"Ayakashi": A thorough analysis of the appeal and horror of the classic Japanese horror anime

Ayakashi Japanese Classic Horror

■ Public Media

TV anime series

■ Original Media

Traditional literature

■ Broadcast period

January 13, 2006 - March 24, 2006 Fuji TV January 12, 2006 - March 23, 2006 (Episodes 1-11) Every Thursday 24:35-25:05
Tokai TV January 12, 2006 to March 23, 2006 (Episodes 1 to 11) Every Thursday 26:05 to 26:35

■Broadcasting station

CX

■Frequencies

half an hour

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 11

■Original Story

● Yotsuya Kaidan (original story by Tsuruya Nanboku) ● Tenshu Monogatari (original story by Izumi Kyoka)

■ Director

●Yotsuya Kaidan, Director: Tetsuo Imazawa●Tenshu Monogatari, Director: Kozo Nagayama●Bakeneko, Director: Kenji Nakamura

■ Production

Animation production: Toei Animation Production: Ayakashi Production Committee (Fuji Television, Toei Animation, Asmik Ace Entertainment, Sony Music Entertainment, SKY Perfect Wellthink, Dentsu)

■Works

©Kai~ayakashi~ Production Committee

■ Story

●Yotsuya Kaidan Oiwa, wife of Iemon Tani, has her father brutally murdered by her husband, and then suffers the misfortune of being poisoned to death by someone who sees her as an obstacle to her plans to remarry. Her appearance is transformed by the poison into a hideous one, and she is scorned by the neighbors as a "monster." When Oiwa finds out all about this, she swears revenge and dies in rage. Iemon seems to have gotten everything he wanted. However, Oiwa's vengeful spirit would never let Iemon escape. Is this Oiwa's "love" or her "obsession"?
●The Story of the Castle Tower In the tower of a mysterious castle shrouded in deep mist known as "White Heron Castle," there live evil women known as Forgetful Gods. The owner of the castle tower, Tomihime, meets a falconer named Zushonosuke who has come to search for a runaway falcon, and falls in love with him. Zushonosuke tries to give up his humanity because he loves the Forgetful God, while Tomihime loses her powers as a Forgetful God because she loves a human. When the two, torn between being human and evil, prepare to die...
●Transformed Cat A certain samurai residence in the Edo period. The wedding of the head of the family's granddaughter was about to take place. However, just as the wedding was about to take place, the bride was brutally murdered. "This must be the work of the transformed cat." As if to evoke the words of the medicine seller, one mysterious death after another occurred. Finally, the transformed cat appeared before the terrified people. Behind the transformed cat's stalking of the people, there was a horrible and insane event connected to the samurai residence...

■Explanation

●Yotsuya Kaidan One of the most famous classic ghost stories in Japan. The original author was Tsuruya Nanboku. In recent years, recognition has spread to the younger generation through the novel "Warau Iyemon" by Kyogoku Natsuhiko. "Yotsuya Kaidan" is a script by Konaka Chiaki, who was in charge of the Heisei Ultraman trilogy and Ultraman Gaia, and is directed by Imazawa Tetsuo. Character concept by Amano Yoshitaka and character design by Ito Hideki create a fantastical, delicate, yet unique world.
The scriptwriter and director of the Tenshu Monogatari "Tokyo Love Story," Yuji Sakamoto, and the director, Kozo Nagayama, will be working on character design by Yasuhiro Nagura, who worked on "Metropolis," as they take on the enchanting and beautiful world in which famous actors competed in films and on stage.
●The story is directed by Kenji Nakamura and features a world of dialogue written by Michiko Yokote, who is well known for "Mobile Police Patlabor," and character design is by Takashi Hashimoto, who served as effects animation director on Katsuhiro Otomo's "Steamboy."

