by Are many people hooked on the unique colors?
Looking back at the history of anime films, there have been cases where the artwork’s uniqueness and worldview have significantly impacted a film’s reputation.
The sci-fi anime film “ALL YOU NEED IS KILL,” scheduled for release on Friday, January 9, 2026, is already attracting controversy for its artwork. On the other hand, some works have garnered high praise from audiences despite their unique visual style.
The “Mononoke” anime series originated from “Bakeneko,” a story in the anthology series “Ayakashi,” which aired on Fuji TV’s late-night anime slot “Noitamina” in 2006. The “Mononoke” TV anime was produced in 2007, and two theatrical releases have been released to date.
The story follows the exploits of the “Medicine Seller,” a hero who wields a sword capable of slaying “Mononoke,” a creature that brings misfortune to humans. Its defining feature is its portrayal of human passions and the distortions of society through supernatural phenomena. Set in the inner palace, the 2024 release of “Mononoke: Karakasa” (The Movie), the second installment of a trilogy, began with “Mononoke: Fire Rat,” released in 2025. The series is known for its decorative artwork reminiscent of ukiyo-e and traditional Japanese patterns, as well as its distinctive visual expression, which emphasizes color.
The colorful yet eerie worldview highlights elements of Japanese horror known as “Mononoke,” and the film has likely garnered a new fan base. The final installment of the trilogy, “Mononoke: Snake God,” is scheduled for release in May 2026. The trailer, which has already been released, has many people looking forward to the film, and expectations are high that the story will unfold on a larger scale and with greater impact than the previous two films.
A collaboration between modern and period dramas, based on a real Noh actor
The animated film “Inu-oh,” released in 2022, is directed by Masaaki Yuasa and based on Hideo Furukawa’s novel “The Tale of the Heike: Inu-oh Chapter.” While set in the Muromachi period, the film garnered attention for its bold approach that transcends the boundaries of traditional period dramas and historical anime.
The story follows Inu-oh, a Noh performer with a grotesque appearance who captivates audiences. He encounters Tomoo, a blind biwa player, and rises to fame on stage across the country. The film blends traditional Japanese performing arts like Noh and biwa with modern productions evocative of rock and live performances. Inu-oh’s performances captivate audiences with the same energy as a live music concert. Av plays Inu-oh, the lead vocalist of the rock band Queen Bee, whose impressive vocal ability and presence are among the film’s highlights.
The visuals also fully demonstrate the free-flowing animation style that is unique to Masaaki Yuasa’s work. The images, colorful and fantastical yet evocative of rock music’s passion and wildness, have intensely captivated many viewers. As a result, although it is an animated film, it has been praised as a work that transcends the boundaries of a single movie and can be experienced as a live event.
