TV Tokyo announced on the 12th that a new series of the anime Theatre of Darkness: Yamishibai will be broadcast. Yamishibai Season 16 is scheduled to premiere on January 11, 2026. Kanji Tsuda will reprise his role as the “Storyteller” (the paper theater man) for the sixteenth consecutive season.
Yamishibai Season 16 Poster
This short horror anime series creates a new sensory experience by using digital techniques to replicate kamishibai (paper theater)—a rare art form in modern times. Drenched in a retro Showa-era atmosphere, the show focuses on bizarre urban legends found in everyday life.
The series first generated buzz in July 2013 as a “paper theater horror show starting suddenly late at night on TV Tokyo.” Since then, each season has focused on a different theme; Season 15, broadcast in July 2025, featured episodes inspired by the character “Zan” (Lingering/Remnant). Season 16 will present urban legends revolving around the concept of “Ketsu” (Endings/Connection).
Kanji Tsuda, playing the Storyteller for the sixteenth straight season, continues to shape the show’s unique worldview with his versatile and eerie performance, inviting viewers into a world of unprecedented fear. The cast also features a diverse lineup of talent from television, film, and theater, including Ryō Hirano, Yūta Hoshino, Yū Shimizu, Satoko Tsuchiya, Tomoko Ōishi, Rintarō Sugama, Uan Okada, Yorai Wada, and artist Yō Koizumi.
The scripts are written by Hiromu Kumamoto, Mitsuhiro Sasaki, and Kanako Ishigami, all of whom have worked on numerous entries in the Yamishibai series. Animation is handled by Kazuma Takeya, Yu Ebihara, Momoka Higurashi, Hiroshi & Rie Nishiyama, Takashi Iizuka, and Norio Yamakawa (TV Tokyo). Akira Funada returns from the previous series to direct.
The ending theme will be “Masquerade Night,” a new song by yosugala, who recently made their major debut. yosugala’s intense rock sound, known for lyrical and powerful live performances, will shatter the silence of the dark night and resonate with the world of Yamishibai.
Comments
Ryō Hirano
“I am honored to be involved in such a long-running work. That said, I have participated almost exclusively as the character ‘Taro-chan.’ It is hard to believe more than ten years have passed; I vividly recall the first recording session. Perhaps that is why I was able to slip into the role of Taro-chan for this season without any hesitation (laughs).
At this point, I’m not sure if I am playing Taro-chan, or if I’m just getting work because of him. I joined in the second season, and I remember initially being bewildered by the ‘paper theater’ style—a format I had never experienced before—and the indescribable, creeping sense of dread inherent to the world. However, I believe that unique color is exactly why the show has been loved for so long. Please, ‘step right up and take a look’ at this season as well.”
Yūta Hoshino
“I am Yūta Hoshino. Thank you for always watching. I have participated since Season 11, playing various characters. Since most stories are self-contained, I usually play a different person each episode, but amidst that, the character I have played consistently is Ohara-kun. I first encountered him in Season 12. I am surprised our association has lasted this long.
While I am happy every time his turn comes around, I also feel anxious about how long this relationship will last. After all, this is Yamishibai—you never know when misfortune will strike. I hope viewers will keep an eye on Ohara-kun’s future. There is one other thing weighing on my mind: Taro-chan. To be frank, Taro-chan is scary… I just hope he never crosses paths with Ohara-kun. Please enjoy Yamishibai Season 16.”
Norio Yamakawa (Producer & Animator, TV Tokyo Anime Bureau)
“It may be hard to believe, but we are at Season 16. I have nothing but gratitude for the cast, staff, and viewers who have supported this program for so long. The theme for this season is ‘Ketsu’ (Endings/Connection). How will things conclude? Please look forward to it. Also, for Season 16, I handled the animation for the opening sequence for the first time. May the suspicious voice of the Storyteller reach deep into your hearts.”
Matoi Shiomi (yosugala)
“I have known about Yamishibai since I was in middle and high school, so I am very honored to handle the ending theme. The song we provided, ‘Masquerade Night,’ is a bit darker and more aggressive than yosugala’s usual style. I hope our music can add color to the mysterious worldview of Yamishibai! Please look forward to it.”
Source: OriconNews
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