The popular horror anime anthology, Yamishibai: Japanese Ghost Stories, is set to return for its 16th season, premiering on January 11, 2026, on TV Tokyo. The upcoming season will explore the chilling theme of “ties,” promising a new collection of unsettling tales inspired by Japanese urban legends and myths.
Delving into the 16th Season’s Terrifying “Ties”
The new season of Yamishibai will continue the series’ tradition of delivering short, atmospheric horror stories. The chosen theme, “ties,” suggests narratives that may involve bonds, connections, or relationships, potentially twisting them into sources of dread and supernatural encounters. While specific plot details remain under wraps, fans can anticipate the show’s signature unsettling atmosphere and unique visual storytelling.
Key Staff and Cast Returning
Akira Funada, who has directed the last five seasons of the anime, will return to helm the 16th season, with production handled by ILCA. Production cooperation will be provided by ILCASHIPS and LEON STUDIO. The writing team includes Hiromu Kumamoto, Mitsuhiro Sasaki, and Kanako Ishigami, ensuring the continuation of the series’ distinctive narrative voice.
A lineup of familiar voices will join the cast, including Kanji Tsuda, Ryō Hirano, Yūta Hoshino, Yutaka Shimizu, Satoko Tsuchiya, Tomoko Ōishi, Yō Koizumi (from Solaris in the Rain), Rintarō Sugama, Ukyō Okada, and Iku Wada. Notably, Kanji Tsuda often reprises his role as the enigmatic Storyteller, a central figure in the Yamishibai universe. The ending theme song, “Masquerade Night,” will be performed by yosugala.
The Enduring Appeal of Yamishibai‘s Unique Style
Since its debut in July 2013, Yamishibai: Japanese Ghost Stories has captivated audiences with its distinctive animation style, which emulates the traditional Japanese storytelling method known as kamishibai or “paper drama.” This technique involves a narrator using illustrated paper boards to tell a story, and the anime recreates this with limited animation and a focus on eerie visuals and sound design.
The series typically features an old man in a yellow mask, the kamishibaiya, who appears at a playground to tell children ghost stories based on Japanese myths and urban legends. Each episode is a standalone short, usually only a few minutes in length, making it an accessible and consistently chilling anthology.
A Legacy of Horror: Previous Seasons and Spin-offs
Yamishibai has maintained a prolific release schedule, consistently delivering new seasons and expanding its lore. The series has inspired several spin-offs, including The World Yamizukan in spring 2017 and the Ninja Collection anime, which premiered in July 2020. A live-action series adaptation also aired in Japan in September 2020. Crunchyroll has streamed previous seasons and spin-offs, making the series widely available to international audiences.
The anime’s commitment to showcasing authentic Japanese folklore and urban legends, coupled with its unique, low-budget yet highly effective animation, has solidified its place as a cult hit in the horror anime genre. As it enters its 16th season, Yamishibai continues to be a go-to for those seeking a quick, chilling dose of supernatural storytelling.
