Kanye West’s long-gestating return with 'Bully' has left fans divided but fully engaged. The album’s March 2026 release, followed by his April comeback show at SoFi Stadium, marks his first major solo push after years of controversy. Early reactions to the music have been mixed. Some listeners praise its stripped-back production and focus, calling it his most cohesive work in years.

Others remain critical, often pointing to his politics and the album’s tone. Beneath the debate sits a constant that has shaped much of his creative identity. Under all the noise, one constant threads through Ye’s recent work: his deep, almost lifelong obsession with the anime Akira. That has quietly shaped his music‑video concepts, fashion lines, and the very look of his Bully‑era comeback.

Kanye West has never been subtle about his admiration for Akira. He once described it as the greatest achievement in animation, highlighting its visual ambition and its portrayal of social unrest. He has argued that the film’s themes feel increasingly relevant in today’s world. His appreciation has extended beyond public statements. At one point, he sent a pair of YEEZY sneakers to Katsuhiro Otomo, turning fandom into a personal gesture.

Over time, West has placed Akira alongside films such as There Will Be Blood when discussing his influences. That comparison reflects how central the anime is to his creative thinking. By repeatedly referencing it in interviews, music videos, and fashion, he has helped introduce it to audiences outside traditional anime circles. Fans of hip-hop and streetwear who might never have encountered the film have come to recognize its imagery through his work. 

The clearest expression of this influence remains the video for 'Stronger', released in 2007 during the Graduation era

Directed by Hype Williams, 'Stronger's' video recreates several of Akira’s most recognizable moments. A high-speed motorbike sequence mirrors the film’s iconic chase scenes, while a sequence involving a riot squad recalls the destructive power associated with its central characters. The visual parallels are deliberate and precise, often described as a near frame-by-frame homage.

That influence extends beyond individual scenes. West has spoken about drawing from the film’s color palette, pacing, and sense of looming collapse. The video’s metallic textures, neon lighting, and dystopian cityscapes echo the world of Neo-Tokyo. These elements gave a visual identity to the futuristic sound he was developing at the time. The fusion of electronic production, house influences, and anime-inspired imagery helped establish 'Stronger' as both a commercial success and a defining artistic statement.

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Nearly two decades later, that same visual language continues to shape his work, the recent testament being 'Bully.'

The 'Bully' rollout and his recent performances at SoFi Stadium reinforce how deeply Akira remains embedded in his aesthetic. For the show, he performed atop a massive half-spherical structure designed with creative collaborator Aus Taylor. Through digital projections, the structure transformed into a rotating globe. At times, it resembled a fractured planet. At others, it appeared as a glowing energy core. The imagery closely recalls the unstable, collapsing environments of Akira, where spectacle and destruction coexist.

The influence is just as visible in the fashion surrounding the project. Apparel tied to 'Bully' leans into sharp silhouettes, militaristic tones, and high-contrast palettes. The designs evoke the uniforms of riot police and the style of biker gangs depicted in the film. This is not a new direction, but a continuation. 

But it is not only music videos or concerts, as Kanye West’s connection to Akira has also surfaced in more personal and controversial ways.

During his marriage to Kim Kardashian, he referenced the manga in a public dispute shared on social media back in February 2022. In a now-deleted post, he described an argument that began with him spending time with his son while reading Akira. He claimed the situation escalated into serious accusations, framing the incident as an example of how misunderstandings can spiral. The post drew attention not only for its claims but also for how central the manga appeared in his account of events.

Now, in Ye's 'Bully' era, Akira no longer feels like a reference point; it functions more as a creative framework. Across the different phases of his career, from early acclaim to harrowing downfall and now an unexpected comeback, Akira has remained a steady presence, continuing to shape how he presents himself and how his work is experienced.

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What do you think of Kanye West's deep obsession with Akira? Let us know in the comments.