The anticipation for the Gekijōban Mononoke: Karakasa (Paper Umbrella) anime film continues to build as Twin Engine released a new special trailer on Thursday. This “Omote no Kan” video provides a glimpse into the film’s intricate world, highlighting both the “õoku” area inside the palace for women and their maidservants, and the “omote” area where men carry out governmental duties. The trailer also shines a spotlight on the film’s extended cast, offering fans a taste of what to expect when the film opens in Japan on July 26.
Star-Studded Cast
The Mononoke film features a stellar lineup of voice actors, each bringing their unique talents to the project. The cast includes:
- Tomoyo Kurosawa as Asa
- Aoi Yūki as Kame
- Mami Koyama as Kayama
- Kana Hanazawa as Kitagawa
- Haruka Tomatsu as Botan Ōtomo
- Yōko Hikasa as Fuki Tokita
- Yūko Kaida as Awashima
- Yukana as Mugitani
- Yūki Kaji as Saburōmaru
- Jun Fukuyama as Hiramoto
- Daisuke Hosomi as Sakashita
- Miyu Irino as Tenshi (Emperor)
- Kenjirō Tsuda as Hokuto Mizorogi
The extended cast brings a wealth of experience and talent to the film, promising rich and dynamic performances that will captivate audiences.
Changes and Delays
Originally slated to open last year, the Mononoke film experienced delays, with the staff announcing in February 2023 that Takahiro Sakurai would no longer reprise the role of the Medicine Seller. Instead, Hiroshi Kamiya will voice the iconic protagonist, ensuring that the character continues to resonate with fans new and old.
Creative Team
Kenji Nakamura returns to direct the Mononoke film, continuing his legacy with the series. Production is handled by Twin Engine, with Kitsuneko Nagata as the character designer and Yūichi Takahashi adapting those designs for animation while also serving as chief animation director. The musical score, composed by Taku Iwasaki, is set to enhance the film’s atmospheric and eerie tone. Animation duties are carried out by EOTA, promising high-quality visuals that fans have come to expect from the Mononoke series.
Theme Song
Adding to the film’s allure is the theme song “Love Sick,” performed by singer Aina The End. Known for her powerful and emotive voice, Aina The End’s contribution is sure to be a highlight, complementing the film’s mood and narrative.
Mononoke Series Background
The Mononoke anime premiered in 2007, running for 12 episodes. It is a spinoff of the Ayakashi – Samurai Horror Tales anime, specifically following the medicine seller from the “Bakeneko” (Goblin Cat) arc. The Mononoke series is divided into five distinct arcs, with the final arc also titled “Bakeneko.” Directed by Kenji Nakamura at Toei Animation, with character designs by Takashi Hashimoto and music by Yasuharu Takanashi, the series has left a lasting impact on fans of supernatural and horror genres.
Availability
The original Mononoke anime previously streamed on Crunchyroll and is currently available on other streaming platforms such as The Roku Channel and Netflix. North American fans can find the series on DVD, released by New Video Group in 2014.
New Trailer
With the new special trailer, fans of the Mononoke series have even more reason to be excited about the upcoming film. The combination of a star-studded cast, a talented creative team, and a compelling story ensures that Gekijōban Mononoke: Karakasa will be a must-watch when it hits theaters in Japan on July 26. As the release date approaches, the anime community eagerly anticipates this latest installment in the beloved Mononoke series.
