In honor of Black History Month, our Black @ Crunchyroll ERG is Spotlighting: Sheye Daniels

Meet Sheye Daniels, Senior Manager of Global Voice Of The Customer at Crunchyroll. For Sheye, anime has always felt like a mirror—reflecting parts of his identity and reality in ways he didn’t expect. Characters like Yasuke, the Black samurai, and Kaz Kaan from Neo Yokio, broke barriers and showed him that Black stories have a place in anime. As an anime “therapist,” Sheye listens to fans and turns their feedback into meaningful action, ensuring the anime community remains at the heart of everything Crunchyroll does. He is dedicated to creating a space where all fans and creators feel seen, heard, and celebrated. Read on to learn more about Sheye and his #LifeAtCrunchyroll.

What do you do at Crunchyroll?

Voice of the Customer is just a fancy way of saying I’m an anime therapist. My job? To understand why fans feel the way they do about anime, Crunchyroll, and the culture—then turn that emotion into real change.

I help ensure Crunchyroll doesn’t just listen to fans—we act. I bridge the gap between what anime fans want and what Crunchyroll builds, shaping the platform’s future while keeping the anime community at the heart of every decision.

At the end of the day, it’s not just about listening—it’s about making sure Crunchyroll delivers an experience that anime fans truly love.

Which anime character (or series) made you feel the most seen? Why?

Anime has always felt like a mirror to me—something that helps me see parts of myself reflected in ways I didn’t know I needed about embracing a fantasy that actually reflects pieces of my reality. Yasuke, the Black samurai, really stood out. His story isn’t just about adventure, excitement, or action—it’s about identity, legacy, and resilience. Watching him navigate a world where his race wasn’t just acknowledged but celebrated made me feel less like an outsider and more like I belonged in the anime space.

Then there’s Kaz Kaan, the main character from Neo Yokio. Honestly, just seeing a character like him on TV was a huge moment for me. It wasn’t just about representation—it was about breaking the barrier that Black people could ever exist at all in the anime medium. It validated my love for anime in a way I didn’t expect and gave me the space to embrace it even more, knowing there’s room for stories like mine. When you see yourself represented, you resonate with the experience on a deeper level.?

Why do you feel like belonging and community are important in the anime and cosplay space? What advice would you give someone trying to break into the space?

Belonging and community are the foundation of why anime and cosplay matter so much. These spaces break down borders, language, and culture, offering a place where you can just be yourself. For me, anime and cosplay have given me a way to explore my identity and passions in an environment that feels welcoming and creative. It’s more than just watching shows or dressing up—it’s about feeling like we all have a place to share what we love without judgment.

How do you see the future of Black representation in anime and cosplay evolving?

I’m really excited about the future of Black representation in anime and cosplay. Things are changing for the better, and we’re seeing more characters and creators reflecting the depth and variety of Black experiences. I see a future where Black creators aren’t just participating—they’re leading the way, shaping stories that resonate with us and the larger anime scene. Representation is important, but so is owning our narratives and telling our stories our way.

How do you navigate the cosplay community as a Black cosplayer, and what challenges or joys have you encountered along the way? Do you have any tips for beginners?

I would be lying if I said cosplaying as a Person of Color doesn’t come with its challenges—whether it’s dealing with stereotypes, criticism, or spaces that aren’t always inclusive. But it’s also incredibly rewarding; there’s a real joy in bringing a character to life and watching others appreciate your version of them. My biggest tip? Be authentic. Cosplay isn’t about being “perfect”—it’s about bringing your love for a character to the table and connecting with others who feel the same. Anime should never be gatekept but instead celebrated and respected. Always remember that you’re contributing to the community in ways that only you can.

Thanks for getting to know a little bit about Sheye Daniels! If you're inspired by his story and want to learn more about #LifeAtCrunchyroll or join our team, check out our careers page.