Hakaba Kitarou (Noitamina - January, 2008)

[orion]

Okay, I'm confused.

Spoiler for ep.1:

What happened to the mother at the end and why did her hair turn white?

Other than that loved ep. 1. Thanks Shinsen.

[Zu Ra]

I did not know about this was a like a pleasant shock which super kicked me on my face . A spin off of GeGeGe no Kitaro ar directed by Mononoke guys . One Word Awesome .... I cant believe it . And as subbers are my fave subs Shinsen , this series will see the end .

I love GeGeGe No Kitaro and this series is supposedly truer to the manga . If I have to stay up really late I am going to watch this anime . I hope this anime is a huge success which may lead to subbing of GeGeGe no Kitaro 2007.. (Clicky)

I checked the cast the Seiyu have changed

• Kitarō: Masako Nozawa
• Medama Oyaji: Isamu Tanonaka
• Nezumi-Otoko: Chikao Ōtsuka
• Neko: Shōko Nakagawa
• Trump Shigei: Pierre Taki
• Mizuki: Tōru Ōkawa
• Mizuki's Mother: Ako Mayama
• Yaksha: Hideyuki Hori
• Dracula IV: Ryūzaburō Ōtomo
• Kitarō's Mother: Reiko Suzuki
• Kitarō's Father: Daisuke Gōri

* Ep Title

Spoiler for Spoiler:

11.01.2008 01 Ghost House ( Yuurei Ikke )

18.01.2008 02 Yasha vs. Dracula the 4th ( Yasha tai Dracula yosei )

25.01.2008 03 Blood-Sucking Tree ( Kyuuketsuki )

31.01.2008 04 Neko ( Neko )

07.02.2008 05 Fake Kitarou ( Nise Kitarou )

[Zu Ra]

Chracters in GeGeGe no Kitaro

# Kitaro

Spoiler for Space / Spoiler:

* Kitaro is a yokai boy born in a cemetery, and aside from his mostly-decayed father

* Kitarois the last living member of the Ghost Tribe ( Yurei Zoku ).

* He is missing his left eye, but his hair usually covers the empty socket.

* He fights for peace between humans and yokai, which generally involves protecting the former from the wiles of the latter.

* Kitaro has an assortment of strange weapons at his disposal, including:

# Medama Oyaji

Spoiler for Spoiler / Space:

* Medama Oyaji means Eyeball Father

* He is Kitaro's father.

* Once a fully-formed adult, he perished of a disease,

* He was to be reborn out of his decayed body as an anthropomorphic version of his own eyeball.

* He looks small and fragile, but has a strong spirit and a great love for his son.

* He is also extremely knowledgeable about ghosts and monsters.

* He enjoys staying clean, and is often seen bathing in a small bowl.

# Nezumi Otoko

Spoiler for Spoiler/Space:

* Nezumi Otoko means Rat Man

* Is a rodent-like yokai-human halfbreed.

* He has been alive for three hundred years,

* He has almost never taken a bath, rendering him filthy, foul-smelling, and covered in welts and sores.

* While he is usually Kitaro's friend, Nezumi Otoko will waste no time cooking vile schemes or betraying his companions

* He claims to be a college graduate of the University of the Bizarre ( Kaiki Daigaku ), among other pompous things.

# Neko Musume

Spoiler for Spoiler/ Space:

* Neko Musume means Cat Girl

* Neko Musume is a normally-quiet yokai girl,

* She transforms into a frightening cat monster with fangs and feline eyes when she is angry or hungry for fish

* Predictably, she does not get along well with Nezumi Otoko.

* She seems to harbor a slight crush on Kitaro, who sees her only as a friend

* She bears some resemblance to the bakeneko of Japanese folklore.

# Sunakake Babaa

Spoiler for Spoiler / Space:

* Sunakake Babaa means Sand-throwing hag

* Is an old yokai woman who carries sand which she throws into the eyes of enemies to blind them

* She serves as an advisor to Kitaro and his companions, and manages a yokai apartment building.

* The original sunakake-baba is an invisible sand-throwing spirit from the folklore of Nara Prefecture .

# Konaki Jijii

Spoiler for Spoiler / Space:

* Konaki Jijii means Child-crying Old Man

* He is a comic, absent-minded old yokai man

* He attacks enemies by clinging to them and turning himself to stone, increasing his weight immensely and pinning them down.

* He and Sunakake Babaa often work as a team

* The original konaki jijii is a ghost which appears in the woods of Tokushima Prefecture in the form of a crying infant.

* When it is picked up by some hapless traveller, it increases its weight until it crushes him.

# Ittan Momen

Spoiler for Spoiler / Space:

* Ittan Momen means Roll of Cotton

* He is a flying yokai resembling a strip of white cloth.

