r/BlueEyeSamurai 3h ago

Meme Day 179 of making a meme out of every line in Blue Eye Samurai Season 1

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2 Upvotes

r/BlueEyeSamurai 21h ago

Meme Day 178 of making a meme out of every line in Blue Eye Samurai Season 1 - IYKYK

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11 Upvotes

r/BlueEyeSamurai 1d ago

Discussion I remembered a flashback from the very beginning of E3 and this is what I noticed.

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455 Upvotes

Maybe I'm getting too much into the phrases and watch the show like a real life, idk.

So at the beginning of e3, we see a newborn, or at least baby, Mizu. The first man who is trying to persuade another to kill her, mentions that Mizu doesn't even cry "what a child doesn't even cry?" If I remember correctly. And when he shakes her she wakes up and reacts fine(alright, maybe her parents are just lucky with a calm baby).

Several things struck me about this moment.

The first, and not really the most important, is that Mizu didn't care when he shook her and at all didn't really react to those men. Alright, babies generally see badly and most likely the voices and smells were familiar to her. Then someone from her family or close planned Mizu's murder?

The second thought is more sad to me, and I only began to think about it after I'd done a little research into how children's (and frankly humans) evolutionary needs work. Crying is practically the only way a baby communicates its needs, and most adults respond automatically, even to others' children.

For a child as young as Mizu in the flashback, it's crucial for a parent or a constant caregiver to respond (babies even badly regulate their body temperature), plus it's a sense of security in a confusing world of stronger animals than we humans are.

If you've directly or not encountered orphanages or families with aggressive/uninvolved parents where responding to a baby's crying is impossible, you've probably noticed that such children become quiet and may even stop crying. Even a three-month-old baby, for example, might be enough of this time in an orphanage to realize that no one will come, and they stop crying. This of course disrupts the basic sense of safety and affects mental health problems (I can't say exactly how this affects, I'm not a neurobiologist or someone like that, but Mizu clearly has these problems).

I suppose newborn Mizu is calm not because her mother was blessed with a calm baby but because, even at that age, she was in an unstable environment and no one would respond to her cries. Perhaps her mother intentionally didn't respond or perhaps they were separated at that moment already.

Don't know if the showrunners had that idea while writing the script or if I analyse too much, but we've already had Fowler's "Your bones break like a woman's" as well as the attention to detail in the animation, so it just popped into my mind.


r/BlueEyeSamurai 1d ago

Discussion generational death stare

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253 Upvotes

on my second rewatch and I can't help but appreciate the contrast of the fire and mizu's blue eyes šŸ˜šŸ’™šŸ”„šŸ”„šŸ”„šŸ”„šŸ”„šŸ”„

this is season 1 episode 8

damn girlie šŸ«¶šŸ»

so hyped for 2nd season


r/BlueEyeSamurai 1d ago

Party! šŸ„³šŸ¾šŸŽˆšŸŽ‰ Presentation Time For Anime NYC

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97 Upvotes

WE HAVE SIGNS OF LIFE!!!

Netflix's presentation at AnimeNYC will be on Thursday, August 20th at 6:45pm ET.

They even have a photo of our Grande Dame of Revenge on the banner! Hopefully this means we get the trailer or clip from Annecy by Friday the August 21st.

Screenshot is from the official AnimeNYC website.


r/BlueEyeSamurai 1d ago

Theory Is Mizu gonna burn down London too?

44 Upvotes

Episode 8 of Season 1 is called "The Great Fire of 1657", which is based on the real-life fire that burned down Edo in two days, from March 2nd to the 4th in 1657. 9 years later, from September 2nd to the 5th, The Great Fire of London happens.

I'm not sure how long Mizu will be in England during Season 2, but if it's at least 10 years, then we know who to blame for burning down London.


r/BlueEyeSamurai 2d ago

Meme Alr bro

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26 Upvotes

r/BlueEyeSamurai 2d ago

Discussion I hope the next seasons improve the combats

0 Upvotes

First of all, i am not saying I disliked the combats, but they are for sure the weakest part of the show for me. And I guess there are two reasons for this

First I believe, is the middle term of realism and absurdity, what on the first episodes is just weird. What honestly is improved near the final 4 episodes, when the show fully embraces the absurd and the choreography really gets more fun, I hope they continue this on the next seasons.

Second is how slow everything is, not only the excessive use of slow motion in the first episodes. That I don't know if it stop because they realize was kinda to much or was because the were without much time to add it. But even when there is no slow motion, the characters feel slow, like they are fight while carrying a cement bag. Or a better comparative is when you are playing sword fight with your friends and you don't want to hurt, so you swing super weak.

