Right now, there has never been a better time to be an anime fan. From original shows to returning hits, the industry is giving us everything. Now, it seems a classic anime is about to return. Mononoke, one of the most visually striking anime of the '00s, is making its return with a new feature film. The release of Mononoke the Movie: Ashes of Rage in Japan is the perfect occasion to revisit the 2007 series as it is seen as an artistic triumph, making it a cult classic of its era.

Earlier this week, Mononoke the Movie: Ashes of Rage dropped a special music video to drum up excitement around its return. Featuring all-new animation, the clip offers a sneak peek at the film and showcases the haunting theme song “Hanamusou” by Aina the End, lead vocalist of the Japanese idol group BiSH. This latest installment of Mononoke promises to build on the legacy of the original anime while introducing fresh elements to dazzle both longtime fans and new audiences.

The Origins of Mononoke, a Quiet Anime Giant

From Late-Night TV to the Silver Screen

Originally, Mononoke began its anime journey in 2007 as a spin-off of the anthology TV anime series Ayakashi: Samurai Horror Tales. Created as another type of anthology tale, Mononoke focuses on a mysterious Medicine Seller, a wandering exorcist who is tasked with eliminating malevolent spirits across the land. Every encounter with these supernatural beings, which are known as mononoke, requires the Medicine Seller to uncover their Form, Truth, and Reason —a process that often involves unraveling the darker aspects of human nature. Simply imagine Demon Slayer but with a more profound and philosophical angle, and then you’ve got something a bit like Mononoke.

Although Mononoke aired on Japanese TV during a late-night slot, the original 12-episode series proved captivating enough to eventually make the leap to the silver screen. In 2024, Mononoke the Movie: The Phantom in the Rain was released globally to top reviews, and it is currently available to stream on Netflix. Mononoke the Movie: The Phantom in the Rain is the first of a planned trilogy as Mononoke the Movie: Ashes of Rage serves as the second entry.

Mononoke Is A Visual Feast Like No Other

The Anime Is a Work of Art in Every Frame

Back in 2007, the thing that truly set Mononoke apart from other anime was its stunning visual style. The series draws heavily from traditional Japanese art forms such as ukiyo-e woodblock prints and kabuki theater, creating a surreal and otherworldly mood all its own. There is no mistaking Mononoke once you see its distinct art style, and that kind of visual identity is hard to negotiate in a busy industry.

Mononoke’s use of vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and painterly compositions gives the anime an impressive sense of high quality. Indeed, you could take any frame of animation from Mononoke, hang it on your wall, and call it a breathtaking work of art. Much of the credit goes to art director Takeshi Waki and Toei Animation who can now count Mononoke among their most impressive achievements.

Who Is The Visionary Behind the Series Of Mononoke?

Kenji Nakamura Brings Characters (and Spirits) to Life

Amazingly, the original Mononoke was the first anime series directed by Kenji Nakamura although he had directed various anime episodes beforehand. With Mononoke, he quickly established himself as a master stylist, skillfully blending drama, the supernatural, and history across the series’ original run.

Additionally, the character design by Takashi Hashimoto, a veteran of Naruto and One Piece, gave life to the enigmatic Medicine Seller and the haunting spirits he encountered. The collaborative effort of these skilled creators ensured Mononoke stood out not just for its knockout visuals but also for its compelling, multilayered approach to storytelling.

Mononoke Is A Cult Classic Worth Revisiting

Take the Invitation to Explore Mononoke’s World

Despite its critical acclaim, Mononoke remains one of the more underappreciated anime series of the '00s. While its art style and unconventional storytelling have been widely praised, its niche appeal kept the anime from becoming a massive hit. However, that’s okay. Over time, Mononoke has garnered a dedicated cult following — one that deserves to grow with the release of the new movie later this year.

The recently released music video for Mononoke the Movie: Ashes of Rage serves as both a celebration of the franchise’s legacy and a tantalizing preview of what’s to come. As the Medicine Seller prepares to step onto the screen once more, it’s clear that Mononoke remains a vital and unforgettable part of anime history. If you haven’t yet experienced this singular series, now is the time to immerse yourself in its strange and beautiful world. Mononoke is more than an anime: it’s a work of art, a philosophical exploration, and a testament to the boundless creativity of the medium.