■Cast

●Yotsuya Kaidan - Iemon Tamiya / Hiroaki Hirata, Oiwa Tamiya / Mami Koyama, Osode Yotsuya / Yuko Nagashima, Oume Ito / Ryo Hirohashi, Yomoichi Sato / Wataru Takagi, Gonbe Naosuke / Keiichi Sonobe, Etsuo Taku / Minoru Inaba

●Tenshu Monogatari - Himekawa Toshonosuke / Midorikawa Hikaru - Tomihime / Kuwashima Houko - Kikimaru / Onosaka Masaya - Kikimaru / Yamaguchi Kappei - Oshizu / Chiba Saeko - Kojiro (Hawk) / ?
・Long-tongued old woman/Ako Mayama・Bellflower/Kozue Kamata・Ogi/Natsuki Sakamoto・Kuzu/Mari Yoshikura・Lady's mane/Yui Kano・Nadeshiko/Orie Itsukimoto・Usui/Akemi Kanda・Harima no Kami Takeda/Kouzo Shioya・Oshu Odawara/Eiji Takemoto・Kyuhei Yamasumi/Naoki Imamura

●Transformed cat man (medicine seller) / Sakurai Takahiro, Sakai Iken / Sasaki Seiji, Sakai Mizue / Sawami Yoko, Sakai Mao / Kamata Kozue, Sakai Ikuni / Tatsuta Naoki, Sakai Iyuki / Otsuka Norio, Katsuyama / Shimaka Yutaka, Sasaoka / Takemoto Eiji, Odajima / Inada Toru, Sato / Hino Yurika, Kayo / Yukana, Yahei / Suzuki Kiyonobu, cat / ?
・Gatekeeper/Takahiro Fujimoto ・Man A/Kohei Fukuhara ・Man B/Takeshi Mori

■ Main staff

●Yotsuya Kaidan ・Original story: Tsuruya Nanboku ・Script: Konaka Chiaki ・Character design: Amano Yoshitaka ・Character design and chief animation director: Ito Hideki ・Art director: Kato Hiroshi ・Director: Imazawa Tetsuo

●Tenshu Monogatari: Original story by Kyoka Izumi; Screenplay by Yuji Sakamoto; Character design and chief animation director Yasuhiro Nagura; Art director Shinzo Yuki; Director Kozo Nagayama; Animation director Hidehiko Kadota

・Catwalk ・Screenplay ・Michiko Yokote ・Character design and chief animation director ・Takashi Hashimoto ・Art director ・Takashi Kurahashi ・Director ・Kenji Nakamura ・CG director ・Nobuhiro Morita ・CG animation director ・Naoki Miyahara

●Common/Planning: Koji Kaneda; Planning cooperation: LATERNA
・Sound Director: Yukio Nagasaki ・Music: Yasuharu Takanashi ・Music Cooperation: Sony Music Entertainment, Fuji Pacific Music Publishing, Toei Animation Music Publishing ・Editor: Kenta Katase ・Producer: Atsuya Takase, Atsutoshi Umezawa, Hiroaki Shibata, Yukihiro Ito, Koji Yamamoto ・Animation Production: Toei Animation ・Production: Ayakashi Production Committee (Fuji Television, Toei Animation, Asmik Ace Entertainment, Sony Music Entertainment, SKY Perfect Wellthink, Dentsu)

