Yu Yu Hakusho fans were given their first look at Netflix's upcoming live-action adaptation of the classic shonen manga series after a fan in Japan managed to take a picture of actor Takumi Kitamura in full costume.
The picture was posted to Twitter by user @GK90677366, but it appears that the original tweet has since been deleted. The image confirms earlier reports that Kitamura is playing the role of series protagonist Yusuke Urameshi, as the actor is shown with his hair styled to match Yusuke's and is wearing a very faithful recreation of the character's iconic bright green school uniform. Kitamura is also starring in another live-action adaptation of a popular anime, Tokyo Revengers, which will premiere in Japan in July.
Filming for the series reportedly began in early June, when residents of a neighborhood in Japan received notices that Netflix was shooting in the area. An entire city street was constructed to serve as a set for the series, and fans in the area began noticing actors wearing costumes that matched the designs of the school uniforms seen in the original Yu Yu Hakusho manga and anime.
Yu Yu Hakusho tells the story of Yusuke Urameshi, a rebellious delinquent who dies after he uncharacteristically sacrifices himself to save another person's life. After meeting the ruler of the underworld, Yusuke agrees to work as a spirit detective in exchange for being given a second chance at life. Guided by his new partner, a reaper spirit named Botan, Yusuke investigates paranormal crimes and fights against the spirits and demons who commit them.
Created by Yoshiro Togashi and originally published in Shonen Jump magazine in 1990, Yu Yu Hakusho is widely considered to be one of the most influential shonen manga series of all time. The anime adaptation of the series is currently available for streaming on Funimation, Crunchyroll and Hulu.
Source: Twitter