Netflix's upcoming adaptation of the classic shonen manga series Yu Yu Hakusho has reportedly begun filming in Japan.
As translated by Twitter user YourAnimeGuy, a Japanese fan of the series tweeted that the Yu Yu Hakusho live-action series began filming in their neighborhood. After posting a picture of a notice that apparently announces that filming for the series is occurring in the area, the fan stated that it appears that Netflix built an entire street-length shopping district to serve as a set. In a later tweet, the original poster mentions that they saw actors wearing blue and green school uniforms, which match the color of the uniform worn by the manga's protagonist Yusuke Urameshi, and could also be used to describe the uniforms worn by his classmates at Sarayashiki Junior High School. The series will reported star actor and pop idol Takumi Kitamura, who may be best known to Western audiences as the star of the live-action film adaptation of Tokyo Revengers. The series was originally announced by Netflix in December 2020. Currently, the company has not made any official announcements regarding production or casting.
"The filming of Netflix's live-action adaptation of YuYu Hakusho has begun in my neighborhood...The lead role seems to be played by Takumi Kitamura. I'm surprised at the scale of the project, which involves building an entire shopping district!" https://t.co/3pg11uGopm
— AG (@YourAnimeGuy) June 11, 2021
Yu Yu Hakusho tells the story Yusuke Urameshi, a 14-year-old delinquent who spends his days ditching school and getting into fights. After uncharacteristically sacrificing himself in order to save a small child, Urameshi is given a second chance at life, provided he agrees to work as a spirit detective. Guided by the reaper spirit Botan, Yusuke is tasked with investigating reports of malicious supernatural activity in the human world, and combatting the various demons and spirits he meets.
The original manga series by Yoshiro Togashi was originally published in Shonen Jump from 1990-1994, and is often credited alongside Akira Toriyama's Dragon Ball as one of the most influential shonen series of the era. Even before being translated into other languages, the Yu Yu Hakusho manga managed to sell over 50 million copies in Japan alone. The series was adapted into an anime in 1992, which was given an English localization by Funimation in 2001. The anime aired as part of Cartoon Network's popular Toonami block, where it built up a cult-following in the United States.
The Yu Yu Hakusho live-action series from Netflix currently has no premiere date. The anime is available for streaming on Funimation, Crunchyroll and Hulu.
Source: Twitter
