A special screening event for "Mononoke: The Movie Chapter 3 - Serpent God," the third and final chapter of the "Mononoke: The Movie" trilogy, a brand new theatrical film series based on the popular TV anime "Mononoke ," was held in Tokyo on May 16th. Hiroshi Kamiya, who plays the main character, the Medicine Seller, Daisuke Hosomi, who plays Sakashita, and director Kenji Nakamura appeared at the event. The three appeared in kimonos, and Kamiya smiled, saying, "I always get compliments on my Japanese clothing. I think it's because I have sloping shoulders." Director Nakamura, who looked so good in his kimono that people around him called him "Master," said with a smile, "Kamiya-san and Hosomi-san are like my apprentices," and the event started in a friendly atmosphere.
At the event, in addition to revival screenings of the first chapter, "Karakasa," and the second chapter, "Hinezumi," the first 20 minutes of the third chapter, "Hebigami," were unveiled. Regarding his feelings when working on "Karakasa," the first of the three chapters, Director Nakamura, the creator of the "Mononoke" series, touched upon the passage of time, saying, "There was quite a gap between the TV series and the making of the theatrical film. During that time, the world changed, animation technology changed, and many things changed." He confessed his struggles, saying, "Amidst all that, we tried to incorporate the good parts and do our best to preserve what should be preserved. Rather than following current animation trends, it was difficult to sort out what was right for ' Mononoke'," while reminiscing about that time.
Kamiya, who appeared in a work directed by Nakamura for the first time with "Karakasa," commented that when he saw the teaser trailer for "Karakasa," "I think it was only about 90 seconds long, but I felt that it was going to be an incredible work." He said he was surprised when he saw the finished product, which was extremely dense in both visuals and sound, and exclaimed, "No way!" That's why he said that up until the third chapter, he had the feeling that "I wonder if it will ever be completed." Director Nakamura expressed his gratitude, saying that he was encouraged by everyone's comments and support, and that if even one person wrote a comment saying, "I'm looking forward to it," he thought, "Okay! Let's do it." All the staff were encouraged as well, and that they were able to come this far thanks to the love of the fans.
Kamiya said that the series deepens in discovery and understanding with each viewing, and described its appeal by saying, "In fact, all the answers are presented on the screen, and it's a matter of whether you overlook them or not, and whether you understand their meaning or not. You realize that this is a work that completely changes how you view it. I thought, 'The director is amazing.'"
In the second chapter, "The Fire Rat," a change was also seen in the relationship between the medicine seller and Sakashita, the guard in charge of security in the inner palace. The exquisite combination of the two has also captivated many fans, and Hosomi recalled, "I first met Kamiya-san when we did 'The Umbrella.' We did the voice recording together, without knowing what kind of acting he would do." He continued, "It was a huge help to be able to act while receiving Kamiya-san's acting. As we progressed through the first and second chapters, the relationship between Kamiya-san and me also came into play in the acting. In the second chapter, we became even closer, and that was reflected in the role of Sakashita. His concentration on acting is wonderful, and you can feel how Kamiya-san breathes life into the screen even when you're standing next to him. I was inspired by that and was able to act. If it weren't for Kamiya-san, Sakashita wouldn't have been possible." He emphasized that Sakashita wouldn't have been possible without Kamiya-san's portrayal of the medicine seller.
Kamiya described Hosomi as "a very likable person with a mysterious charm," and expressed his feelings, saying, "It's fun being with Hosomi. Even when I meet him for voice recording, I can relax. He's a great help." It seems that Kamiya and Hosomi always did voice recording together, and Director Nakamura testified, "They both seemed to be having a great time. They were very friendly and cheerful even after it was over." He also mentioned that Sakashita has a moment to shine in the third chapter, and added, "The Medicine Seller is cool, but he's also difficult to talk to. It's helpful for the Medicine Seller and for us production staff if there's someone who can challenge him with a 'What's your problem?' If there isn't someone to put pressure on him, the Medicine Seller's personality won't really come through."
Kamiya, who expressed his gratitude for Sakashita's presence, smiled and added, "I'm sure the medicine seller also has a very positive impression of him." Regarding Sakashita's importance in the series, Hosomi said, "In everyday life, when you become friends with someone, at first you take what they say at face value, but gradually you start to understand the underlying meaning and hidden aspects of their words. I tried to listen to and speak the medicine seller's lines with the thought, 'I hope I can do that,'" emphasizing that he cherished the relationship between the two characters while acting.
In the third and final chapter, "The Serpent God," the "biggest secret" that has been kept hidden within the Ooku (women's quarters of the Edo Castle) for a long time will be revealed. Regarding the highlights, Director Nakamura said that the action is also worth watching, saying, "In a small room, the Medicine Seller jumps and spins in a cool way. When I was drawing the storyboards, I was like, 'Wow!'" Kamiya said, "The final destination is 'The Serpent God.' In the first and second chapters, I was trying to find a pace so as not to give my all while acting. The Medicine Seller himself was also trying to figure out how to enter the Ooku. That's where I and the Medicine Seller are linked." He added emphatically that in "The Serpent God," "the feeling of finding the final destination and thinking, 'If I head towards that, this story will be completed. My purpose will be fulfilled,' is also linked." He urged viewers to "please watch" the Medicine Seller as he charges ahead towards his goal.
Finally, Kamiya expressed his overwhelming emotions, saying, "The ' Mononoke: The Movie' series is finally coming to an end. It's so moving." He proudly added, "Everything that wasn't revealed in the first and second chapters will be revealed in the third chapter. All the mysteries will be solved. This ' Mononoke' has everything you've been waiting for. It's the most entertaining film ever."
Hosomi appealed, "This is a 90-minute film that will keep you glued to the screen. I hope that as many people as possible will be able to hear about Director Nakamura's passionate feelings! I would be grateful if you could help spread the word to the world!"
Director Nakamura, reiterating that there were "difficult times," thanked the staff, saying, "Everyone was very motivated and worked hard as if it were a festival. I wanted to bring all of the staff with me." He then promised, "We've packed in everything that everyone wanted to see," which was met with loud applause.
"Mononoke: The Movie" is set in the Ooku (women's quarters of Edo Castle), a place swirling with the passions of women, and follows a medicine seller as he tries to uncover the true identity of the "Mononoke." The first chapter, "Karakasa," was released in July 2024, and the second chapter, "Hinezumi," was released in March 2025. The third chapter, "Hebigami," will be released on May 29th.
"Mononoke" is an anime produced by the same staff who worked on the popular episode "Bakeneko" from "Ayakashi," which aired on Fuji TV's Noitamina anime block in 2006. It aired on Noitamina in 2007. The story depicts a supernatural tale in which the medicine seller who appeared in "Bakeneko" confronts a Mononoke.