■ Main Characters

●Yotsuya Kaidan - Tamiya Iemon A former samurai who became a ronin after the Ako clan was cut off. He and Oiwa had feelings for each other, but Oiwa's father Samon became suspicious of them and they were divorced.
- Tamiya Iwa As a result of various plots, Oiwa was forced to drink poison and eventually lost her life... Her hatred continues to be felt as a curse that attacks Iemon and those around him one after another.
・Tsuruya Nanboku The original author of Yotsuya Kaidan. The person who tells this Yotsuya Kaidan.
・Tamiya Sode Oiwa's sister-in-law. She becomes a temporary couple with Naosuke to avenge the death of Yomo Shichi. However, Yomo Shichi is actually alive...
Naosuke Gonbei used to work for the Yotsuya family. He becomes a temporary couple with Osode under the pretext of taking revenge on Yomogoshichi.
・Ito Ume, daughter of a samurai family. She fell in love with Iemon when she saw him and proposed marriage to him.
- Sato Yomochika: He was once engaged to Osode, but was thought to be dead.
- Takuetsu: Officially he works as a masseuse, but in reality he is the owner of Jigoku-juku (a brothel).
Kobotoke was introduced by Kohei Takuyoshi and was employed as a servant at Iemon's house. He was killed to set an example to his former master after stealing a medicine called Soukisei to cure his former master's serious illness.
A fellow ronin of Akiyama Chobei Iemon. He helped dispose of Oiwa and the others' bodies.
・Tamiya: Mother of Kumaiemon. When the Ako clan was extinct, she served the enemy Kira clan and became the second wife of Butsugonbei (father of Kobotoke Kohei).

●The Tale of the Castle Tower - Himekawa Toshonosuke A falconer who serves Takeda Harima no Kami. He chases his falcon that has wandered into the forest and meets Princess Tomihime.
A beautiful princess who lives in Shirasagi Castle, said to be the castle of the Forgetful God. She gradually becomes attracted to the human Toshonosuke.
One of the forgetful gods who lives in Shirasagi Castle. She was afraid that Princess Tomi would have a relationship with Toshonosuke.
・Kojiro (Agri)
A falcon raised with great care by a falconer named Toshonosuke, gets lost in the forest and goes missing.
Kikimaru: One of the monsters who approached Toshonosuke, aiming for the treasure said to be in Shirasagi Castle.
Kaikaimaru: One of the monsters who approached Toshonosuke, aiming for the treasure said to be in Shirasagi Castle.
Although she was in love with Oshizu Toshonosuke, she became aware of Tomihime's presence.
・One of the forgetful gods who resides in Hagi Shirasagi Castle.
・Kikyo One of the forgetful gods that resides in Shirasagi Castle.
One of the forgotten gods who resides in Kuzu Shirasagi Castle.
・Nadeshiko One of the forgetful gods that resides in Shirasagi Castle.
・One of the forgotten gods who resides in Usushirasagi Castle.
One of the forgetful gods that resides in Shirasagi Castle.
One of the forgotten gods who lives in Tonbo Shirasagi Castle. He is the twin sister of Hozuki.
One of the forgetful gods who lives in Shirasagi Castle. He is the twin sister of Tonbo.

A mysterious medicine seller visits the Sakai family. He uses mysterious martial arts and has the ability to distinguish between the form, reason, and truth of spirits, and has the ability to use a demon-slaying sword to slay them.
A servant at the Kayosakai household. He is friendly towards the medicine seller and helps him exterminate monsters.
Odashima: A young retainer of the Sakai family (a samurai servant). He didn't believe in the existence of spirits at all, but...
The dark past of the Tamao Sakai family. The unfortunate daughter who caused it all.
・Sakai Ieyuki He handed over the headship of the Sakai family to Ieaki and is now retired.
・Sakai Ikuni became addicted to alcohol, and his younger brother Iken inherited the Sakai family business.
・Iken Sakai He inherited the Sakai family, but was intimidated by his wife, Mizue.
・Mao Sakai loses her life just as she is about to marry into the Shiono family.
・Wife of Sakai Mizue Iken and mother of Mao. After witnessing Mao's death, she collapses.
・Servant of the Sasaoka Sakai family.
Sato is a servant at the Sakai household. He is especially strict with Kayo.

