A new project for the Mononoke series has been announced, unveiling a third medicine seller named “Ken no Tsurugi” (乾の剣) in a newly released promotional video. Alongside the reveal, three brand-new novels centered on each of the three medicine sellers are set to be published by Kadokawa Bunko.
The Mononoke franchise originated from the 2006 television series Ayakashi: Japanese Classic Horror and its “Bakeneko” arc, before spinning off into its own TV anime in 2007, which garnered a passionate fanbase. The story follows a mysterious medicine seller who travels across the land to exorcise mononoke—spirits born from human emotions and grudges. In 2024, the series returned as a completely new theatrical trilogy set in the Ōoku (the inner chambers of Edo Castle), with the final installment, Mononoke: Chapter 3 – Snake God, currently enjoying a major theatrical run.
Now, as the theatrical trilogy concludes, a new project PV has been released, teasing the arrival of a third medicine seller: “Ken no Tsurugi.” The video recaps iconic scenes from the TV series’ “Medicine Seller: Ri no Tsurugi” and the theatrical film’s “Medicine Seller: Kon no Tsurugi,” before revealing the new character at the very end.
The voice of “Ken no Tsurugi” will be provided by Shinki Hiroshi, who previously portrayed the medicine seller in the stage play adaptation of Mononoke, bringing the character’s mysterious presence to life on stage. Character design for the new medicine seller is handled by Nagata Kitsune, who also designed characters for the theatrical trilogy.
Regarding the personality of “Ken no Tsurugi,” series creator Nakamura Kenji commented: “Before the strange incident begins, he has a carefree and talkative demeanor, but when the mononoke appear, he sharply transforms—a dual nature.”
Shinki Hiroshi expressed his joy: “Having played both Ri no Tsurugi and Kon no Tsurugi on stage, being able to take on the role of Ken no Tsurugi carries great significance. I hope everyone looks forward to the day we can deliver this to you.”
In addition to the new character, three completely new novels will be published by Kadokawa Bunko, each focusing on one of the three medicine sellers: the TV series’ “Medicine Seller: Ri no Tsurugi,” the theatrical film’s “Medicine Seller: Kon no Tsurugi,” and the newly revealed “Medicine Seller: Ken no Tsurugi.” With the conclusion of the theatrical trilogy, the setting that “there can be up to 64 medicine sellers” is brought into new light, expanding the world even further.
As the Mononoke series continues to unfold new developments even after the theatrical trilogy’s completion, fans can look forward to more updates.
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Shinki Hiroshi (Voice of Medicine Seller: Ken no Tsurugi)
“I have been given the opportunity to play ‘Ken no Tsurugi.’ Having previously portrayed Ri no Tsurugi and Kon no Tsurugi on stage, taking on Ken no Tsurugi carries great meaning. During the voice recording, we were able to discuss and record together with the director and the entire team, allowing Ken no Tsurugi to be born successfully. I hope you will look forward to the day we can deliver this to you.”
Nakamura Kenji (Series Director / General Director)
“We are proud to unveil the third medicine seller, ‘Ken no Tsurugi,’ who wields the sword of yang from the ‘In’yō Hakke’ (Yin-Yang Eight Trigrams). He has a habit of baring one shoulder when he takes form, and before the strange incident begins, he is carefree and talkative, but when the mononoke appear, he sharply transforms—a dual nature. His exorcism sword is based on a vulture motif, with excellent penetrating vision. He is a being who offers up emotions and cuts them away. I hope you will remember his special move ‘Sōzan’ (Funeral Slash)! Please look forward to further news!”
(C) Twin Engine (C) Mononoke Production Committee