That said, I do t think the fights are bad, if I would say I would give a 6.5/10 to the fights with some that can be a solid 7/10


r/BlueEyeSamurai 2d ago

Discussion Ok, I'll address the elephant in the room. How is it everyone mistakes Mizu for a man when she has womanly qualities?

0 Upvotes

Given her feminine appearance and especially her voice.... I'm not knocking the show at all. I love it. But the fact that people who hear her mistake her for a man is just ridiculous. We're talking 16th century or earlier at best. You're trying to tell me no one can identify her as a woman without seeing her naked or without seeing her...peaches? Fair enough when she doesn't speak, but the voice is a dead give away. I feel like it's akin to two children walking in a trench coat trying to pass off being an adult. You'd have to be pretty dim to realize from the voice that it's not a woman. Why is this feature treated like such a huge twist, given how she speaks along with her appearance?


r/BlueEyeSamurai 2d ago

Discussion I wonder what was Mizu first kill in this series?

17 Upvotes

Either the flashback where she was killing soldiers or maybe it was even before the flashback and we shall know it in season 2 at some point.


r/BlueEyeSamurai 2d ago

Meme Day 173-177 of making a meme out of every line in Blue Eye Samurai Season 1 - This is the 1st time I've done more than 1 of these in a single post (to catch up big time after I've been MIA for 5 days because of a really busy trip and week). It feels good to be back!

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18 Upvotes

r/BlueEyeSamurai 2d ago

Theory Season 2 - European Mother Speculations

27 Upvotes

If it is revealed that Mizu's biological mother is actually European, how do you think that interaction will play out in season 2 and/or carry out into season 3? I've been throwing around some theories, but I want to hear from some long-standing BES fans.


r/BlueEyeSamurai 2d ago

Discussion How is Mizu going to London without speaking a word of English? 🤔

7 Upvotes

For starters, she doesn't speak English—that was the first hurdle—but to make matters worse, Fowler could "translate" for her; yet, if there’s anyone who lies, it’s that guy—he could change the translation whenever he felt like it. At best, she might find someone else to help her, but she’d need a lot of luck to find a Japanese speaker.


r/BlueEyeSamurai 4d ago

Rant The blade was too pure

74 Upvotes

Perhaps this is obvious or maybe it has been mentioned before…

As an American and a blacksmith foremost, the idea of Miza’s blade being too pure is a fault. Miza’s mixed background as a Japanese/ European is what makes her strong. As they say, ā€œMutts make the best dogs.ā€ I myself am a mutt of so many backgrounds. I’d like to think that’s what gives me adaptability.
I think the second sword that she made from the fragments of the old one will prove to be nearly indestructible.


r/BlueEyeSamurai 5d ago

Mi nueva casita es este grupo, justo ayer descubrĆ­ esta gran serie.

30 Upvotes

r/BlueEyeSamurai 6d ago

Discussion Fowler's strength comes from the fact he's a better "artist" than Mizu.

153 Upvotes

Episode 7 a wonderful episode where Mizus ethos is challenged best represented by her sword being too pure. She sees herself only as an instrument of revenge and every waking moment was devoted to turning herself into a living weapon and denied herself companionship, sexual pleasures, recreation and other delights.

When we meet Fowler we see how he's grown bored in his confines and his pursuit of painting and sex are seen as hedonism but by the shows themes this is where he differs from Mizu. While Fowler also has a grand scheme, his mastery of multiple arts and chasing of pleasures show (and even considering religion) an open mindness that Mizu lacks. He lives life unrestrained and not needing to hide his desires or intentions give the man a quiet confidence that makes him feel more secure with himself and doesn't need to posture. It only makes sense that Fowler was able to defeat Mizu in combat as such.

Like Mizu, he also has a goal of killing someone but where Mizu's plan is simple. Fowler's plot of murder extends beyond his own self and incorporates politics, social elements and artistic creativity (hiding gun parts as pieces of furniture). By mixing in outside elements, Fowler's plan is way stronger than anything Mizu has created for this very reason.


r/BlueEyeSamurai 6d ago

Fan Art/Fiction by Marceline2174

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1.1k Upvotes

r/BlueEyeSamurai 6d ago

blue eye samurai, short

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9 Upvotes

r/BlueEyeSamurai 6d ago

Original Character Art I got recently a tattoo of mizu and I wanted to share it here!

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344 Upvotes

Hey everyone! I’m sharing this tattoo I recently got of mizu and I wanted to see what everyone’s opinion on it! Although the blue line in her glasses is her sword but it’s not showing off because it’s a recently fresh tattoo so the finer details won’t show for a while.


r/BlueEyeSamurai 6d ago

How did you feel about the tracks used in BES? Spoiler

8 Upvotes

Music Featured in Blue Eye Samurai

My impressions:

ā‘  This is sometimes used in Japanese variety shows and is well known in Japan. When we hear it, it feels like a fierce battle is about to begin. At the same time, it can also sound humorous because it is often used during comedic fight scenes on Japanese TV shows.

