The long-running horror anime anthology, Yamishibai: Japanese Ghost Stories, is set to return for its 16th season, premiering on TV Tokyo on January 11. This latest installment will explore the theme of “ties,” promising new chilling tales rooted in Japanese myths and urban legends.
The announcement was made by the staff of the Yamishibai television anime, confirming the continuation of the popular series known for its unique kamishibai-inspired animation style..
Delving into Season 16’s Production and Theme
The 16th season of Yamishibai will be directed and produced by Akira Funada, who returns to the helm after working on the previous five seasons. Production is handled by ILCA, with cooperation from ILCASHIPS and LEON STUDIO. The seasoned writing team includes Hiromu Kumamoto, Mitsuhiro Sasaki, and Kanako Ishigami, who will craft the eerie narratives for the upcoming episodes.
The central theme for this new season is “ties,” which could suggest stories revolving around connections, bonds, or perhaps supernatural entanglements. Previous seasons have explored specific themes, such as the Chinese Zodiac for the ninth season and “greed” for the fourteenth season.
Voice Cast and Musical Contributions
A familiar voice for fans of the series, Kanji Tsuda, will reprise his role as the Storyteller, the mysterious yellow-masked figure who narrates the chilling tales. The cast for the 16th season also features Ryō Hirano, Yūta Hoshino, Yutaka Shimizu, Satoko Tsuchiya, Tomoko Ōishi, Yō Koizumi (from Solaris in the Rain), Rintarō Sugama, Ukyō Okada, and Iku Wada.
Adding to the atmospheric dread, yosugala will perform the ending theme song for the season, titled “Masquerade Night”.
The Enduring Appeal of Yamishibai
Since its debut in July 2013, Yamishibai: Japanese Ghost Stories (also known as Yami Shibai or Theater of Darkness) has captivated audiences with its distinctive approach to horror. Each episode, typically a few minutes in length, presents a different supernatural story inspired by Japanese folklore and urban legends.
The series is animated to mimic the traditional kamishibai method of storytelling, a form of Japanese street theater where a narrator uses illustrated paper boards to tell a story. This unique art style, characterized by roughly sketched backgrounds and character designs, enhances the unsettling atmosphere of the shorts. The presence of an old man in a creepy yellow mask, acting as the kamishibaiya (storyteller), further draws viewers into the eerie world of the show.
A Legacy of Fear: Previous Seasons
Yamishibai has maintained a prolific release schedule over the years, consistently delivering new frights. The 15th season, for example, premiered as recently as July 13, 2025. The anime has inspired several spin-offs, including The World Yamizukan in spring 2017 and Ninja Collection in July 2020, as well as a live-action series adaptation that premiered in September 2020. Crunchyroll has been a primary streaming platform for previous seasons, making the series accessible to an international audience.
The upcoming 16th season ensures that Yamishibai will continue its legacy of bringing traditional Japanese ghost stories to modern audiences through its iconic and unsettling animated format.
