Mononoke: The Movie's Exciting Return and Upcoming Films

Film Premieres in Japan and Sets the Stage for a New Trilogy

On March 14, the latest installment in the Mononoke franchise, Mononoke The Movie: Chapter II – The Ashes of Rage, premiered in Japan. The film quickly made waves, earning approximately 98 million yen (around US$675,360) in just its first three days.

Image via Mononoke film project's X/Twitter account

Returning Cast and New Music

Hiroshi Kamiya reprises his role as the Medicine Seller, bringing continuity to the beloved character. The cast also includes:

• Haruka Tomatsu as Botan Ōtomo
• Yōko Hikasa as Fuki Tokita
• Yūki Kaji as Saburōmaru Tokita

Adding to the film's appeal, Aina The End performs the theme song "Hana Musō".

International and Festival Screenings

The film's Western premiere took place at the 2025 Annecy International Animation Film Festival, held from June 8 to 14. This marks a significant milestone for fans outside Japan.

The Mononoke Franchise Continues

The Mononoke franchise is expanding with a planned trilogy:

• The first film, Mononoke The Movie: Phantom in the Rain (also known as Gekijōban Mononoke: Karakasa), premiered in Japan in July 2024. Netflix is streaming this film, which was delayed from its original 2023 release. Notably, Takahiro Sakurai, initially announced to reprise the role of the Medicine Seller, was replaced by Hiroshi Kamiya.

• The second film, Chapter II – The Ashes of Rage, is now available and has garnered attention worldwide.

• The third film, titled Gekijōban Mononoke Dai-San-Shō: Hebigami, is scheduled to open in spring 2026. Fans are eagerly awaiting this new chapter.

Stay tuned for more updates on the Mononoke series!

Source: Netflix