Yakitori: Soldiers of Misfortune

"Yakitori: Soldiers of Misfortune" is a Japanese novel series written by Carlo Zen and illustrated by so-bin. The series began publication by Hayakawa Publishing in August 2017. An original net animation (ONA) series adaptation by Arect premiered on Netflix in May 2023. The story is set on a future Earth colonized by a superior alien civilization. The protagonist, Akira, enlists in the expendable infantry unit known as “Yakitori” in order to seek a better future. This is a brutal unit with an average death rate of 70%. Along with misfits from other nations, Akira makes a stand against his predetermined fate. The anime series is directed by Hideki Anbo, with character designs by Atsushi Yamagata and music by Ken Ishii. The series consists of six episodes, all of which were released on Netflix on May 18, 2023. "Yakitori: Soldiers of Misfortune" is noted for its dystopian setting, brutal depiction of war, and exploration of social class and individual destiny.