Horror anime fans often have a hard time finding something unique to add to their watchlist, but Crunchyroll’s Yamishibai: Japanese Ghost Stories is an oasis that many enthusiasts seem to overlook. The streaming site hosts all 11 seasons of the anthology series, meaning viewers are spoiled for choice about the type of urban terror they want. For those who are anxiously awaiting Halloween, this is the perfect anime to enjoy as the seasons change.
ILCA has been releasing Yamishibai episodes since 2013, so it’s not an exaggeration to say that there are over a hundred episodes available. The anime doesn’t seem to enter the conversation much though, which is a shame – its unique art style and anthology structure deliver creepy visuals that still feel fresh even when with a strong focus on urban ghost stories.
Yamishibai’s strength is its simple urban horror genre
The most interesting feature of Yamishibai is how it uses a unique art style to deliver scares. Drawing on kamishibai paper stages, the anime presents the episodes as stories told by a traveling puppeteer. This is what creates the anime’s anthology structure. True to its inspiration, ILCA paints each episode in bold colors and uses limited animation and filters to make the stories look like pulp magazines or puppet shows come to life . The shorter episodes, each lasting about five minutes, also fit the show’s frame, giving the audience a quick thrill.
This allows for a series of concise horror films that never overstay their welcome. Most horror anime relies on mystery to complement its scares, leading to complex myths that can distract viewers eager for darker plots. However, Yamishibai goes back to basics by making us fear the familiar, turning everyday things like public transportation and moving into a new apartment into something terrifying.
The anime is not without criticism, as some feel that ILCA failed to capture the appeal of the first two seasons when the series first began. However, the same could be said for any horror franchise whose mascot is featured too many times in prequels and sequels. While Yamishibai gets bored easily when trying to enjoy its many small thrills, it also means that one can leave it alone for a while and be ready to come back for more. With Crunchyroll ensuring no episode is out of reach, Yamishibai: Japanese Ghost Stories perfect for every anime fan’s watchlist.
