It was revealed on July 5th that a new project for the popular anime series "Mononoke" has begun. A promotional video was released, unveiling the "third medicine seller" to appear in the series, Ken no Ken (Ken's Medicine Seller). He is the third medicine seller, following Ri no Ken (Ri's Medicine Seller) from the TV anime series and Kon no Ken (Kon's Medicine Seller) from the theatrical anime film, and the character design was handled by Koko Nagata, who also worked on the theatrical anime film. Hirotaka Araki, who played the medicine seller in the stage play "Mononoke," will be voicing Ken no Ken. It was also announced that completely new novels, each featuring Ri, Kon, and Ken no Ken as the main characters, will be released by Kadokawa Bunko (KADOKAWA).
In the "Mononoke" series, it has been revealed that there are 64 main characters, the Medicine Sellers. In "Mononoke: The Movie Chapter 3 - Serpent God," released on May 29th, the Medicine Seller of Kun and the Medicine Seller of Ri fought together, creating a huge buzz among fans. Now, in a PV for a new project, the third Medicine Seller, the Medicine Seller of Inui, has been revealed for the first time.
Director Kenji Nakamura, the creator of the "Mononoke" series, commented, "We are pleased to unveil Ken no Tsurugi, the third medicine seller of 'Yin-Yang Bagua,' wielding the sword of Yang! When he takes 'form,' he has a habit of baring one shoulder, and before the supernatural events begin, he has a carefree and talkative demeanor, but when a Mononoke appears, he suddenly transforms into a sharp and determined persona. His demon-slaying sword is a vulture-motif blade with excellent foresight. It is an entity that appeases and slashes away passions, and we hope you will remember the spirited 'Funeral Slash'! Please look forward to further updates!!"
Araki, who plays the role of Inui's Medicine Seller, said, "I am honored to be given the role of Inui's Medicine Seller. Having previously played the roles of Ri's Medicine Seller and Kun's Medicine Seller on stage, being able to play Inui's Medicine Seller holds great significance for me. During the voice recording, I was able to work closely with the director and the entire company, which allowed Inui's Medicine Seller to be successfully brought to life. I hope you will look forward to the day when we can share this with you all."
"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.
The first chapter of the new theatrical anime "Mononoke: The Movie" trilogy, "Karakasa," was released in July 2024, and the second chapter, "Hinezumi," was released in March 2025. The final chapter, the third chapter, "Hebigami," was released on May 29th.
