by A revival screening of the feature-length animated film “Yōzen”, a bold reimagining of the classic Chinese mythology Fengshen Yanyi (Investiture of the Gods), has been officially announced. The Japanese-dubbed version of the film will return to theaters for a limited-time screening at 10 AEON Cinemas locations nationwide, starting Friday, February 6, 2026.
This special revival gives anime and animation fans another chance to experience one of China’s most visually ambitious animated films—this time with a star-studded Japanese voice cast led by Shoya Sano of the popular idol group Ae!.
What Is “Yōzen”? A Beginner-Friendly Overview
“Yōzen” is an animated feature film inspired by Yang Jian (also known as Erlang Shen), a legendary figure from the Chinese mythological epic Fengshen Yanyi. Rather than retelling the original story directly, the film presents a completely new, original narrative, reinterpreting the characters and themes for a modern audience.
The result is a fantasy action film that blends:
- Epic mythology
- High-speed, cinematic action
- Emotional character drama
- Cutting-edge CG animation
Even viewers unfamiliar with Chinese mythology can enjoy the story, as the film is designed to be accessible to newcomers while still rewarding fans of the original legends.
A Major Hit in China with Stunning Visuals
“Yōzen” was produced by Light Chaser Animation, one of China’s most prominent animation studios. The studio is internationally known for high-quality works such as:
- White Snake
- White Snake 2: Green Snake
- New Gods: Nezha Reborn
Upon its original release in China, “Yōzen” became a massive box office success, earning over 10 billion yen (approx.) and drawing widespread praise for:
- Its breathtaking visuals
- Fluid, dynamic battle sequences
- A darker, more mature reinterpretation of mythological heroes
The film’s success further cemented Light Chaser Animation’s reputation as a global powerhouse in animated filmmaking.
Japanese Dub Version: Cast Highlights
The revival screening will feature the Japanese-dubbed version, which was first released in 2025 and received strong attention due to its casting choices.
Main Voice Cast
- Yōzen (Yang Jian) – Shoya Sano (Ae!)
- A fallen bounty hunter who has lost his divine powers
- Jinkō (Agarwood) – Toshiki Masuda
- A mysterious boy who has stolen the godly powers
Shoya Sano’s casting attracted particular interest, as it marked a notable performance by a member of Ae!, blending idol culture with high-profile animation voice acting. His portrayal of Yōzen emphasizes the character’s inner conflict, loss, and determination.
Story Overview: Gods, Power, and Redemption
In this new interpretation, Yōzen is no longer an untouchable god. Stripped of his divine abilities, he works as a bounty hunter, navigating a world where gods and humans coexist uneasily.
Everything changes when he encounters Jinkō, a young boy who has somehow stolen the very godly powers Yōzen lost. Their meeting sets off a chain of events involving:
- Hidden conspiracies among the gods
- Battles that blur the line between justice and revenge
- Questions about what it truly means to be “divine”
At its core, Yōzen is a story about identity, responsibility, and the cost of power.
Revival Screening Details (Japan)
Screening Information
- Start Date: Friday, February 6, 2026
- End Date: Wednesday, February 19, 2026
- Duration: Approximately 2 weeks
- Venues: 10 AEON Cinemas locations nationwide
Important Note:
The film will be shown on a total of four limited screening days, making this a rare opportunity. Screening schedules may vary by location, so advance confirmation is recommended.
Why This Revival Screening Matters
This limited revival is significant because it:
- Gives fans another chance to see a critically acclaimed Chinese animated film on the big screen
- Highlights the growing global exchange between Chinese animation and Japanese anime audiences
- Showcases Shoya Sano’s performance in a major animated feature
- Introduces Fengshen Yanyi mythology to new viewers in an accessible way
For anime fans interested in expanding beyond Japanese productions, Yōzen serves as an excellent entry point into high-quality Chinese animation.
Final Thoughts
The revival screening of “Yōzen” is more than just a re-release it’s a celebration of modern animated storytelling that bridges cultures, mythology, and cutting-edge visuals. With its powerful action, emotional narrative, and standout Japanese voice cast led by Shoya Sano, the film is well worth revisiting or discovering for the first time.
With only a short, limited screening window, fans of fantasy anime, mythology, and beautifully crafted animation should not miss this opportunity to experience Yōzen on the big screen.
If you’re looking for a visually spectacular animated film with deep mythological roots and modern storytelling flair, “Yōzen” is a must-watch this February.
