New Mononoke Anime Reveals Director Change, Introduces New Medicine Seller

The new Mononoke anime project has revealed a seismic shift: Kou Matsuo will direct, stepping in for original director Kenji Nakamura. Nakamura departed the project, which was delayed from 2023 due to "circumstances involving the director." This is a significant moment for the series, famed for its singular visual style and mature supernatural horror.

Fans will also meet a new Medicine Seller named Ken no Tsurugi. Hirofumi Araki, who played the character in the Mononoke stage play, will voice him. This means a new voice for a core role, a clear break from Takahiro Sakurai's iconic portrayal of the original Medicine Seller.

Despite the changes, some key talent returns. Kitsuneko Nagata, the original character designer, is back. Yuuichi Takahashi (Kaiba) handles character design, with Akira Kawashima as art director. Twin Engine produces the film. Mononoke, a spin-off of the 2006 Ayakashi: Japanese Classic Horror, is celebrated for its unique storytelling. Fans are eager to see if this new team can capture its enduring appeal.