The first visual for the upcoming stage production GeGeGe no Kitaro 2025 has been officially revealed. The striking image features Yoshihiko Aramaki as Kitaro, Akio Otsuka as Nezumi Otoko, and Sumire Uesaka as Neko Musume, all exuding a mysterious yet stylish atmosphere that captures the spirit of the franchise.

Akio Otsuka Joins Cast as Nezumi Otoko

Aramaki and Uesaka will reprise their roles from the 2022 production, once again portraying Kitaro and Neko Musume, respectively. Nezumi Otoko, previously played by Takashi Fujii, will now be portrayed by veteran voice actor Akio Otsuka. This marks the public unveiling of Otsuka in full costume as the iconic trickster yokai.

A Timeless Story of Yokai and Humanity

Originally serialized in Weekly Shonen Magazine in 1965, GeGeGe no Kitaro has grown into a multimedia legacy spanning over half a century—including manga, anime, films, novels, dramas, and video games. Many of its yokai characters are based on traditional Japanese folklore, with author Shigeru Mizuki introducing new interpretations and designs that helped popularize yokai culture throughout Japan.

At the heart of the story is Kitaro, the last surviving member of the Ghost Tribe, who dreams of a world where humans and yokai coexist peacefully. Together with his eyeball-shaped father Medama-Oyaji, Neko Musume, and other yokai companions, Kitaro protects both humans and yokai from supernatural threats.

Stage Revival Set for Summer 2025 in Tokyo and Osaka

The GeGeGe no Kitaro stage play was first performed in July 2022 to commemorate Shigeru Mizuki’s 100th birthday. It brought to life a “strange and mysterious” tale of yokai through theatrical storytelling.

The upcoming 2025 production will be staged at Meijiza Theater in Tokyo from August 2 to 16, and then at Shin-Kabukiza Theater in Osaka from August 21 to 25.

Source : ORICON NEWS