Usuzumizakura: GARO (2018)
A haunting animated fantasy rooted in Heian Japan, where two onmyouji awaken a thousand-year-old legend tied to fleeting cherry blossoms.
Usuzumizakura: GARO - Movie Information
- Original Title: 薄墨桜 -GARO-
- Release Year: 2018
- Directed by: Satoshi Nishimura
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Animation, Fantasy, Action
- Runtime: 1h 22m
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- Release Date (Theatrical): October 6, 2018 (Japan)
- Alternative Titles: Garo: The Fleeting Cherry Blossom (US)
- Production Companies: Studio M2, Studio VOLN, TFC
- Production Countries: Japan
Usuzumizakura: GARO - Plot
Set during the Heian Period, Kyo is a beautiful city that is proud of its glory. Two beautiful onmyouji meet, and the sad and short-lived beautiful cherry blossom starts to stir after 1000 years.
Where to Watch Usuzumizakura: GARO
Looking for where to watch Usuzumizakura: GARO?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Usuzumizakura: GARO - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Satoshi Nishimura
Main Cast
- Masei Nakayama
- Romi Park
- Akiko Yajima
- Atsuko Tanaka
- Keisuke Higashi
- Kenyu Horiuchi
- Daisuke Namikawa
- Katsuhito Nomura
- Mayu Udono
- Jouji Nakata
Writers
- Yasuko Kobayashi
Usuzumizakura: GARO - FAQs
What is Usuzumizakura: GARO about?
Usuzumizakura: GARO is set in Heian-era Kyoto, a city glittering with imperial splendor. Two gifted onmyouji — spirit-seers who walk between the human and supernatural worlds — cross paths, awakening a sorrowful legend tied to cherry blossoms that has slumbered for a thousand years.
Is Usuzumizakura: GARO connected to the GARO franchise?
Yes, the film is part of the long-running GARO franchise. It expands the universe into a Heian Period setting, drawing on the series' signature blend of makai knights, supernatural horror, and dark fantasy. Fans of the franchise will recognize its themes and mythology woven throughout the story.
Do you need to watch the GARO series first?
While familiarity with the GARO franchise adds depth, the film works as a largely self-contained story. Its Heian Period setting distinguishes it from other entries, and newcomers can follow the narrative without prior knowledge, though franchise fans will catch extra layers of meaning and lore.
Who are the main voice actors in this film?
The cast features Masei Nakayama as the makai knight Raikou and Romi Park as the onmyouji Seimei — two of Japan's most respected voice talents. They're joined by Akiko Yajima, Atsuko Tanaka, Daisuke Namikawa, and Jouji Nakata, rounding out a stellar ensemble.
What is the significance of the cherry blossom in the story?
The cherry blossom — usuzumizakura — is a pale, fading bloom that symbolizes fleeting beauty and melancholy in Japanese culture. In the film, it serves as a poetic metaphor for the central tragedy, representing lives and loves cut short, echoing the mono no aware philosophy of impermanence.
Who directed and wrote Usuzumizakura: GARO?
Satoshi Nishimura directed the film, bringing his experience in action animation to the Heian setting. The screenplay was written by Yasuko Kobayashi, a celebrated anime writer known for her work on series like JoJo's Bizarre Adventure and Claymore, lending the story its emotional and mythological depth.
What genre is Usuzumizakura: GARO?
It blends animation, fantasy, and action into something distinctly atmospheric. The film leans heavily into Japanese historical fantasy — think supernatural battles, spirit lore, and court intrigue set against the elegance of Heian-era Kyoto. It's darker and more poetic than a typical action anime film.
What are similar films to Usuzumizakura: GARO?
If you enjoy this film, try Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade for dark Japanese animation, Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children for action-heavy anime fantasy, or K: Missing Kings for supernatural intrigue and stunning visuals. X: The Movie is another atmospheric pick with a similarly tragic emotional core.
More About Usuzumizakura: GARO
Explore further details about the film on these trusted databases.