![Hotaru no Haka: Synopsis, Voice Actors, Characters, Broadcast & Streaming Information Summary [Kin’you Road Show August 15th Broadcast]](https://animeworld.info/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/788785.jpg.jpg)
On August 15, 2025, at 9:00 PM, Nippon TV’s “Kinyou Roodoshoo” will broadcast Takahata Isao’s renowned masterpiece, Hotaru no Haka, completely uncut. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of its synopsis, cast, characters, and even the original poster visual.
Synopsis
In Kobe, as the end of the war drew near, the city was subjected to devastating air raids by B29 bombers. During the chaos, siblings Seita and Setsuko were tragically separated from their mother.
Their home burned to ashes, the siblings found themselves homeless and sought refuge with a distant aunt. However, as food and clothing began to dwindle, the relationship between their aunt and Seita grew strained.
Eventually, the two left their aunt’s house and began a new life, almost like playing house, in a cave shelter. At night, they would release fireflies inside their mosquito net, using their faint glow to soothe their loneliness. Despite the hardships, their ingenuity made life somewhat enjoyable.
Yet, witnessing the fleeting lives of the fireflies, Setsuko innocently asked Seita, “Why do fireflies die so quickly?” Unbeknownst to her, Setsuko’s own life, as their food supplies dwindled, was also fading away like the delicate light of the fireflies.
Cast
| Character | Voice Actor |
|---|---|
| Seita | Tatsumi Tsutomu |
| Setsuko | Shiraishi Ayano |
| Haha (Mother) | Shinohara Ryouko |
| Mibōjin (Widow) / Shinseki no Obasan (Aunt) | Yamaguchi Akemi |
Staff
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Producer | Satou Ryouichi |
| Executive Producer | Hara Tooru |
| Original Work | Nosaka Akiyuki (Hotaru no Haka, Shinchosha Bunko Edition) |
| Director / Screenwriter | Takahata Isao |
| Animation Director | Kondou Yoshifumi |
| Art Director | Yamamoto Nizou |
| Music | Mamiya Yoshio |
Release Information & Poster Visual
Release Date: April 16, 1988
Running Time: 88 minutes
Distributor: Toho
Featured Characters
Seita (Voice: Tatsumi Tsutomu)
Seita is a third-year junior high school student. His former home was in Mukogun Mikagecho (present-day Higashinadaku, Kobe City), but it was destroyed in the Kobe air raid on June 5, 1945. His father was a Navy Captain who served on cruisers like the Maya, but he became incommunicado amidst the intensifying war. With his junior high school also destroyed by the air raids, Seita is no longer attending school.
Setsuko (Voice: Shiraishi Ayano)
Setsuko is Seita’s much younger sister, aged four. She cherishes a candy drop can given to her by Seita and her “Mama Doll.”
Haha (Mother) (Voice: Shinohara Ryouko)
She is the mother of Seita and Setsuko, suffering from a heart condition.
Mibōjin / Shinseki no Obasan (Widow / Aunt) (Voice: Yamaguchi Akemi)
This character is a distant relative on Seita’s father’s side, residing in Nishinomiya. She had a promise with Seita’s mother that they would shelter each other if their homes were destroyed. Initially, she warmly welcomed Seita and Setsuko, but as time passed, she gradually began to treat them with resentment.
Broadcast Information
Nippon TV’s Kinyou Roodoshoo slot
August 15, 2025 (Friday), 9:00 PM – 10:54 PM JST
Broadcast uncut
Streaming Information
Currently available for streaming on Netflix as of July 15, 2025.
(C) Nosaka Akiyuki / Shinchosha, 1988
