The eerie world of urban legends is coming back to television. The popular animated horror series, Yamishibai: Japanese Ghost Stories, will premiere its 16th season on TV Tokyo on January 11. Fans can prepare for a new collection of six-minute tales, this time exploring the chilling theme of “ties.”
Akira Funada, who has directed the series for the last five seasons, will return to lead production at the studio ILCA. The new season promises fresh scares with the ending theme song “Masquerade Night” performed by yosugala.
What is “Yamishibai: Japanese Ghost Stories”?
Yamishibai is a one-of-a-kind anime that tells modern Japanese horror tales and urban legends. Its unique look comes from kamishibai, a traditional street performance where a storyteller uses illustrated cards. Each episode is short and complete on its own, made to give a sharp, quick scare. The first season aired in July 2013, and the series has kept a loyal fanbase ever since.
Who is behind the scares in Season 16?
Director Akira Funada returns to lead the new season, making sure the show keeps its trademark eerie feel. He is supported by scriptwriters, animators, and storyboard artists like Hiromu Kumamoto and Kazuma Taketani. The season will also bring in a strong voice cast, adding actors such as Kanji Tsuda and Ryō Hirano to the Yamishibai world, along with familiar voices from earlier seasons.
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What can viewers expect from the theme of “Ties”?
With “Ties” as the theme, the season seems set to explore how connections between people can turn frightening. These may be direct bonds, such as family or commitments, or deeper links to certain places and memories. The theme opens the door for stories about inescapable relationships, cursed obligations, and the terrifying consequences of being linked to something supernatural.
How has the “Yamishibai” franchise expanded?
The success of the original short anime has spawned a wider horror universe. It inspired a spinoff series called The World Yamizukan in 2017, which explored strange phenomena from around the world. Another spinoff, Ninja Collection, premiered in 2020. The franchise even expanded into live-action with a series adaptation that began in September 2020. Many of these series have been available for international audiences on the streaming platform Crunchyroll.
Where and when can you watch it?
The 16th season of Yamishibai: Japanese Ghost Stories will begin broadcasting on TV Tokyo on January 11. Based on the pattern of previous seasons, new episodes will likely air weekly. International fans can hope for a simulcast or quick licensing announcement from streaming services like Crunchyroll, which has streamed past seasons.
FAQs
Q: When does Yamishibai Season 16 start?
A: The new season premieres on January 11 on TV Tokyo.
Q: What is the theme for Yamishibai Season 16?
A: The season’s theme, “Ties,” points toward stories centered on the connections and relationships that hold people together.
Q: Who is directing the new season?
A: Akira Funada, who has directed the previous five seasons, is returning as director and producer.
Q: Will the new season be available to stream internationally?
A: Season 16 isn’t officially confirmed for Crunchyroll yet, but earlier seasons and spinoffs have streamed there, so it’s likely to be the platform for international viewers.
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