In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the birth of the original author, Shigeru Mizuki, a new animated film titled “GeGeGe no Kitaro: The Birth of Kitaro, The Mystery of GeGeGe” (set to be released on November 17) has unveiled its first official footage.
The upcoming film is based on the sixth season of the TV anime series “GeGeGe no Kitaro,” which aired from 2018 to 2020. It delves into the mysterious story behind the seemingly familiar yet unknown “birth of Kitaro,” with Kitaro’s father and Mizuki serving as dual protagonists.
The newly released teaser footage takes viewers on a nostalgic journey through the history of “GeGeGe no Kitaro,” starting from the first season that premiered in 1968 and spanning all six seasons until the start of the Heisei era in 2018. With each era’s portrayal of Kitaro, the footage evokes a sense of nostalgia, emphasizing the enduring popularity of this beloved national anime that has been cherished for over 50 years.
Furthermore, the teaser offers a glimpse into the actual film, showcasing moments of surprise on Mizuki’s face and Kitaro’s father slowly turning his gaze. Accompanied by the narration, “This is the untold and most dreaded tale. The horrifying secret of the cursed village,” the teaser conveys a foreboding atmosphere. It features the familiar sound of Kitaro’s wooden clogs, Kitaro’s father sitting behind bars, Mizuki sitting across from him, lifting a vial resembling a medicine ampule, and concludes with Kitaro’s father widening his eyes—an impactful scene that marks its first unveiling. The tagline, “Their fateful encounter opens a blood-soaked door,” hints at the impending terrifying events that await the two characters.
Lastly, the teaser concludes with the phrase, “For the first time ever, the story of the former Eyeball Father.” This raises curiosity about how the pre-fatherhood meeting of Kitaro’s father and Mizuki ties into the film’s title, “The Birth of Kitaro.” Expectations are rising for the story set in a haunted village during the Showa era of the 1930s.
â– Cast: Miyuki Sawashiro, Masako Nozawa, Toshio Furukawa
â– Staff: Director: Go Koga Screenplay: Hiroyuki Yoshino Character Design: Toko Tanabe Production: Toei Animation Distribution: Toei
