It has been revealed that Kabuki actor Onoe Matsuya will play Kindaichi Kosuke in the new film "Yatsuhakamura" (released September 18th). Matsuya, who will play the popular character previously portrayed by great stars of yesteryear such as Atsumi Etsushi Toyokawa Etsushi and Yoshioka Hidetaka, said, "I never imagined that the day would come when I would be given the opportunity to play Kindaichi Kosuke, so I was very surprised. This time, under the direction of Shimizu Takashi, a new Yatsuhakamura has been born, and I think that Yokomizo Seishi's masterpiece has been created with a perspective and direction that has never been seen before."
"Yatsuhaka Village" is a classic mystery novel written by Seishi Yokomizo in 1949 and has been adapted into film and television numerous times throughout the ages. It depicts a series of murders that take place in Yatsuhaka Village, a village with a history of gruesome incidents, and gained popularity with its catchphrase, "It's a curse!"
The film is directed by Takashi Shimizu, known as a leading figure in J-horror, who has worked on the "Ju-on" series and "Inunaki Village." It is said that the film is a major mystery that makes the most of Shimizu's unique horror direction and reconstructs the original appeal of a "bizarre fantasy romance adventure story."
The main cast members other than Kindaichi have also been announced. Tomoya Oku Oku will play Tatsuya Igawa, a young man who gets caught up in a series of murders while tracing his deceased mother's roots in Yatsuhaka Village, and Mayu Hotta will play Mayu Hotta Mori, the heroine and a beautiful widow. Reiko Takashima will play the twin elderly women Kotake and Koume of the Tajimi family, the most prominent family in Yatsuhaka Village, and Kenichi Takito, the mastermind behind a gruesome incident that occurred in Yatsuhaka Village in the past, and his eldest son Hisaya. Furthermore, Kazutoyo Koyabu will play Inspector Isokawa of the Okayama Prefectural Police, who pursues the truth of the case together with Kindaichi, played by Matsuya, and Kiyohiko Shibukawa and Masanobu Takashima will appear as characters who hold the key to the gruesome incident in the past.
◇Story
With no job offers and no girlfriend, university student Tatsuya Igawa receives news of his mother's death. Invited by the eccentric detective Kosuke Kindaichi, he visits "Yatsuhaka Village," hidden deep in the mountains of Okayama Prefecture. Sealed memories of his roots and vengeful spirits awaken. In the village, a series of inexplicable murders occur, seemingly timed to Tatsuya's return as the heir to the vast fortune of the prestigious Tajimi family. He becomes entangled in the case alongside Kosuke Kindaichi. The beautiful widow Miyako Mori, his twin great-aunts, the eerie villagers—
The secrets of "Yatsuhaka," unknown to anyone, are now revealed. Welcome to the ultimate nightmare.
◇Matsuya Onoe: as Kosuke Kindaichi
My name is Matsuya Onoe, and I will be playing the role of Kosuke Kindaichi in the film "Yatsuhaka-mura." I never imagined that the day would come when I would be able to play the role of Kosuke Kindaichi, so I was very surprised. Throughout the filming period, my joy only grew day by day. This time, under the direction of Takashi Shimizu, a new "Yatsuhaka-mura" has been born, and I think that Yokomizo Seishi's masterpiece has been created with a perspective and direction that has never been seen before. We have a wonderful cast, and I am overflowing with the desire for many people to see it as soon as possible. Please come and see for yourself what kind of "Yatsuhaka-mura" has been born! We look forward to seeing you there.
◇ Tomoya Oku Oku: Plays the role of Tatsuya Igawa
My name is Tomoya Oku, and I will be playing the role of Tatsuya Igawa in the film "Yatsuhaka-mura." I feel incredibly honored to be involved in such a historically significant work, but at the same time, I also feel a great sense of responsibility and pressure.
I feel that "Yatsuhaka-mura" is not only a grand mystery, but also a coming-of-age story for Tatsuya. I focused on portraying how he grows as he encounters various people and receives their words of wisdom. Filming at the Hirokane residence and the limestone cave was particularly memorable, and I felt the history and weight of the work firsthand. I was also inspired by the overwhelming presence of my co-stars, and I am grateful for the valuable time I spent there. Please come and see the new "Yatsuhaka-mura" in theaters.
◇ Mayu Hotta: Plays the role of Miyako Mori
I feel incredibly honored to have been a part of this long-loved Kindaichi Kosuke series, especially to be a part of a work that remains in the memories of so many people. Filming in Okayama was surrounded by beautiful nature and a somewhat mystical atmosphere, and being able to act in the same locations as the 1977 version allowed me to immerse myself even more deeply in the world of the story. Furthermore, under the guidance of director Takashi Shimizu, I learned a great deal not only about the character's emotions but also about directing, and it was a very stimulating experience.
It depicts not only horror, but also human karma, sorrow, love, and chilling scenes reminiscent of curses. We are delighted to be able to present the 2026 version of "Yatsuhaka Village" to you once again after all this time.
◇Reiko Takashima: Plays the roles of Kotake and Koume Tajimi (two roles)
This was my first time appearing in a work based on a novel by Seishi Yokomizo, an author I've loved since childhood, so as a mystery lover, I was very happy. Moreover, it was my first time playing twins. The lead actor, Matsuya Onoe, has been active in a wide range of fields recently, including musicals and films, so I was very much looking forward to working with the energetic Matsuya. And since I hadn't worked with director Takashi Shimizu since "Inunaki Village," I was really looking forward to filming and was full of enthusiasm.
◇ Kenichi Takito: Plays the roles of Hisaya and Yozo Tajimi (two roles)
Is there a more important role than this? When I was offered the role, I hesitated, thinking, "No way, haha, this is impossible." The image of Tsutomu Yamazaki as Yozo Tajimi that I saw as a child was so powerful that it's still burned into my memory. It was a very kind offer, but a warning bell was ringing inside me telling me I shouldn't do it (laughs). Yet, why did I accept this important role...? I don't understand myself at all. Before I knew it, I was devouring the original novel. When I checked the monitor in the cave where we filmed on the first day, Yozo Tajimi was there. I was amazed by the boundless power of the staff. I was captivated by director Takashi Shimizu's worldview, and I felt so fortunate to be able to live as Yozo Tajimi, Hisaya, in such a wonderful team.
I am grateful to be able to play the role of Tajimi Yozo, the worst tyrant in history, in a mystery work that the world can be proud of. I hope that this "Yatsuhaka Village" will respect the past "Yatsuhaka Village" while delivering a new world to everyone.
◇Shintaro Ogai: Script
When I was in junior high school, I was drawn to a book with an intensely eerie and terrifying title: "Yatsuhaka-mura" (The Village of Eight Graves). That was my first encounter with the original novel. Now, about 30 years later, I feel a strange sense of destiny in being involved in this film adaptation as a screenwriter. This film centers on a mystery that follows the unraveling of a series of murders that occur in a closed-off village community, while also reflecting the loneliness and human karma that lurk in the modern world we live in. What is the truth hidden behind the name "Yatsuhaka-mura"? Please come and witness the answer in theaters.
◇Takashi Shimizu: Director and co-screenwriter
With a sense of awe towards the great original work, the numerous film adaptations, and the many fans of the original and Kindaichi, I approached this new "Yatsuhaka Village" and Kindaichi with determination. While incorporating new interpretations and original plot developments, I intended to depict the darkness and karma of humanity that resonates even in modern times. Is it the curse or the hex that is truly terrifying? I hope you enjoy this new portrayal of Kindaichi as he confronts the mysteries of humanity and the world.