* Kitaro and friends often ride on him when traveling.

* The original Ittan-Momen is a spirit from Kagoshima Prefecture

* Orignal ittan Momen wraps itself around the faces of humans in an attempt to smother them.

# Nurikabe

Spoiler for Spoiler / Space:

* Nurikabe means Plastered Wall

* Is a large, sleepy-eyed wall-shaped yokai,

* Uses his massive size to protect Kitaro and his friends.

* He original nurikabe is a spirit which blocks the passage of people walking at night.

Source : Wiki

[SuperKnuckles]

Originally Posted by orion

Okay, I'm confused.

Spoiler for ep.1:

What happened to the mother at the end and why did her hair turn white?

Other than that loved ep. 1. Thanks Shinsen.

The Gegege anime had a few people who turned demonic after committing a mortal sin. Like how with that mother in that episode. And maybe the Ghost Tribe has a sort of a viral effect on people turning them into Mononoke/demons.

[orion]

Originally Posted by SuperKnuckles

The Gegege anime had a few people who turned demonic after committing a mortal sin. Like how with that mother in that episode. And maybe the Ghost Tribe has a sort of a viral effect on people turning them into Mononoke/demons.

Thanks for the explanation. And...
So then why was she advised to do what she did if that was going to happen in the end? Didn't the other lady know about the "turning into a demon if you commit murder" clause?

[Zu Ra]

Having seen the first episode of the original and 20007 Kitaro I can say this one is a lot dire darker dire and scarier . I was expecting the art to be unique and path breaking like Mononoke but it isn’t so . The opening is quite funky and the art style used has a nostalgic 50-60s feel to it . I was reminded of the old batman comics I had glanced upon . the opening is quite foot tapping and I like it already . GeGeGe must be a huge franchise as the op track for both the Kitaro (2007/2008) are tailor made to fit the series

More I watch the anime more I am in agreement this art style too is unique, it breaking new grounds . Also the opening story is quite different from what I had expected I actually like this . A new specter called hitodama was introduced, after checking up on wiki ..

Hitodama ( "human soul" or "human ball") are believed in Japanese folklore to be the souls of the newly dead taking form of mysterious fireballs. The word hitodama is a combination of the Japanese words hito, meaning "human", and tama, meaning "soul". These flames supposedly appear as pale blue, some times green, spheres with long tails and are believed to be tricksters originating from fluorescent gases that can sometimes be seen above human graves.

The little story-history lesson on Yurei tribe was pretty fascinating. True to the show ghosts are shown in a different light . The birth of Kitaro was pretty scary unique but fascinating at the same time . I never knew about little detail It was pretty cruel for the man to abandon him which led to loss of Kitaro’s eye but at the same time he sorta made it up by taking caring of him. The birth of Medama Oyaji was also pretty interesting, in itself, the love for his son made him take the form he is in.

This Kitaro is darker and less antisocial than other Kitaro’s I have come across , which is a welcome change to early to tell The grandmother was pretty insane in herself the older Kitaro would have tried to rescue his adopted father but this one didn’t , though he warned him . I did feel he was obligated to save him . In the other Kitaros , the protagonist is a savior or doer of good but this one its is a negation of old Kitaros . Is the manga actually like that?

On an ending note the op , listening to it make you wanna put your dancing shoes on and do a little jig : )

[solomon]

I've heard in some circles that this is the "original" Kitarou. I think that means it's the first version that Mizuki created before he pushed the concept and characters toward a more youth audience. What really cemented it as a youth production was the various anime though.

[Xcomp]

Hmmm, this is good. I prefer this over the other Gegege series that is currently on. This has a much darker atmosphere and sound effects.

I done a bit of reading up on Wiki and found this version of the show is based on the very first 1959 Manga that Mizuki Shigeru drew after his original Kitaro slide show series failed to gain popularity back in 1954. It was then in 1964 did the character design change so that the series could get published in Manga magazines aimed at young boys.

That explains the completely different looks Too bad it's going to end at 11 episodes.

[Dop]

Well, I'd not been planning on watching this until I discovered it was the latest Noitamina offering, so as I've never seen a Noitamina series I didn't like I thought I'd give it a try.

Very strange. Reminds me of those old 1950's EC Horror comics from America.

[Saber Cherry]

This seems very trippy and surreal. Unfortunately, surrealism makes my brain hurt and discombobulates my optic nerves. So, while I made it through episode 1, I doubt I'll continue... and yet, I must say that it is an extremely unusual, unpredictable, and creative anime.

[Zu Ra]

Originally Posted by Xcomp

I done a bit of reading up on Wiki and found this version of the show is based on the very first 1959 Manga that Mizuki Shigeru drew after his original Kitaro slide show series failed to gain popularity back in 1954. It was then in 1964 did the character design change so that the series could get published in Manga magazines aimed at young boys.

