Shinichiro Watanabe achieved worldwide fame for having written and directed the classic Cowboy Bebop from 1998. An anime with western appeal, charismatic characters and comic freedoms of what would be the space future of humanity.

Now 58 years old, he has other series on his resume including "Samurai Clampoo", "Zankyou no Terror" and "Blade Runner: Black Out 2022".

Watanabe and Mappa studio are currently working on a new action, thriller and science fiction anime called Lazarus that, according to the director, will mark a new apex in his career. The 13-episode title will air on the Adult Swim programming block, with no premiere date yet. Chad Stahelski (director of the "John Wick" films) will be responsible for the anime's action sequences. Kamasi Washington (professional Jass saxophonist), Bonono (JD and music producer) and the company Floating Points will be in charge of the soundtrack. Lazarus will take place in the year 2052 AD. when humanity experiences a moment of great peace and prosperity thanks to Dr. Skinner, a neuroscientist who won the Nobel Prize for developing a miracle drug called Hapuna, capable of curing any disease without side effects. However, after such a medicine spread around the world, Dr. Skinner mysteriously disappears. He then resurfaces 3 years later with the following statement: "All who have taken the Hapuna will die!" The phrase generates a state of worldwide chaos and an organization is created in the hope of resolving the incident.