The film Kitaro Was Born: Gegege no Nazo is returning to Seibu-en Yuenchi amusement park in Tokorozawa, Saitama, for a second collaboration event titled Gegege no Yuenchi Sono Ni, running from July 17 to September 13, 2026. The event also marks the first time newly drawn (kaki-oroshi) visuals have been created specifically for the collab.

About the Film

Released as a centennial tribute to manga legend Shigeru Mizuki, Kitaro Was Born: Gegege no Nazo is a feature film based on the sixth TV anime series. It chronicles the fateful meeting between the man known as Mizuki and the being who would become Kitaro’s father — later known as Medama Oyaji (Eyeball Dad) — and the destiny they face together. The film won the Excellence in Animation Award at the 47th Japan Academy Prize. An enhanced recut, Shinsho-ban, was released in October 2024, and a TV anime best-of compilation series, GeGeGe no Kitaro: Watashi no Aishita Rekidai GeGeGe, aired from April to September 2025 to mark the tenth anniversary of Shigeru Mizuki’s passing.

Event Concept

Following the first collab in October 2024, this second installment sets the scene with Mizuki and Kitaro’s father hearing rumors of a summer festival at the retro shopping street “Yuhi no Oka Shotengai” and heading there together for a fun-filled outing. Visitors can immerse themselves in the world of the film through exclusive merchandise, themed food, a mystery rally, and festival games.

Newly Drawn Visuals by Toko Tanitabe

The key visual and mini-character illustrations were created by Toko Tanitabe, the film’s character designer and chief animation director. She commented:

“Congratulations on the opening of Gegege no Yuenchi! For the main visual, I was given the theme of ‘Gegero and Mizuki enjoying a summer festival in Japanese-style outfits,’ and I drew it from scratch. I hope everyone can feel the special quality of this collab from the image of the two of them in jinbei, soaking up the festival atmosphere. Drawing the mini-character illustrations was also a fresh new experience for me. I hope everyone enjoys all the activities at the venue!”

Mystery Rally & Festival Games

Yuhi no Oka Summer Wisdom Challenge (Mystery Rally)

The story goes that Mizuki and Kitaro’s father tried their luck at a lottery with fine sake as the prize, only to draw a mysterious slip of paper that even the shopkeeper doesn’t recognize. Convinced it’s a challenge laid by someone unknown, the duo sets off to investigate — and visitors join them on a park-wide puzzle hunt. Those who solve the mystery receive a mini acrylic stand set. Entry fee: ¥2,200 (tax included).

Two Festival Game Booths

• Mizuki’s Shooting Game (new) — a shooting gallery stocked with items that make Mizuki’s eyes light up.
• The Rat’s Secret Ball Toss — returning from the first event with refreshed prizes; players throw coins at targets to defeat demons. Fee: ¥700 (tax included).

Prizes are tiered: Prize A — Acrylic Panel; Prize B — Mini Color Card; Prize C — Mini Character Pin Badge.

Collaboration Food

The summer festival menu includes classic fair staples like yakisoba and kakigori (shaved ice), alongside original creations:

• Kitaro’s Hair-Needle Fry — french fries mixed with fried pasta, inspired by Kitaro’s iconic needle hair.
• Medama Oyaji’s Secret Dango (mitarashi / Sayama tea / miso) — the popular skewered dumplings returning from the first event.

Every food item purchased comes with one randomly selected limited novelty coaster from a set of 12 designs.

Newly Drawn Merchandise

The merchandise lineup includes acrylic stands, a 3-piece pin badge set, trading mini-character acrylic charms, clear files, and printed ramune candy perfect as souvenirs. Spend ¥2,000 (tax included) or more on collab goods in a single transaction to receive one randomly selected illustration card from a set of 9.

Additional Highlights

• A photo spot recreating memorable scenes featuring Kitaro’s father and mother.
• Newly recorded voice content from Mizuki and Kitaro’s father at the Fujimi Observatory Tower, the Octopus Adventure ride, and the public telephone booth in Yuhi no Oka Shotengai.
• A special Gegege no Yuenchi Sono Ni one-day pass (“1-Day Leisure Ticket”) that comes with one randomly selected newly drawn fan (uchiwa) from three designs. Equivalent versions of the Summer Full-Enjoyment Ticket (includes pool access) and the Sunset Leisure Ticket (evening entry) are also available with the same bonus.

Full event details are available on the dedicated page of the official Seibu-en Yuenchi website.