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Yo-kai Watch Shadowside
Yo-kai Watch Shadowside
Yo-kai Watch Shadowside
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Yo-kai Watch Shadowside
妖怪ウォッチ シャドウサイド
(Yōkai Wotchi Shadōsaido)
GenreAction, supernatural
Anime television series
Directed byFumiya Hōjō
Written byYōichi Katō
Music byKenichiro Saigo
StudioOLM Team Inoue
Original networkTXN (TV Tokyo, TV Osaka)
English network
Original run April 13, 2018 – March 29, 2019
Episodes49

Yo-kai Watch Shadowside (Japanese: 妖怪ウォッチ シャドウサイド, Hepburn: Yōkai Wotchi Shadōsaido) is a supernatural anime series produced by OLM. It is the continuation to the 2017 film Yo-kai Watch Shadowside: Oni-ō no Fukkatsu and the successor to the original Yo-kai Watch anime series, originally based on the games created by Level-5. Yōichi Katō returned to officially direct and write the anime alongside new staff. It aired on all TXN Stations in Japan from April 13, 2018 [1][2] to March 29, 2019. It was replaced by the 2019 Yo-kai Watch! anime series as direct sequel in its timeslot.

Just like the movie before it, the anime series takes a darker and more mature approach to the franchise, focusing on story-driven drama and conflict, unlike the original series' comedic and segmented approach.[3]

Plot

[edit]

Taking place after the events of the fourth film, the series centers on Tate Adams, Summer Adams's younger brother who doesn't believe in supernatural phenomena. But as he notices his sister frequently comes back home late, he decides to stalk her, only to find out she is running a Yo-kai Detective Agency with her friends Cole and Bruno to investigate supernatural phenomena. With their secret revealed to him, Summer decides to let him tag along in her activities as they investigate Yo-kai phenomena and take on evil Yo-kai to maintain the city's peace.

Meanwhile, Shutendoji, the one who had planned the Onimaro invasion, as seen in the fourth film's epilogue, along with his Yo-kai bodyguard Voidera, search for the "Princess" in their human disguises while observing the Yo-kai Detective Agency.

Production

[edit]

Before the reveal of Shadowside, the original anime saw a decline back in 2017 due to staggeringly low sales of later games in the main series and falling ratings for the first anime.[4] The series was conceived after the production of the film, and was officially revealed in the March 2018 issue of Coro Coro Comic as the film serves as a prequel to the anime and the original anime series following the reported drop of interest to the IP.[5] The anime, like the film that preceded it, follows a much darker route in order to gain interest from older viewers. Alongside the returning characters, two new Yo-kai designs have been revealed.[6] Alongside the new designs, the characters of the film have different voice actors as well.[7] The official promo video was shown in Anime Japan 2018, which details the series's plot.[8]

Cast

[edit]
See also: List of Yo-kai Watch characters

Media

[edit]

Anime

[edit]

The anime officially premiered on all TXN stations in Japan, including TV Tokyo and TV Osaka on April 13, 2018, replacing the original Yo-kai Watch anime series in its timeslot, with the first and second episode premiering on the same day as a one-hour special.[9][10] The first opening theme is titled "Toki o Matou" (時を待とう, Toki o matou; "Waiting for the Time") by Hard Birds while the first ending theme is titled "Funky Boogie Buba" (ファンキー・ブギブバー, Fankī Bugi Bubā) by King Cream Soda. The opening and ending themes were changed on October 5, 2018 to "Susume Shounen! Hyui Hyu" (進め少年!ヒューイヒュー, Susume Shounen! Hyui Hyu; "Go Young Boy! Hyui Hyu") by Hard Birds and "Oyasumi Sanka" "Holiday Hymn" (お休み賛歌) by King Cream Soda.