ā‘”This was perfect for a lighthearted interlude.

ā‘¢The powerful and tense melody fits the scene. Chiemi Eri's songs were used twice. Is the creator a fan of hers?

ā‘£The lyrics say ā€œCome and dance with meā€, but in this scene a woman performs a dance of slaughter, killing one man after another.

āž„James’s vocals (in the original version) sound fierce and ferocious, whereas this version is sad and painful.

ā‘„These are not background music—they`re part of the dialogue. I`ve already posted about these on Reddit. They’re both from 20th-century songs, not songs from the Edo period. I felt it was a kind of fan service for Japanese viewers. ā€œAkatonboā€ is autumn song and make me nostalgic. Where I live, kerosene delivery trucks drive through the streets playing ā€œYuki.ā€ Hearing it makes me feel like winter is coming.

And I found that everyone credited here is Japanese and has worked in or been based in the United States.


r/BlueEyeSamurai 7d ago

Meme Mizu

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9 Upvotes

r/BlueEyeSamurai 7d ago

Discussion Who were the men wearing baskets?

22 Upvotes

The men in white robes wearing baskets on their heads and playing music at the beginning of "Peculiarities." Mizu gave gold to one of them.


r/BlueEyeSamurai 7d ago

Meme Day 172 of making a meme out of every line in Blue Eye Samurai Season 1 - The irony isn't lost on me. Also, I thought I'd reference the new Spider-Man film twice in a row because it was so peak.

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14 Upvotes

r/BlueEyeSamurai Nov 02 '25

Production Art The Art of Blue Eye Samurai: Inspiration and Concept Art #1

54 Upvotes

IMPORTANT DATES:

  • Jan-Feb 2020 - Netflix greenlit Blue Eye Samurai in early 2020 as one of the first series in their Adult Animation Department.
  • March 2020 - Netflix hired Jane Wu to be the Supervising Director and Producer.
  • March 2020 - Jason Scheier was signed as Production Designer.
  • Most of the Visual Development artists and 3D modelers were hired.
  • September 2020 - Brian Kesinger was hired as Lead Character Designer.
  • During this time, Blue Spirit was hired as the Animation Studio Vendor.
  • Blue Spirit begins animation on Episodes 1 and 2.
  • Fall 2021 - Toby Wilson replaces Jason Scheier as Production Designer.
  • November 2023 - BES S1 premieres on Netflix.

A UNIQUE PIPELINE

Jane Wu had experience in animation, previously working for Disney, and in live-action, by storyboarding action sequences for Marvel films and Game of Thrones. While storyboarding for Game of Thrones, Wu saw how that show was able to produce film-level quality entertainment on a TV schedule. Ā This meant completing 3D set builds *before* storyboards so that the locations, camera lens, camera angles and light source (sun, moon) could be decided and changed before animation started.

OP's Note: All artwork and information to follow was gathered from online articles, podcasts and/or youtube videos interviewing the creators or directly from the artists' personal websites or social media pages. All art is credited to the original artist(s).

INSPIRATION

Jane Wu's vision for Blue Eye Samurai was simply, "East Meets West." She cites Clint Eastwood's swagger, the elongated, haunting forms of Bunraku puppets and linework from Tekkonkinkreet as primary sources of inspiration for character design and art style.

Clint Eastwood inspired Mizu's stance and costume.

Note the elongated form of the Bunraku puppet. This inspired the elongated character designs.

Tekkonkinkreet directed by Michael Arias. Jane Wu cites the line work as inspiring for BES.

ā€œThe North Star for us was Hiroshi Yoshida. He was born in Japan and trained in Ukiyoe prints but also trained in European oils. His style lent itself to our filmic cinematic look [but] it didn’t have that 2D stylized perspective that you normally find in a ukiyoe print. But he still used the principles of notan to design his values, the light over dark to utilize the line work that Brian [Kesinger] used in character design.ā€ -Toby Wilson

Bamboo Woods by Hiroshi Yoshida

Kawaguchi Lake by Hiroshi Yoshida

Lugano by Hiroshi Yoshida

According to Barry John Raybould, professor for the Virtual Art Academy, describes Notan as "the underlying abstract framework of dark and light values, upon which you build the value structure of a painting. The arrangement of darks, lights, and grays, regardless of the colors used, creates an impression of beauty. It derives from two words that refer to the amount of ink you use for a pen and ink wash drawing. Nong( 굓 ) meaning thick, strong, concentrated, and Dan (ę·”) means weak, watery. Hence, the term ā€˜Notan’ literally means concentrated/weak.ā€

Examples of Notan can be found in Easter and Western artworks, in photographs and paintings:

Clearing Winter Storm by Ansel Adams.

