The beloved misadventures of Shinnosuke “Shin-chan” Nohara are set to continue with the official announcement of the 33rd 2D-animated Crayon Shin-chan film, titled Crayon Shin chan the Movie Kiki Kaikai Ora no Yokai Vacation (映画クレヨンしんちゃん 奇々怪々！オラの妖怪バケ～ション). The new installment promises a mysterious and exciting journey into the Land of Yokai, scheduled for a nationwide release in Japan in Summer 2026.
A New Supernatural Adventure for the Nohara Family
The upcoming 33rd film will see Shin-chan and his family embark on an unforgettable summer vacation that takes an unexpected turn into a world of supernatural creatures. The story begins with the Nohara family traveling to Akita Prefecture, the hometown of Hiroshi, to attend the renowned Omagari Fireworks Festival. An unforeseen incident, however, pulls the family into the enigmatic Land of Yokai. Here, Shin-chan will encounter a variety of mystical beings and find himself caught in an unpredictable and fantastical adventure, a departure from his previous escapades.
Director Masaki Watanabe, who has been an episode director for the Crayon Shin-chan television series since 2022 and contributed to the movie series since 2024, is at the helm of this new film. Yoshiko Nakamura, a screenwriter for the Crayon Shin-chan TV series, is penning the screenplay.
The Land of Yokai and Shin-chan’s Transformation
Early visual teasers for Kiki Kaikai Ora no Yokai Vacation depict Shin-chan gazing at a sky filled with fireworks, with the silhouettes of yokai subtly appearing among the colorful explosions. The tagline, “A fun and mysterious encounter,” hints at the captivating plot awaiting the Nohara family.
Director Masaki Watanabe expressed his honor and the pressure of taking on this role, teasing that the story is set in a Land of Yokai that retains elements of Japan’s traditional landscapes. He further revealed that Shin-chan will undergo a transformation into a tengu, a mythical creature from Japanese folklore, playing an active role in the narrative. Fans can anticipate the usual chaotic and exciting developments as the Nohara family interacts with various yokai.
The Enduring Legacy of Crayon Shin-chan Films
The Crayon Shin-chan franchise boasts a rich cinematic history, with annual film releases since 1993, a testament to its enduring popularity. Each film typically takes the Nohara family on a unique adventure, exploring diverse themes and settings, from thrilling action-comedies to heartwarming tales.
The 32nd 2D-animated film, Eiga Crayon Shin-chan Chō Karei! Shakunetsu no Kasukabe Dancers (Crayon Shin-chan the Movie: Super Magnificent! Scorching Kasukabe Dancers), is set to premiere in Summer 2025 and will be a dance-themed entertainment movie set in India. This film marks the first time a Crayon Shin-chan movie has been set in India, showcasing the franchise’s global reach and willingness to explore new cultural backdrops. Masakazu Hashimoto is directing the 32nd film, with Kimiko Ueno writing the screenplay.
With Crayon Shin chan the Movie Kiki Kaikai Ora no Yokai Vacation slated for Summer 2026, fans can look forward to another thrilling and humorous addition to the series, delving into Japanese folklore with Shin-chan’s signature charm.
