Manga and anime fans will not want to miss the premiere of Spooky Kitaro 4 this week.
The Charles Schulz of Japan, Shigeru Mizuki penned his first Kitaro comic in 1959. Drawing upon his childhood fascination with the yokai (a class of demon-spirit that dominates Japanese folklore even today), Mizuki created the iconic manga of a spirit boy and his encounters in the land of the living.
The first anime adaptation, by Toei Animation, aired on Fuji TV from 1968 to 1969. While the animation of this fourth series, created in 2007, is state of the art, the character of Kitaro (above right, centre) retains an old-fashioned naivety. As popular as he was 50 years ago, Kitaro is a living classic.
As for Mizuki - the second world war veteran continues to pen manga and write memoirs. He has been honoured by his country for contributions to cultural preservation; his hometown, Sakaiminato, has a museum and a street dedicated to his yokai. One hundred bronze statues of Mizuki's characters line both sides of the road.
Spooky Kitaro 4 (AXN; starting tomorrow, Monday to Friday at 8.30pm)
Who: Kitaro was born in a cemetery and has only one eye. His father, Medama Oyaji, is an eyeball with a tiny body and lives with Kitaro. Hiding in Kitaro's vacant eye socket, Medama helps his son in his missions.