The legacy of Shigeru Mizuki, the renowned manga artist who passed away 10 years ago, continues as Japan prepares to celebrate his contributions with a comprehensive commemoration project. The project features the highly anticipated television broadcasts of selected masterpieces from his iconic series, "GeGeGe no Kitaro," along with the new stage production titled "GeGeGe no Kitaro 2025." Scheduled to air starting April 6, 2025, at 9 AM on Fuji Television and other channels, the television feature is entitled "GeGeGe no Kitaro: My Favorite Era GeGeGe." This series aims to reintroduce the beloved stories to both new audiences and long-time fans by showcasing episodes selected by various voice actors who have played the iconic character Kitaro over the years.
Notably, the series will feature weekly airings of episodes chosen by historical cast members, including Yako Nozawa from the first two seasons, Keiko Toda from the third, and others up to the sixth season. These actors will each select their personal favorite episodes, promising audiences a nostalgic trip down memory lane. This effort not only celebrates the vast canon of the series but simultaneously honors Mizuki's enduring impact on Japanese pop culture.
At the same time, the stage adaptation "GeGeGe no Kitaro 2025" aims to bring the world of yokai to life, with performances scheduled at Meiji-za Theatre in Tokyo from August 2 to 16, and Shin Kabuki-za Theatre in Osaka from August 21 to 25, 2025. The casting features returning actors such as Keisuke Araki reprising his role as Kitaro and Sumire Uesaka as Neko-Musume, continuing their involvement from the successful 2022 stage production. Akihisa Ohse takes over the role of Nezumi-Otoko, bringing his take on the hybrid character described as both rat and human.
Shigeru Mizuki's creations have entertained audiences since 1965 when "GeGeGe no Kitaro" originated as a serialized manga. The series has evolved through numerous adaptations, encompassing anime, films, and live performances, effectively inserting the mythos of yokai deeply within contemporary culture. The narrative routinely highlights the coexistence of humans and yokai, centering around Kitaro, the last of the ghost tribe, as he and his allies, including his father, Medama Oyaji, and Neko-Musume, work tirelessly to protect both worlds.
The impact of Mizuki's work has been significant, reshaping the perception of yokai and fostering interest and awareness around these traditional Japanese folklore figures. Recognized as cultural icons, the various yokai featured across Mizuki's stories have become more familiar to audiences not only in Japan but worldwide, thanks to the author's unique interpretations and artistic style.
Cast members engaged with the project have shared their excitement and reflections on their roles. Keisuke Araki, reprising his role as Kitaro, expressed his gratitude, saying, "舞台『ゲゲゲの鬼太郎』にて前作に続き鬼太郎役を演じさせて頂きます、荒牧慶彦です。新作にて再び鬼太郎として生きられること、光栄に思います。全身全霊で鬼太郎を演じ、『ゲゲゲの鬼太郎』という作品の魅力を少しでもお伝え出来るよう頑張ります。" His enthusiasm reflects the dedication cast members feel for Mizuki's legacy as they strive to present the stories with authenticity and heart.
Similarly, Sumire Uesaka remarked, "舞台『ゲゲゲの鬼太郎』が帰ってきます……!!すごい……!!個人的には、この作品が人生初の舞台への挑戦だったので、本当に想い出深いです！いったいどんな新たなストーリーが描かれるのか、今からとても楽しみです！" Uesaka's sentiment echoes the collective anticipation surrounding the new production, with audiences eager to see how the beloved stories will be reinterpreted on stage.
Akihisa Ohse, who plays Nezumi-Otoko, articulated the complexity of the character he is inheriting. "ねずみ男とはいったい何者なのか。有り体に言えばねずみと人間のハイブリッド。……全力で取り組みますので皆様応援宜しく願います！" This introspection on his character emphasizes the depth of narrative Mizuki embedded within his stories—a hallmark of the enduring appeal of "GeGeGe no Kitaro.".
The celebration of Mizuki's works continues to contextualize his genealogy within Japanese storytelling traditions. The stage playshunde goal of engaging new generations with the rich heritage of yukai culture, ensuring Mizuki's voice resonates long beyond his passing. Details surrounding the broadcasting schedule and specific episode selections will be revealed soon, thrilling fans of the series. This commemoration not only honors Mizuki's contributions but aims to cultivate renewed interest and admiration for the vast stories thriving within the imaginative world of "GeGeGe no Kitaro."
With the two-pronged approach of broadcasting and live performance, the incoming spring and summer of 2025 promise to be significant milestones, packed with enriching artistic interpretations born from Mizuki's original tales. The collaboration among seasoned talents aims to create magical experiences filled with laughter, thrills, and, above all, nostalgia for venerable works of Japanese folklore.