The teaser visual and first trailer for "Mononoke the Movie: Chapter 2: Fire Rat," the second chapter of the all-new movie version of the popular TV anime "Mononoke," which aired on Fuji TV's late-night anime slot "Noitamina" in 2007, have been released. It has been revealed that the main characters of Chapter 2 will be Otomo Button and Tokita Fuki, the maids who also appeared in Chapter 1. Tomatsu Haruka will play Otomo Button, the daughter of the senior councilor Otomo, who succeeded Utayama as Otoshiyori, the highest position in the Ooku, and Hikasa Yoko will play Tokita Fuki, who, despite being from a townsperson, was chosen by the Emperor and became an Onchu-ro (courtesy lady) and received his undivided attention.
The trailer shows the medicine seller answering ominously, "Yes, one of them," to the question of Sakashita, the Hiroshikiban guard in charge of security in the Ooku, "You probably got rid of the Mononoke last month." In the second chapter, the fire rat, a Mononoke that burns people, will plunge the Ooku into new chaos. The footage also shows the intentions of the elders regarding the succession of the emperor, and the conflict between the girls who are caught up in those intentions, and includes the line, "I can't forgive you," filled with anger and sadness.
New cast members for Chapter 2 have also been announced, including Cho as Fuki and Saburomaru's father, Tokita Yoshimichi, and Horiuchi Kenyu as Botan's father, the senior councilor Otomo, who controls the shogunate's vested interests.
"Mononoke" is an anime produced by the staff of the popular episode "Bakeneko" of "Ayakashi", which was broadcast on Noitamina in 2006. The story depicts the supernatural tale of a medicine seller who appeared in "Bakeneko" confronting a Mononoke.
"Mononoke the Movie: Karakasa" is the first new anime in about 17 years since the TV anime broadcast in 2007. Following the TV anime, it will be directed by Kenji Nakamura and produced by EOTA. Set in the Ooku, where women's passions swirl, a medicine seller pursues the true identity of the "Mononoke". The new movie will have three chapters, with the first chapter, "Mononoke the Movie: Karakasa," being released on July 26th, and the second chapter, "Mononoke the Movie: Chapter 2: Fire Rat," being released on March 14th, 2025.
Comments from each cast member are as follows.
◇Comment from Kamiya Hiroshi, who plays the medicine seller
In Chapter 1, the mindset of the women working in the Ooku brought the Karakasa, but what and who in the Ooku will bring the Fire Rat in Chapter 2? Please look forward to the medicine seller's new adventures!
◇Comment from Haruka Tomatsu, who plays Button Otomo
In an environment where each person has a hidden relationship and where you can't survive in a female-dominated society, I think Button is a truly strong woman with a strong core and convictions. She has a straightforward personality that values rules and regulations, so there were many aspects of her that I admired while playing her, such as her ability to stick to the truth. Please look forward to the release!
◇Comment from Yoko Hikasa, who plays Fuki Tokita
The worldview and color of Mononoke are unique. It is something that cannot be seen just by reading the script, but is completed only with the pictures. It is because it is captivating only with the pictures that the gaps, spaces, and various flags are scattered, and it seems as if the work itself has an invisible power. Fuki is very human. Can we answer the question of what it means to be human in the Ooku, where even life is used as a tool? I would like to play her strengths and weaknesses like swaying small waves, living in a world where superiority, jealousy, and emotion are all boiled down.
◇Comment from Kaji Yuki, who plays Tokita Saburomaru
I am very happy to be able to continue playing the role of Tokita Saburomaru. One of the central themes in this work, "Fire Rat," is the existence of the "Tokida family." With the appearance of his older sister Fuki and father Yoshiji, the intentions of the families become even more complicated. And the truth is revealed. I think this is another work that is packed with the charm of a human drama. As for Saburomaru, I think you will be able to see a different side of him as a son and a brother, different from the guardian he was in the previous work, "Karakasa." Please enjoy the more detailed and profound world of "Mononoke" that could only be depicted in a trilogy at the theater!
◇Comment from Cho, who plays Tokita Yoshimichi
It's an interesting animation. I felt a unique worldview. I couldn't help but imagine, "What would it be like if this was made into a live-action film?" I thought I played the role of Tokita Yoshimichi in a straightforward manner, but I wonder if it was okay. The people around him were too unique, so I'm a bit worried... Please give me your criticism.
◇Comment from Kenyu Horiuchi, who plays the role of Elder State Councilor Otomo
I was given the important and difficult role of Otomo in this production, which was a great honor for me as an actor. The emotions of each character were intertwined in this very profound production. I hope everyone enjoys it. I have no doubt that it will stay with you forever.
