Mononoke The Movie: The Phantom in the Rain is all set to make its debut on Netflix, bringing the visually stunning world of Mononoke: Karakasa to audiences worldwide. This highly anticipated anime film does not have a firm release date yet, but Netflix has teased that it will be available for streaming “soon.”
Originally released in Japan on July 26th, Mononoke The Movie: The Phantom in the Rain was unveiled at the 15th-anniversary event of the original Mononoke TV anime. Initially planned for a 2023 release, the movie takes viewers on a thrilling journey with the yokai-slaying Medicine Seller as he ventures into the inner palace (Ōoku). What’s even more exciting is that this movie is just the beginning, as two sequels are already in the works. The first sequel is slated to premiere on March 14, 2025, in Japan.
For those unfamiliar with the Mononoke series, it all started with the 2006 anime Ayakashi: Samurai Horror Tales, which featured the enigmatic Medicine Seller in its “Bakeneko” episodes. Voiced by Takahiro Sakurai, this character has captured the hearts of fans with his unique ability to combat evil spirits using his Exorcism Sword. The Medicine Seller’s quest involves understanding the Form, Truth, and Reason of the mononoke before he can strike them down, showcasing his sharp wit and unwavering determination.
According to Crunchyroll, Mononoke is set in feudal Japan, where malevolent spirits known as mononoke bring fear and chaos to the land. Only the Medicine Seller possesses the power to confront and defeat these spirits, embarking on a mission to rid the countryside of their menacing presence. With his Exorcism Sword in hand, he travels from place to place, confronting the mononoke and restoring peace to the realm.
As fans eagerly await the arrival of Mononoke The Movie: The Phantom in the Rain on Netflix, here are some key details about the talented individuals behind this captivating project:
Director and Animation Team
Kenji Nakamura, known for his work on Mononoke and Gatchaman Crowds: Insight, serves as the director for this movie. Bringing the characters to life with intricate designs is Yuichi Takahashi, who has previously worked on Blue Giant. The visual direction is handled by Yoichi Senzui, the assistant composite director for Den-noh Coil, while the art direction is overseen by Akira Kuramoto (Danmachi 2016 OVA) and Yoko Saito (Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Eternal the Movie). Kunio Tsujita (Vivy: Fluorite Eye’s Song) takes on the role of color designer, creating a vibrant and immersive world for the audience. Taku Iwasaki, known for his work on Bungo Stray Dogs, composes the enchanting music that enhances the overall viewing experience. The animation production is a collaborative effort between TWIN ENGINE and EOTA, ensuring that every frame is meticulously crafted to perfection.
Cast of Characters
The talented voice cast brings the characters of Mononoke The Movie: The Phantom in the Rain to life with their exceptional performances. Hiroshi Kamiya takes on the role of the Medicine Seller, while Tomoyo Kurosawa portrays Asa, Aoi Yuki voices Kame, and Mami Koyama embodies Utayama. Kana Hanazawa, Yuko Kaida, Yukana, Jun Fukuyama, Daisuke Hosomi, Haruka Tomatsu, Yoko Hikasa, Miyu Irino, and Kenjiro Tsuda round out the cast, lending their voices to a diverse and intriguing array of characters. With such a talented ensemble, fans can expect a truly immersive and captivating viewing experience.
As Mononoke The Movie: The Phantom in the Rain prepares to make its Netflix debut, fans of the Mononoke series are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to delve into this visually stunning world once again. With its rich storytelling, captivating characters, and breathtaking animation, this movie promises to be a must-watch for anime enthusiasts around the globe. Stay tuned for more updates on the release date and be prepared to embark on an unforgettable journey with the Medicine Seller as he confronts the supernatural forces that threaten the land.
