The upcoming Crayon Shin-chan movie is building anticipation with a major casting reveal, as the franchise’s 33rd anime film introduces a lineup of prominent voice actors for its yokai-themed story. Titled Eiga Crayon Shin-chan: Kikikaikai! Ora no Yokai Vacation, the film is set to release in Japan on July 31, 2026, and promises a supernatural twist on the long-running comedy series.
The latest announcement highlights seven new voice cast members who will portray yokai characters, adding fresh energy to the film’s narrative. With a mix of veteran performers and fan-favorite voices, the casting reinforces the franchise’s continued appeal across generations.
Major Voice Actors Join the Yokai Adventure
Among the newly revealed cast is Yuki Kaji, widely known for voicing Eren Yeager in Attack on Titan. Kaji will play Hyakuemon, a mysterious yokai with a sharp intellect, marking one of the film’s most notable additions.
The cast also includes Aya Endo, Hiro Shimono, Inori Minase, Shunsuke Sakuya, Mikako Komatsu, and Setsuji Sato. Each actor brings experience from major anime titles, ensuring that the yokai characters are brought to life with strong performances.
This diverse lineup reflects the production’s ambition to deliver a memorable ensemble, particularly as the story leans into supernatural themes that differ from the series’ usual everyday humor.
Yuki Kaji Shares His Excitement
Kaji expressed his enthusiasm about joining the project, describing it as a personal milestone.
“Appearing in a Crayon Shin-chan film is undoubtedly one of the big dreams for many voice actors,”
he said.
“I was truly happy to have been given this opportunity.”
He also highlighted the film’s thematic focus, noting how modern audiences may be losing touch with traditional folklore.
“As digitalization progresses… the sense of awe for ‘intangible things’ like ghosts and yokai must be gradually fading,”
Kaji explained.
“Through this film, I hope you enjoy the fact that they are close to us in a positive way.”
His comments suggest that the film will not only entertain but also reconnect viewers with elements of Japanese cultural storytelling.
A New Direction for the Franchise
The 33rd film introduces a story set in Akita, where Shin-chan and his family travel to attend the Omagari Fireworks Festival. What begins as a routine visit quickly turns into chaos when mysterious events cause yokai to spread across the region and beyond.
The narrative then shifts to “Yokai Land,” a supernatural setting where Shin-chan and his friends must navigate strange encounters and unexpected challenges. This premise marks a notable shift from the series’ typical slice-of-life humor, blending comedy with fantasy elements.
Behind the Scenes: New Director Steps In
The film is directed by Masaki Watanabe, who takes on the role for the first time in the franchise’s film series. Having previously worked as an episode director and storyboard artist for Crayon Shin-chan, Watanabe brings familiarity with the series while introducing a fresh perspective.
The script is handled by Yoshiko Nakamura, known for her work across various anime projects. Together, the creative team aims to balance the franchise’s signature humor with its new supernatural setting.