That explains the completely different looks Too bad it's going to end at 11 episodes.

Nice research was very informative but I have question . In the 1959 manga is Kitaro also an anti social character ? This Kitaro is like the good Kitaro's Evil Twin : D

Let me spam this thread later after I am done with ep 2 : )

[solomon]

Maybe not evil twin in a literal sense. I just think that this was the original Kitaro that Mizuki came up with before he "revisioned" him. No proof, just an educated guess.

[orion]

This is like Demon Prince Enma in that nothing good ever comes out of humans coming into contact with demons.

Spoiler for ep.2:

Even when that man got saved from the vampires, he still died and went to hell. Coming into contact with Kitarou and co. must be a 1-way ticket to hell.

[jedinat]

Just watched the first two episodes; I like it. Hopefully the subs will continue where GeGeGe was dropped. Just based on the the first ep of the 2007 series and these two episodes, I like this series more. This one is a lot less shounen-y than the last. The art style is very fun.

[Xcomp]

Originally Posted by Geta Boshi

I have question . In the 1959 manga is Kitaro also an anti social character ? This Kitaro is like the good Kitaro's Evil Twin : D

Originally Posted by solomon

Maybe not evil twin in a literal sense. I just think that this was the original Kitaro that Mizuki came up with before he "revisioned" him. No proof, just an educated guess.

Apparently at this point in the story, the concept behind the just born Kitaro was he is not on the human's side yet and was a bringer of misfortune which is why he seems "evil" here. He's not really doing anything bad though. In other words, he's still learning about his own race and the humans. Notice the Gegege series that's on just now didn't start off with the birth of Kitaro.

After the character design change, the story itself was also shifted towards the whole "Kitaro of justice will defeat all bad Youkai" idea which actually helped increase the series' popularity. Then in 1968 when the Manga series was turned Anime, they decided to change the title too because "Hakaba (Graveyard)" sounded too dark so they made it "Gegege".

Now I'm curious to see what the original Neko Musume looks like in comparison to the current fan service version of her

[plzd0ntkeelme]

Ep 2 is great. The world in this series is creepy and interesting with the existence of Yasha, Dracula, and Hell. Gotta wonder about Kitaro's vest, tho'. Does it mean that Kitaro forever can't die as long as he wear the vest? I don't really like that kind of cheap powers.

[Zu Ra]

Xcomp firstly I was wondering where were you ? As you were the only person actively watching raws of GeGeGe and informing us

Originally Posted by Xcomp

Apparently at this point in the story, the concept behind the just born Kitaro was he is not on the human's side yet and was a bringer of misfortune which is why he seems "evil" here. He's not really doing anything bad though. In other words, he's still learning about his own race and the humans. Notice the Gegege series that's on just now didn't start off with the birth of Kitaro.

Why I used this term 'Evil' was, how he abandoned his adopted father in hell . He did warn him but still for raising and feeding him he was in a way obligated to that man . As the adopted father was researching paranormal he could easily used Kitaro as a side show freak to up his career . But in ep 2 Medama Oyaji rectifies that error . But I would have been happier if Kitaro would have done it instead . This Kitaro is dark cynical and in his own right a sadist .

I wouldnt call him evil but a bringer of misfortune eh oO ( Am I being too critical I dont know )

After the character design change, the story itself was also shifted towards the whole "Kitaro of justice will defeat all bad Youkai" idea which actually helped increase the series' popularity. Then in 1968 when the Manga series was turned Anime, they decided to change the title too because "Hakaba (Graveyard)" sounded too dark so they made it "Gegege".

It was a pleasant shock from Yokai super hero to uninterested protagonist . I can understand a little why the intial Kitaro was not that sucessful . Though I am still undecided on which Kitaro I like better

Originally Posted by jedinat

Just watched the first two episodes; I like it. Hopefully the subs will continue where GeGeGe was dropped. Just based on the the first ep of the 2007 series and these two episodes, I like this series more. This one is a lot less shounen-y than the last. The art style is very fun.

Yeah I hope this series becomes popular and its orignal version gets subbed . GeGeGe has alot more simpler theme than Hakaba , but I really enjoyed the first ep from 2007 GeGeGe . Being a Yokai Supernatural anime lover it would be the best gift, if some one would sub GeGeGe Kitaro .

[gaguri]

I didn't hate it but I don't think it's that good either. Nothing grabbed me except for its 'unique' style. Creepy? Funny? Dramatic? It was none of those for me, with characters and a story I cared very little for.