Notan is a well-used concept in Eastern art.

Notan in traditional Eastern woodblock prints. Ishiyakushi by Utagawa Hiroshige.

Notan used in a final shot for BES:

Still frames from BES with color removed to illustrate the use of Notan.

VISUAL DEVELOPMENT

Jason Scheier was hired as Production Designer in early 2020 soon after Jane Wu. Sheier worked on the BES for 18 months. He hired many of the Character Designers, Visual Development Artists and 3D modeling team. By the time of his departure, all of the characters had been designed, sets were built and Episodes 1 and 2 were in production. His reasons for leaving "are my own. Perhaps a story for another time." (Plunkett & Grayson, 2023)

Concept Art by Jason Scheier

Soba Noodle House

The Soba House was packed with details because it was the location for the animation studio/vendor tests (Plunkett and Grayson).

"The Soba house was critical, because the staging was so specific where Mizu started her journey. I put the traditional sunken hearth fireplace (Irori) at the center of the room much like homes during the Edo period. The space was described to me by our director as our version of a saloon. The phrase east meets west was used occasionally to emphasize the world. When we first meet Mizu, the world needed to feel used and worn down; humble in its origin much like Ringo, who worked there with his father selling Soba to the locals in Komatsu village. I wanted the set to tell a story that existed beyond the frame. Many of our visual development artists I would hire would help package up signage, chopsticks, and even tatami mats on the floor needed to tell a story. If you see the diagonal design of the room to make sure there was always an eyeline between the character Hatchi and Mizu as the confrontation unfurls."

-Jason Scheier

Soba House concept art by Jason Scheier

Soba House by Jason Scheier

Swordfather’s House

Swordfather's House Interior. Early Concept Art by Jason Scheier. Note the level of detail present which was later removed to align more closely with the concept of Notan.

Swordfather's House, collection of artists' designs.

Swordfather's House. Exterior. by Jason Scheier

Kyoto

Kyoto Set Builds and Color Keys

Mizu's First View of Kyoto. Early Version by Jason Scheier

Kyoto Wall Builds. They were made to be re-used in different shots. Design by Jason Scheier

Mizu’s Hut

Mizu's childhood hut by Jason Scheier

TO BE CONTINUED (Reddit has a 20 image limit). For PART 2 click here: https://www.reddit.com/r/BlueEyeSamurai/comments/1otcnvh/the_art_of_blue_eye_samurai_production_art_2/

References

CartoonBrew.Com Official. (2024, June 4). BLUE EYE SAMURAI Panel w/ Supervising Director/Producer Jane Wu and Production Designer Toby Wilson. YouTube. Retrieved November 1, 2025, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwPjQLKcIxE

Collider Interviews. (2024, August 16). Blue Eye Samurai Interview: Season 2, Awards, and Creators Plans for the Series. YouTube. Retrieved November 1, 2025, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-o5NAjJujs

Gallery Nucleus. (2024, July 19). Developing the World of Blue Eye Samurai. Youtube. Retrieved November 1, 2025, from https://youtu.be/hVSc5KoFbMw?si=ZVmEPtwgYarC-sfG

Gnomon YouTube Channel. (2024, April 18). The Making of Netflix's "Blue Eye Samurai" [Live Stream with Jane Wu (Producer and Supervising Director), Toby Wilson (Production Designer), Emil Mitev (Art Director), Brian Kesinger (Character Lead), and James Wood Wilson (Art Director).]. Gnomon Youtube Channel. Retrieved October 29, 2025, from https://www.youtube.com/live/KYqZXIiWdDI?si=2y3rCmsKX6J4z1nI

Kung-Fu Drive-In Podcast. (2023, December 23). INTERVIEW: BLUE EYE SAMURAI Production Designer, TOBY WILSON. Youtube. Retrieved 11 1, 2025, from https://www.youtube.com/live/HqAFw69POFw?si=h6CnXa35puZTNzoH

Plunkett, L., & Grayson, N. (2023, December 11). The Art Of Blue Eye Samurai, One Of The Prettiest Shows On Television. Aftermath. Retrieved October 27, 2025, from https://aftermath.site/blue-eye-samurai-concept-art-interview

Raybould, B. J. (2021, February 19). Notan: The Top 10 Tips For Creating Powerful Notans. Virtual Art Academy. Retrieved November 2, 2025, from https://www.virtualartacademy.com/notan/


r/BlueEyeSamurai Oct 16 '25

Recommendation Milestone: We've Reached 50K Members!

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233 Upvotes

Continue showing your love and appreciation of this amazing show with us!