“Mononoke the Movie: Fire Rat” main characters are Haruka Tomatsu and Yoko Hikasa! Hiroshi Kamiya and other cast comments and trailer released

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The key visual and first trailer of “Mononoke the Movie Chapter 2 Fire Rat”, which will be released nationwide on March 14, 2025, have been released. The main characters for Chapter 2 have also been announced, and we have received comments from the six gorgeous cast members, including Hiroshi Kamiya, Haruka Tomatsu, Yoko Hikasa, and Yuki Kaji.

“Mononokai” is derived from “Bakeneko”, a part of “Kai ~ayakashi~” which recorded an unusually high audience rating on Fuji TV’s “Noitamina” slot in 2006, and was broadcast as a TV series in 2007. This anime has been extremely popular for 17 years since its release.
The story unfolds as a mysterious man, a drug dealer, travels through different countries in order to quell the monsters caused by the Mononokai possessed by people’s passions and grudges.

In July 2024, the first animated film “Mononoke Karagasa” was released, and thanks to the enthusiasm of the fans who had been waiting for it, it recorded an amazingly long run. It also received high praise from overseas, winning both the Best Animated Feature Award and the Bronze Audience Award at the 28th Fantasia International Film Festival.

The movie “Mononokai” consists of three chapters. The second sequel to “Mononoke the Movie: Karagasa”, “Mononoke the Movie: Fire Rat” is scheduled to be released nationwide on March 14, 2025.

The original and dense visual beauty of “Mononokai” includes a gorgeous worldview that resembles a picture scroll that utilizes Japanese paper textures, and the mysterious charm of the main character, the drug seller. While these remain the same, the story develops and deepens further in the second chapter.

The film focuses on the intrigues and conflicts between the families in Ookuchi, who are competing to become the heir to the Son of Heaven who rules the world, and goes a step further into depicting the conflicts and anguish that swirl in the hearts of the women who are at their mercy. The passion that burns like hellfire eventually gives birth to a strange being, the Mononokai…
As Ooku is faced with another crisis, a medicine seller steps in with a “sword of exorcism”. A new battle begins in Chapter 2.

The teaser visual released this time depicts a medicine seller facing off against the “Fire Rat” who appears as the Mononokai in this work, and deploying his amulet in a dazzling manner.
Why did the Fire Rat appear in Ooku, and what does he suffer from and what does he desire? The words “What can you not forgive?” are also impressive, reminding us of the sad events hidden behind the scenes.

At the same time, the first trailer video has also been released. In the video, when Sakashita, the Hiroki guard in charge of security in Ooku, asks, “I guess you exorcised the Mononokai last month,” a medicine seller appears with a disturbing answer, “Yes, one thing.”

True to his words, the monono monster Hiratsuke, who burns people, plunges Ooku into a new chaos. In this video, you can see the speculations of the elders regarding the succession of the Son of Heaven, and the conflict between the daughters who are caught up in those speculations.

Also revealed are the main characters who will be active in the second chapter. The maids “Otomo Botan” and “Tokita Fuki,” who also appeared in the first chapter, become important characters. We have also received comments from the voice actors who are in charge of a total of 6 characters.

Haruka Tomatsu will play Botan Otomo, the daughter of Otomo, a senior roju, who succeeded Utayama as Otoshiyori, the highest position in Ooku.
Yoko Hikasa will continue to play the role of Tokita Fuki, who is originally a townsman but is seen by Tenshi-sama and becomes his chujo, and is loved by him.

It was also announced that the new cast for Chapter 2 will be Cho, who will play Yoshiji Tokita, the father of Fuki and Saburomaru, and Keno Horiuchi, who will play Otomo, Botan’s father who is in charge of the Shogunate’s interests.

The second Mubichike card-type advance ticket (with special benefits) is currently on sale, and the design of the medicine vendor and divine ritual has been a hit. It can be purchased at screening theaters nationwide and on various online shopping sites.
As a limited quantity purchase bonus, you will receive a “Silhouette Design Tenugui (half size)” with motifs such as balances, rats, flames, and pieces.

Additionally, from noon tomorrow, December 5th (Thursday), a project will be held for those who purchase Mubichike advance tickets (online) to win invitation tickets to the stage greeting and scripts signed by the cast.

“Mononoke the Movie Chapter 2 Fire Rat” will be released nationwide from March 14, 2025.
Who exactly were the words “unforgivable” aimed at, filled with anger and sadness? Please check it out at the theater.

Medicine seller: Hiroshi Kamiya

In the first chapter, the knowledge of the women working in O-oku attracted the Karagasa, but in the second chapter, what is it about O-oku that invites the fire rat?
Please look forward to the new activities of the medicine seller!

Role of Otomo Button: Haruka Tomatsu

I think that Botan is a truly strong woman with a strong core and beliefs, in an environment where each human relationship has its own hidden secrets, and in a female society where you have to be strong to survive.
She has a straightforward personality that values ​​rules and regulations, so there were many aspects of her that I admired when I played her role.
Look forward to the release!!

Role of Fuki Tokita: Yoko Hikasa

Mononokai’s worldview and colors are unique.
It’s something you can’t see just by reading the script, but it can only be completed with pictures.
Because the paintings alone are captivating, the works themselves are filled with gaps, spaces, and various flags, making it seem as if they contain an invisible power.

Fuki smells very human.
Can Ooku, who uses even life as a tool, be able to answer the question of what it means to be human?
I would like to be able to portray her strengths and weaknesses as she lives in a world where her sense of superiority, jealousy, and affection are all simmering down like swaying waves.

Tokita Saburomaru: Yuki Kaji

I am very happy that I will continue to play the role of Tokita Saburomaru. One of the central points of the story of this work, “Fire Rat,” is the existence of the “Tokita family.” Her older sister, Fuki, and her father, Yoshiji, also appear, and the family backgrounds become even more intricately intertwined. And the truth is revealed. I think this time as well, the charm of this human drama has been condensed into one piece.
Also, as for Saburomaru, I hope you will get a glimpse of his side as a son and younger brother, which is completely different from the role he played in the previous work “Karagasa.” Please come to the theater and enjoy the more detailed and profound world of “Mononoke” that was only possible through the trilogy!

Tokita Ryoji: Cho

That’s an interesting touch to the animation.
I felt a unique worldview.
I couldn’t help but imagine, “What would happen if this was filmed live?”
I thought I was just playing the role of Yoshiji Tokita, but I wonder if it was okay.
I’m a little worried because the people around me are so unique… Please tell me no.

Role of Otomo, an old man: Keno Horiuchi

In this work, I was given the important and difficult role of Otomo, which was a blessing to me as an actor.
It was a very profound work with a lot of emotions intertwined with each other. I hope you all enjoy it.
It’s sure to leave a lasting impression on you.

(C) Twin engine