GeGeGe no Kitaro

Nearly twenty years into the 21st century, yokai have faded from human memory and life runs on routine. Strange incidents begin to unsettle adults, incidents that science and reason can't explain. Thirteen-year-old Mana, unsettled by the growing oddities, sends a letter to the old Yokai Post looking for help. Instead of a conventional answer she meets Kitarou, a ghostly boy who acts as a bridge between the human world and the realm of spirits. Kitarou, with his odd allies and quirky household of creatures, aims to shed light on the disturbances while guiding Mana through encounters that mix humor with the eerie, keeping the focus on mystery and character rather than shocking revelations.

This 2018 TV adaptation comes from Shigeru Mizuki's original manga, updated for modern audiences. The anime features Miyuki Sawashiro as Kitarou and Masako Nozawa as Medama-Oyaji, and it revisits classic designs with contemporary animation and voice talent.

The series didn't make headlines for major international awards, yet it helped sustain interest in Mizuki's work among anime fans. While it may not have swept prize lists, the show reinforced the franchise's presence on television and streaming platforms.

GeGeGe no Kitarou continues to be a cultural touchstone in Japan, known for popularizing yokai imagery and keeping traditional supernatural folklore visible in pop culture. Its characters, especially Kitarou and Medama-Oyaji, remain familiar figures, and the show keeps inspiring manga, merchandise, and references across media.

Critical response tends to be favorable, with a Vote Average of 7.2/10 from viewers. Reviewers and fans note the show's mix of comedy and supernatural action, its respect for folklore, and its exploration of how modern life overlooks the strange. Episodes balance lighthearted moments with moral themes about memory, community, and the consequences of ignoring what you don't understand.