Release Date: October 14, 2025
AnimEigo and parent company MediaOCD remain dedicated to preserving classic works of animation. Their next major release is the historic 1968 anime series Sasuke, arriving this fall. While the series has long been celebrated across South Asia, this marks the first time North American audiences can properly experience it in its entirety. Fans of historical and character-driven drama will find much to appreciate in this milestone release.
Restored from its original film elements, Sasuke is being presented as a complete collection. This edition features not only a carefully produced subtitle track, but also a newly recorded English dub created specifically for this release—making it accessible to both purists and new viewers alike.
From the Press Release:
Directed by Kiyoshi Onishi and based on the manga by Sanpei Shirato, Sasuke follows the harrowing life of a young ninja during Japan’s Sengoku period, one of the nation’s most turbulent and violent eras. Unlike many productions of its time, the series did not shy away from dark themes—war, vengeance, survival, and the crushing cost of loyalty. Its stark depictions of violence and the struggles of a child ninja set it apart from other works of the late 1960s.
The story centres on Sasuke, the son of the mighty Sarutobi warrior Daisuke Ozaru. When his mother is murdered and he believes his father is also dead, Sasuke becomes an orphan overnight. What he doesn’t realize is that his father has survived, watching over him under the guise of a wanderer. While hidden in plain sight, Daisuke begins to train Sasuke in the deadly arts of the ninja, with the ultimate goal of giving him the skills needed to avenge his mother and resist Lord Tokugawa’s oppressive forces.
A Legacy That Inspired Naruto
Sasuke’s influence has lasted well beyond its original broadcast. Masashi Kishimoto, creator of Naruto, has cited Sanpei Shirato’s works as an inspiration for his manga. In particular, the tragic backstory and name of Sasuke Uchiha pay homage to this earlier anime. Both characters embody themes of vengeance, loss, and the pursuit of strength through rigorous training. The connection underscores how Shirato’s storytelling helped shape one of modern anime’s biggest global hits.
SASUKE Blu-Ray Features:
- $59.95 SRP
- English dubbed audio (2.0)
- Newly designed cardboard slipcover with additional artwork
- 29 episodes on 3 discs
- Contains realistic violence. For ages 13 and up
- For sale in North America, UK, Australia and New Zealand only
Why This Release Matters
This marks the first time Western audiences will have official access to the full series, making it more than just a nostalgia piece—it’s an opportunity to explore an important stepping stone in ninja fiction. Where modern viewers might know ninjas through Naruto or even pop culture parodies, Sasuke presents a raw and historically grounded perspective from the late 1960s. Its artistry and themes still resonate today.
Satsuke Trailer
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