Idols Join Crayon Shin-chan's Yōkai Adventure This July
Exciting news for fans of the beloved Crayon Shin-chan series! The 33rd 2D anime film, Eiga Crayon Shin-chan Kikikaikai! Ora no Yōkai Bake-shon (Crayon Shin-chan The Movie Super Strange! My Yōkai Monster Vacation), is set to hit Japanese cinemas on July 31. This installment promises a thrilling journey into the supernatural, enhanced by the vocal talents of two popular idol members.
The film's official website recently announced that Runa Nakagawa and Noel Hayase from the idol group FRUITS ZIPPER will be lending their voices to guest roles in the upcoming movie. While their specific in-story characters remain a mystery, their involvement adds an extra layer of buzz to the production. Beyond their voice acting, Nakagawa and Hayase have also been appointed as members of the "Spooky Monster Booster Team," indicating a significant role in promoting the film's monstrously fun theme. This isn't FRUITS ZIPPER's first foray into the Crayon Shin-chan universe, as the group also performs the television anime's current catchy theme song, "Hacha Mecha Wacha life!"
A Supernatural Summer Vacation for the Nohara Family
The plot of Eiga Crayon Shin-chan Kikikaikai! Ora no Yōkai Bake-shon delves deep into the enigmatic "land of yōkai." The story kicks off with the Nohara family planning a seemingly ordinary summer trip to Hiroshi's hometown of Akita, eager to attend a renowned fireworks festival. However, their vacation takes an unpredictable turn when an unforeseen incident causes yōkai to break free from their mystical realm. These mischievous and sometimes malevolent creatures begin to wreak havoc not only in Akita but across various regions of Japan, setting the stage for a nationwide adventure.
To restore balance and quell the chaos, the courageous Nohara family embarks on an extraordinary journey into the land of yōkai itself. Here, they discover a world that is both mysteriously wondrous and surprisingly nostalgic, leading them through an unpredictable adventure filled with encounters with fascinating mythical beings. This blend of familiar characters in an unfamiliar, fantastical setting promises to captivate audiences of all ages.
Stellar Cast and Production Team Bring Yōkai to Life
The film boasts a talented cast ready to bring these supernatural tales to life. Sairi Itō stars as Yako, an intriguing nine-tailed fox yōkai, whose role is sure to be pivotal in the Nohara family's quest. Joining her is Sakamoto of the comedy duo Mayurika, who voices the eccentric Squid Yōkai. This character is introduced as a first base player for the Edomae Sushies baseball team, adding a humorous twist as they challenge Shin-chan and his friends to a game.
The core voice cast, including Yumiko Kobayashi, Miki Narahashi, Toshiyuki Morikawa, and Satomi Koorogi, return to reprise their iconic roles, ensuring the familiar charm of the Nohara family is perfectly preserved. Behind the scenes, Masaki Watanabe, known for his work on Battle Spirits: Heroes, directs the film, while Yoshiko Nakamura, celebrated for her contributions to the Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- franchise, pens the script. The production is a collaborative effort between Shinei Animation, TV Asahi, ADK Emotions, and Futabasha, with TOHO handling distribution. Adding to the film's atmosphere, singer TOMOO will perform the theme song, "Otona ni Nattara" (When I Become an Adult).
Crayon Shin-chan's Enduring Legacy Continues
The release of Eiga Crayon Shin-chan Kikikaikai! Ora no Yōkai Bake-shon on July 31 marks another milestone for the beloved franchise. This 33rd 2D animated film continues a legacy that began with the television anime's premiere in April 1992, which still airs every Saturday on TV Asahi, captivating new generations of viewers. The enduring popularity of the series is evident in the strong performance of its theatrical releases.
For instance, Eiga Crayon Shin-chan Chō Karei! Shakunetsu no Kasukabe Dancers (Crayon Shin-chan the Movie: Super Magnificent! Scorching Kasukabe Dancers), the 32nd 2D animated film in the series, opened in Japan on August 8, 2025. This film achieved significant success, selling 363,000 tickets and earning 450,283,700 yen (about US$3.07 million) in its first three days, and further accumulating 516,000 tickets for a total of 633 million yen (about US$4.33 million) in its first four days, benefiting from the Mountain Day holiday. This consistent success underscores the widespread appeal of Shin-chan's adventures.
Beyond the main series, spinoffs like the television anime of Yōichi Tsukahara's Nohara Hiroshi Hirumeshi no Ryūgi (Style of Hiroshi Nohara's LUNCH) also continue to expand the Crayon Shin-chan universe, further cementing its place in popular culture. With a new film on the horizon featuring idol talents and a thrilling yōkai quest, fans have much to look forward to this summer.
