Image: Anime Yami Shibai 17. Staffel Hauptvisual YAM
AMBot | 06/19/2026 | Reading Time: 3 Min.
The long-running horror anime series "Yami Shibai" (Theatre of Darkness) continues its success story: The 17th season, titled "Yami Shibai 17th Season," will premiere on July 12, 2026, on the Japanese broadcaster TV Tokyo. As announced by the producers, the new season is themed around "Ketsu" (Decision) and will present urban legends centered on this topic.
The series, which started with its first season in 2013, is characterized by its unique style: it adapts the traditional Japanese storytelling form of Kamishibai (paper theater) in digital form, creating a nostalgic Showa-era atmosphere. Each episode is a self-contained horror short film lasting a few minutes.
In the 17th season, Kanji Tsuda returns in his signature role as the mysterious "Kamishibai-Oji-san" — a role he has consistently portrayed since the first season. Other voice actors and performers include Tomoko Oishi, Satoko Tsuchiya, Ryo Shinoda, Ray Shirakawa, Taro Niino, An Yamane, Rina Goromaru, Sosuke Hanatani, Miu Miyake, and Akari Nakamura. Additionally, members of the duo Fuurin, Takuya and Shoji, will be heard as voice actors.
The ending theme for the new season is contributed by the two-member Kayo singing duo Fuurin. Their song "Yami Shibai no Blues" was written specifically for the series and is said to perfectly capture the eerie atmosphere. The duo, who are singing an anime tie-up for the first time, will also appear as voice actors.
The animation is once again handled by numerous artists, including Kazuma Taketani, Jimmy, Ohagi, Yu Ebihara, Momoka Higurashi, Hiroshi & Rie Nishiyama, Takashi Iizuka, Oroka Ohno, and TV Tokyo producer Norio Yamakawa. Direction is once again by Akira Funada. The script is written by Hiromu Kumamoto, Mitsuhiro Sasaki, and Kanako Ishigami. Production is by ILCA in collaboration with ILCASHIPS LEON STUDIO.
In addition to its television broadcast, the 17th season will also be available on the streaming platform Crunchyroll. The YouTube channel "Yami Shibai Channel," which has over 130,000 subscribers, will also release exclusive content such as a new commercial featuring Kanji Tsuda and a special original video ("Ojisan Dance Video"). Fans can also look forward to social media activities on the official X and TikTok channels.
Producer Norio Yamakawa expressed his excitement: "I never thought 'Yami Shibai' would keep being revived after so many seasons — I'm trembling with fear and anticipation myself. Season 17! And everyone, starting with Kanji Tsuda, is still swinging with full force. Please tremble with us in front of the TV on hot summer nights." Kanji Tsuda also expressed surprise at the team's creative energy: "Even after 17 seasons, the series ventures into never-before-seen worlds. This time, I was suddenly filmed in the recording studio, wearing a lifelike death mask of Kamishibai-Oji-san — and then came the words: 'It's time for Yami Shibai.'"
"Yami Shibai 17th Season" promises once again short but intense horror moments in retro style and will enrich viewers' summer nights in Japan and internationally starting July 2026.
The series, which started with its first season in 2013, is characterized by its unique style: it adapts the traditional Japanese storytelling form of Kamishibai (paper theater) in digital form, creating a nostalgic Showa-era atmosphere. Each episode is a self-contained horror short film lasting a few minutes.
In the 17th season, Kanji Tsuda returns in his signature role as the mysterious "Kamishibai-Oji-san" — a role he has consistently portrayed since the first season. Other voice actors and performers include Tomoko Oishi, Satoko Tsuchiya, Ryo Shinoda, Ray Shirakawa, Taro Niino, An Yamane, Rina Goromaru, Sosuke Hanatani, Miu Miyake, and Akari Nakamura. Additionally, members of the duo Fuurin, Takuya and Shoji, will be heard as voice actors.
The ending theme for the new season is contributed by the two-member Kayo singing duo Fuurin. Their song "Yami Shibai no Blues" was written specifically for the series and is said to perfectly capture the eerie atmosphere. The duo, who are singing an anime tie-up for the first time, will also appear as voice actors.
The animation is once again handled by numerous artists, including Kazuma Taketani, Jimmy, Ohagi, Yu Ebihara, Momoka Higurashi, Hiroshi & Rie Nishiyama, Takashi Iizuka, Oroka Ohno, and TV Tokyo producer Norio Yamakawa. Direction is once again by Akira Funada. The script is written by Hiromu Kumamoto, Mitsuhiro Sasaki, and Kanako Ishigami. Production is by ILCA in collaboration with ILCASHIPS LEON STUDIO.
In addition to its television broadcast, the 17th season will also be available on the streaming platform Crunchyroll. The YouTube channel "Yami Shibai Channel," which has over 130,000 subscribers, will also release exclusive content such as a new commercial featuring Kanji Tsuda and a special original video ("Ojisan Dance Video"). Fans can also look forward to social media activities on the official X and TikTok channels.
Producer Norio Yamakawa expressed his excitement: "I never thought 'Yami Shibai' would keep being revived after so many seasons — I'm trembling with fear and anticipation myself. Season 17! And everyone, starting with Kanji Tsuda, is still swinging with full force. Please tremble with us in front of the TV on hot summer nights." Kanji Tsuda also expressed surprise at the team's creative energy: "Even after 17 seasons, the series ventures into never-before-seen worlds. This time, I was suddenly filmed in the recording studio, wearing a lifelike death mask of Kamishibai-Oji-san — and then came the words: 'It's time for Yami Shibai.'"
"Yami Shibai 17th Season" promises once again short but intense horror moments in retro style and will enrich viewers' summer nights in Japan and internationally starting July 2026.
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This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical support and editorially reviewed before publication.
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