Cackling Kitarou (1996)
The beloved fourth anime adaptation of Shigeru Mizuki's iconic yōkai manga, following ghost boy Kitarou as he defends humanity from malevolent spirits.
Cackling Kitarou - Series Information
- Original Title: ゲゲゲの鬼太郎
- First Air Year: 1996
- Last Air Year: 1998
- Created by: Shigeru Mizuki
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Animation, Comedy, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (30 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 114
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- Networks: Fuji TV
- Alternative Titles: 鬼太郎4 (CN), 게게게의 키타로 4기 (KR), Spooky Kitaro (US), 鬼太郎 第4辑 (HK), GeGeGe no Kitarō (JP)
- Production Companies: Toei Animation, Fuji Television Network
- Production Countries: Japan
Cackling Kitarou - Plot
Kitarou, a ghost, spends his afterlife helping humans in need of his skills by thwarting the plans of evil spirits who live to torment humanity.
A manga series created in 1959 by manga artist Shigeru Mizuki, Cackling Kitarou is best known for its popularization of the folklore creatures known as yōkai, a class of spirit-monster to which all of the main characters belong. It has been adapted for the screen several times, as anime, live action and video games. A new anime series has been made every decade since 1968.
The title of the original story is Hakaba no Kitarō, literally meaning "Kitarō Graveyard". This story was an early 20th-century Japanese folk tale performed on kamishibai. The name "Ge Ge Ge..." was applied to Mizuki's particular telling of the Kitarō story when a Toei Animation series based on the characters of his comic was created. In January, 2008, the original comic was finally adapted into an animated series, running in Fuji TV's noitaminA slot.
Where to Watch Cackling Kitarou
Looking for where to watch Cackling Kitarou?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Cackling Kitarou - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Shigeru Mizuki
Main Cast
- Isamu Tanonaka
- Keiko Yamamoto
Cackling Kitarou - FAQs
Is Cackling Kitarou based on a true story?
Cackling Kitarou is not based on a true story, but it draws heavily from authentic Japanese folklore. Creator Shigeru Mizuki adapted traditional yōkai mythology — supernatural creatures rooted in centuries of Japanese folk belief — into his manga, giving the series a strong cultural and folkloric foundation.
What is the original source material for Cackling Kitarou?
The series is based on Shigeru Mizuki's manga GeGeGe no Kitarō, itself inspired by a much older Japanese folk tale called Hakaba no Kitarō — meaning "Kitarō of the Graveyard" — which was originally performed as kamishibai street storytelling in the early 20th century.
What is Cackling Kitarou about?
Cackling Kitarou follows Kitarou, a young ghost boy who uses his supernatural abilities to defend humans from malevolent spirits. The series is celebrated for bringing yōkai — a rich class of Japanese spirit-monsters — into mainstream popular culture through entertaining, folklore-driven storytelling.
How many episodes does Cackling Kitarou have?
Cackling Kitarou consists of 114 episodes across a single season. The series aired from 1996 to 1998 on Fuji TV in Japan, with each episode running approximately 30 minutes.
Who are the main voice actors in Cackling Kitarou?
The principal voice cast includes Isamu Tanonaka, who voices the tiny spirit Medama Oyaji (Kitarou's father), and Keiko Yamamoto, who portrays the sand-witch character Sunakake Baba. Both are central figures in the supernatural ensemble surrounding the ghost boy Kitarou.
Is Cackling Kitarou part of a larger franchise?
Yes. Cackling Kitarou is the fourth anime adaptation of Shigeru Mizuki's GeGeGe no Kitarō manga. A new anime series has been produced roughly every decade since 1968, making this one of Japan's longest-running and most culturally enduring animated franchises.
What genre is Cackling Kitarou?
Cackling Kitarou blends Animation, Comedy, and Fantasy, drawing on Japanese supernatural folklore to craft stories that are both playful and rooted in yōkai mythology. Its tone balances lighthearted humor with eerie, spirit-world adventure, making it accessible to a broad audience.
What are some shows similar to Cackling Kitarou?
Fans of Cackling Kitarou may enjoy other supernatural and fantasy anime such as Death Note and FAIRY TAIL 100 YEARS QUEST for their spirit-world themes, or lighter animated series like Tamagotchi! for family-friendly fun. Stranger Things also shares a fondness for the eerie and the supernatural.
More About Cackling Kitarou
Explore further details about Cackling Kitarou on these authoritative databases.