handled by Studio MAPPA, known for popular titles such as Chainsaw Man and Jujutsu Kaisen. Beyond Kamasi Washington, the series’ score also features contributions from renowned producers, DJs, and musicians Bonobo and Floating Points, further enriching its auditory landscape. Additionally, Chad Stahelski, director of the John Wick film franchise, designed the action sequences for the anime, contributing to its high-octane visual appeal.
While Lazarus has received a somewhat divisive reception from audiences, critics have largely praised the series, with a 91% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes at the time of its Emmy consideration. Its Emmy nomination for “Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music” signifies a notable recognition of the series’ artistic merit within the broader television landscape.