■Subtitle

・#1／Tokaido Yotsuya Kaidan: Prologue (2006/01/12)
・#2／Tokaido Yotsuya Kaidan: Second Act (2006/01/19)
・#3／Tōkaidō Yotsuya Kaidan: Third Act (2006/01/26)
・#4／Tokaido Yotsuya Kaidan Finale (2006/02/02)
・#5／Tenshu Monogatari: Prologue (2006/02/09)
・#6/Tenshu Monogatari: Act 2 (2006/02/16)
・#7／Tenshu Monogatari Third Act (2006/02/23)
・#8/Tenshu Monogatari Finale (2006/03/02)
・#9／Bakeneko: The Beginning (2006/03/09)
・#10／Bakeneko: Second Act (2006/03/16)
・#11／Bakeneko Finale (2006/03/23)

■ Theme songs and music

・OP1
・HEAT ISLAND
Lyrics: Sasaki Shiro, Sakama Daisuke
・Composer: Mr.Drunk
Arrangement: Mr. Drunk
・Song: RHYMESTER

・ED1
・Spring Memories・Lyrics by Yumi Matsutoya・Music by Yumi Matsutoya・Arrangement by Masataka Matsutoya・Singer by Chitose Moto

Ayakashi Japanese Classic Horror Review

"Ayakashi - Japanese Classic Horror," which aired in 2006, is a work that recreates traditional Japanese ghost stories in the form of animation, and its unique atmosphere and deep story development attracted many viewers. This series, which consists of 11 episodes, depicts three different ghost stories, "Yotsuya Kaidan," "Tenshu Monogatari," and "Bakeneko," in four, four, and three episodes respectively. Below, we will provide a detailed review of each episode, introducing the appeal and recommended points of the work.

Yotsuya Kaidan

"Yotsuya Kaidan" is one of Japan's most famous ghost stories, based on a play by Tsuruya Nanboku, and its horror and tragedy are well known to many. This anime version faithfully reproduces the atmosphere of the original while also appealing to modern audiences. In particular, the scene in which Oiwa's vengeful spirit corners Iemon is not only visually terrifying, but also has a deep emotional expression that conveys her sadness and anger.

Director Tetsuo Imazawa has used his experience working on the Heisei Ultraman trilogy and Ultraman Gaia to bring out the horror of the ghost story to the fullest. Character designer Hideki Ito's fantastical visuals further enhance the world of the ghost story. The voice actors are also impressive, and the performances of Iemon, played by Hiroaki Hirata, and Oiwa, played by Mami Koyama, will leave a strong impression on viewers.

The appeal of this episode is, above all, Oiwa's revenge drama. You can't miss the process of how her grudge drives Iemon into a corner. Furthermore, the skillful storytelling of screenwriter Konaka Chiaki allows the audience to share Oiwa's pain and anger. This is an episode that I would highly recommend not only to fans of Yotsuya Kaidan, but also to those who are experiencing this ghost story for the first time.

Castle Tower Story

"Tenshu Monogatari" is based on a novel by Kyoka Izumi, and depicts a love story between humans and demons set in Shirasagi Castle, where a group of demonic women known as forgotten gods live. In this episode, the screenplay by Yuji Sakamoto and the director Kozo Nagayama teamed up to create a work that combines beautiful visuals with deep human drama.

In particular, the love story between Toshonosuke and Tomihime will deeply touch the hearts of viewers. While Toshonosuke tries to give up his humanity in order to love the gods, Tomihime forgets and loses her divine powers in order to love humans. The conflicts and decisions of these two characters will deeply move viewers. The bewitching visuals of character designer Yasuhiro Nagura also add to the appeal of the story.

The best thing about this episode is its beauty and deep human drama. The story unfolds as the world of forgotten gods and the world of humans intersect, and will provide viewers with many moving and thought-provoking elements. This is an episode I would especially recommend to those who like romance dramas.

Transformed Cat

"Bakeneko" is set in a samurai residence in the Edo period and depicts a mysterious death caused by a transforming cat. In this episode, director Kenji Nakamura and screenwriter Michiko Yokote teamed up to create a work that skillfully combines the horror of a ghost story with human drama. In particular, the crazy events of the samurai family hidden behind the transforming cat stalking people will be a strong shock to viewers.