By the way, people might want to check out a show called Requiem of the Darkness for similar style and premise. Actually the premise is closer to Mononoke in that they both examine darker human nature that is responsible for what seems to be supernatural phenomenon. It has its flaws but I'd personally recommend that over this. This of course is coming from me who has seen only two episodes of Hakaba, so meh.

[ChibiGoku]

Well, might as well post my thoughts on the series so far...

Hakaba Kitaro is pretty much as everyone pointed out, the adult version of Gegege no Kitaro. However, there is still those elements that are present that would make this appeal to younger kids, despite the overall more mature tone of the series.

Episode 1 and 2, so far, rank the best episodes so far. They give a rather eerie atmosphere to the series, as well as some light weclomed comedy. However, I honestly didn't like episode 3 all that much.

There was just something missing, but I couldn't point my finger on it. The whole story surrounding Trump was a little bit interesting, but... Something just didn't feel right. The idea of the entire episode, was I thought the Blood Sucking Tree would kill it's victom. Given Trump become more of an alcoholic because he thought he was going to die... But I don't understand why Trump decided to get immediate medical attention to remove it in the first place though...

Then, the one thing I didn't quite understand, was why Trump came out alright at the end of the episode. Another thing I'm a little confused about is how he was half his size at the end of episode 3, then his normal size in episode 4. I might have missed a piece of importent dialogue in episode 3, but I can't recall anything being mentioned about the size difference.

At anyrate, episode 4 goes back to the same quality as the first two episodes. It was interesting to see that Neko turned into a cat whenever she smells a rodent. We also get to see a more softer side of Kitaro, despite the previous episodes where Kitaro is a bit sadistic. Although, I'm unsure as to whether or not it's just simply because Kitaro has a crush on Neko.

However, my favorite portion of the episode, and I'll have to say it is the insert song halfway through the episode. To be honest, the song seriously feels out of place with the show, but it's a nice breakaway from the general atmosphere of the show. Certainly one of the high points of the episode.

I'm also rather curious about the other Kitaro that popped into the episode. While we didn't get much information about him in this episode, he thinks of Kitaro as an obstical. I wonder why...

Regardless, I feel bad for Neko, and even a bit towards Kitaro, because of what happens to Neko at the end of the episode.

Spoiler:

Pretty much, the fake Kitaro tricks Neko into following him onto a bridge above a river in town, and forces her to dive into the way in order to go to a world that accepts beings like her...

Kitaro tried to save her, but he loses conciousness, and when the villagers rescue both Kitaro and Neko, Neko had apparently drowned...

I'm really looking forward to the next episode. Hopefully we get more information about the fake Kitaro...

[Xcomp]

Originally Posted by Geta Boshi

Xcomp firstly I was wondering where were you ? As you were the only person actively watching raws of GeGeGe and informing us

I've kind of dropped the remake series now because it doesn't quite have the same feeling as I remember the series. It feels a bit too modernised such as seeing all the Nintendo Wiis and Nekomusume fan service in the show.

Originally Posted by Geta Boshi

Why I used this term 'Evil' was, how he abandoned his adopted father in hell . He did warn him but still for raising and feeding him he was in a way obligated to that man . As the adopted father was researching paranormal he could easily used Kitaro as a side show freak to up his career . But in ep 2 Medama Oyaji rectifies that error . But I would have been happier if Kitaro would have done it instead . This Kitaro is dark cynical and in his own right a sadist .

I wouldnt call him evil but a bringer of misfortune eh oO ( Am I being too critical I dont know )

You're right but I guess he's still learning to be "human". Humans themselves can do harsh things TBH

Originally Posted by Geta Boshi

It was a pleasant shock from Yokai super hero to uninterested protagonist . I can understand a little why the intial Kitaro was not that sucessful . Though I am still undecided on which Kitaro I like better

Yes, I never knew about Hakaba Kitaro until my friend told me about it (haven't been paying attention to new Anime releases). I thought it was just some subtitle then I saw this and thought, "Kitaro doesn't look like this!". Now I know Kitaro went through a number of changes

Originally Posted by plzd0ntkeelme

Gotta wonder about Kitaro's vest, tho'. Does it mean that Kitaro forever can't die as long as he wear the vest? I don't really like that kind of cheap powers.

Spoiler for vest:

It's more of a flexible tool Kitaro uses later on that can be controlled to fly around freely and take various forms. It also lets him go to hell and back without being trapped there and, helps increase his self-healing powers when worn.

Kitaro himself can heal up any of his wounds really fast though even without the vest and because of that, he feels pretty much invincible!

Originally Posted by ChibiGoku

Well, might as well post my thoughts on the series so far...

You're making me feel like downloading the RAWs now which means I could also end up blogging about them in the end. But no, I think Persona Trinity Soul and Rosario + Vampire is taking up enough time already just now. English subs means I don't have to feel obliged to "document" the episodes to share the stories early