The visuals by character designer Hashimoto Takashi also bring out the fearsomeness of the transforming cat to the fullest. The voice actors are also impressive, and Sakurai Takahiro's performance as the medicine seller will leave a strong impression on viewers. The appeal of this episode is, above all, its horror and suspense. Don't miss the process of how the mysterious death of the transforming cat is solved.

The best thing about this episode is the horror and suspense. You can't miss the process of how the mysterious death of the transforming cat is solved. This is an episode that I would especially recommend to those who like horror.

Recommended points

"Ayakashi: Japanese Classic Horror" is a work that recreates traditional Japanese ghost stories in the form of animation, and its unique atmosphere and deep story development have attracted many viewers. Below, we will introduce the recommended points of this work.

1. Retelling traditional ghost stories

This work faithfully recreates traditional Japanese ghost stories, and succeeds in conveying their horror and tragedy to the viewer. In particular, the scene in "Yotsuya Kaidan" where the vengeful spirit of Oiwa corners Iemon is stunning, and in "Tenshu Monogatari" the love story between Toshonosuke and Tomihime is deeply moving. In "Bakeneko", the mysterious death caused by a transforming cat will leave a strong shock on the viewer. These episodes are highly recommended not only for fans of ghost stories, but also for those who are experiencing ghost stories for the first time.

2. Beautiful visuals

The character designs for this work were created by a team of talented artists including Hideki Ito, Yasuhiro Nagura, and Takashi Hashimoto, and their beauty and fantastical atmosphere will draw viewers in. In particular, in "Tenshu Monogatari," the story unfolds as the world of forgotten gods and the world of humans intersect, and is enhanced by Yasuhiro Nagura's bewitchingly beautiful visuals. In "Bakeneko," Takashi Hashimoto's visuals bring out the terrifying power of the bakeneko to the fullest. These visuals will leave a strong impression on viewers.

3. A profound human drama

This work not only provides the horror of a ghost story, but also depicts a deep human drama, providing viewers with much to be moved by and to think about. In "Yotsuya Kaidan," Oiwa's revenge will leave a strong impression on viewers. In "Tenshu Monogatari," the love story between Toshonosuke and Tomihime will leave a deep impression. In "Bakeneko," the mysterious death caused by a bakeneko, and the hidden madness of a samurai family will shock viewers deeply. These human dramas will provide viewers with much to be moved by and to think about.

4. A stellar cast of voice actors

The voice actors for this work are a stellar cast including Hirata Hiroaki, Koyama Mami, Midorikawa Hikaru, Kuwashima Houko, and Sakurai Takahiro, and their performances will leave a strong impression on viewers. In particular, in "Yotsuya Kaidan," the performances of Iemon played by Hirata Hiroaki and Oiwa played by Koyama Mami will leave a strong impression on viewers. In "Tenshu Monogatari," the performances of Toshonosuke played by Midorikawa Hikaru and Tomihime played by Kuwashima Houko will move viewers deeply. In "Bakeneko," the performance of the medicine seller played by Sakurai Takahiro will leave a strong impression on viewers. The performances of these voice actors will leave a strong impression on viewers.

Conclusion

"Ayakashi - Japanese Classic Horror" is a work that recreates traditional Japanese ghost stories in the form of animation, and its unique atmosphere and deep story development have attracted many viewers. This work is highly recommended not only for fans of ghost stories, but also for those who are experiencing ghost stories for the first time. In particular, the three episodes "Yotsuya Kaidan," "Tenshu Monogatari," and "Bakeneko" each have their own unique charms and will provide viewers with many moving and thought-provoking elements. The beautiful visuals, deep human drama, and splendid voice actors also enhance the appeal of this work. We hope you will watch this work and experience the world of traditional Japanese ghost stories.