Episode list
No.TitleOriginal release date [11]
1"Phantom Gangleader"
"Bōrei banchō" (亡霊番長)		April 13, 2018 (2018-04-13)
2"The Bicycle Ridden by the Dead"
"Shisha no noru jitensha" (死者の乗る自転車)		April 13, 2018 (2018-04-13)
3"Redhead the Plunder Demon"
"Ryakudatsuma reddoheddo" (略奪魔 レッドヘッド)		April 20, 2018 (2018-04-20)
4"A Wasteful Man"
"Mottanai-otoko" (もったいない男)		April 27, 2018 (2018-04-27)
5"Mannequin in Love"
"Koisuru Jindaimokei" (恋する人体模型)		May 4, 2018 (2018-05-04)
6"Laughing Dogman"
"Warau Dogguman" (わらうドッグマン)		May 11, 2018 (2018-05-11)
7"Kaosake-onna"
"Kaosake on'na" (顔さけ女)		May 18, 2018 (2018-05-18)
8"Al's Rebellion"
"Ō no hanran" (オーの反乱)		May 25, 2018 (2018-05-25)
9"It's Called the Man-eating Tuna"
"Hito-gui maguro to yobarete" (人食いマグロと呼ばれて)		June 1, 2018 (2018-06-01)
10"The Dreadful Joker the Ripper"
"Senritsu no kirisaki jōkā" (戦慄の切裂きジョーカー)		June 8, 2018 (2018-06-08)
11"I am a Cat Yo-kai"
"Ore-sama wa neko yōkaidearu" (オレさまはネコ妖怪である)		June 15, 2018 (2018-06-15)
12"Touma Captured"
"Toraware no Tōma" (捕らわれのトウマ)		June 22, 2018 (2018-06-22)
13"The Mystery of Prayer Mountain"
"Inori yama no kaiki" (祈り山の怪奇)		June 29, 2018 (2018-06-29)
14"Fudou Myouou, Evil and Heavenly"
"Fudōmyōō yokoshima to ten" (不動明王邪と天)		July 6, 2018 (2018-07-06)
15"A Beautiful Girl you only see every One Hundred Thousand Years"
"Jū man-nen ni hitori no bishōjo" (十万年にひとりの美少女)		July 13, 2018 (2018-07-13)
16"Dangerous Sea Bathing"
"Abunai Kaisuiyoku" (危ない海水浴)		July 20, 2018 (2018-07-20)
17"The Cursed Fox and Table Turning"
"Tatari Kitsune to Kokkuri-san" (たたり狐とコックリさん)		July 27, 2018 (2018-07-27)
18"Face Thief"
"Kao Dorobou" (顔どろぼう)		August 3, 2018 (2018-08-03)
19"The Counterattack's Cicada Finale"
"Gyakushū no Semi Fainaru" (逆襲の蝉ファイナル)		August 10, 2018 (2018-08-10)
20"The Illusionary Screen 0"
"Maboroshi no Zero-ban Sukurīn" (幻の0番スクリーン)		August 17, 2018 (2018-08-17)
21"Resurrection! Kenbumajin Suzaku"
"Fukkatsu! Kenbumajin Suzaku" (復活！剣武魔神朱雀)		August 24, 2018 (2018-08-24)
22"Touma and the Piece of the Oni King"
"Tōma to Oniō no Kakera" (トウマと鬼王のかけら)		August 31, 2018 (2018-08-31)
23"Doctor C's Dark Medical Records"
"Dokutā C no yami karute" (ドクターＣの闇カルテ)		September 7, 2018 (2018-09-07)
24"Dreaming Flower Poncho"
"Yumemiru Hana Poncho" (夢見るハナぽんちょ)		September 14, 2018 (2018-09-14)
25"Farewell Micchy"
"Saraba Micchii" (さらば、ミッチー)		September 21, 2018 (2018-09-21)
26"The Demonic Swallow-Whole Toilet"
"Akuma no marunomi toire" (悪魔の丸呑みトイレ)		September 28, 2018 (2018-09-28)
27"Wandering Komajiro"
"Samayoeru Komajirou" (さまよえるコマじろう)		October 5, 2018 (2018-10-05)
28"The Cursed AI Assistant"
"Noroi no AI Ashisutanto" (呪いのAIアシスタント)		October 12, 2018 (2018-10-12)
29"The Bloody Clover of Tragedy"
"Higeki no buraddikurōbā" (悲劇のブラッディクローバー)		October 19, 2018 (2018-10-19)
30"Ayame Disappears"
"Ayame chiru" (アヤメ散る)		October 26, 2018 (2018-10-26)
31"A Fierce Fight! Suzaku vs. Genbu"
"Kettō! Suzaku VS Genbu" (決闘！朱雀 VS 玄武)		November 2, 2018 (2018-11-02)
32"The Life-Eating Jorougumo"
"Inochi o kurau jorōgumo" (命を喰らう女郎蜘蛛)		November 9, 2018 (2018-11-09)
33"Hasty Satan Claus"
"Awatenbō no Satan Kurōsu" (慌てん坊のサタンクロース)		November 16, 2018 (2018-11-16)
34"The Yo-kai-only Yo-kai Detective Team"
"Yōkai dake no Yōkai Tantei-dan" (妖怪だけの妖怪探偵団)		November 30, 2018 (2018-11-30)
35"The Weeping Ballet Shoes"
"Susurinaku Baree Shūzu" (すすり泣くバレエシューズ)		December 14, 2018 (2018-12-14)
36"Shadowside Christmas"
"Shadousaido Kurisumasu" (シャドウサイドクリスマス)		December 21, 2018 (2018-12-21)
37"The Princess is in That Place"
"Hime wa son'nani aru" (姫はそこにいる)		December 28, 2018 (2018-12-28)
38"The Awaited Person Will Come"
"Machibito, Kitaru" (待ち人、来たる)		January 11, 2019 (2019-01-11)
39"The Horse Man of the Candy Shop"
"Dagashi-ya no Uma-otoko"  (駄菓子屋のウマ男)		January 18, 2019 (2019-01-18)
40"Looking back, Dark Knight"
"Furikaereba Ankoku-kishi"  (振り返れば暗黒騎士)		January 25, 2019 (2019-01-25)
41"The Alluring Bunny Trap"
"Miwaku no Banī Torappu"  (魅惑のバニートラップ)		February 1, 2019 (2019-02-01)
42"Bitter Valentine's Day"
"Urami no Barentain"  (怨みのバレンタイン)		February 8, 2019 (2019-02-08)
43"Douketsu, Parting with the Blaze"
"Dōketsu, Honō no Ketsubestu"  (洞潔、炎の決別)		February 15, 2019 (2019-02-15)
44"Enma and the Lost Castle"
"Enma to Ushinawareta Shiro"  (エンマと失われた城)		February 22, 2019 (2019-02-22)
45"Byakko's Trial! Touma vs. Haruya"
"Byakko no Shiren! Touma vs. Haruya"  (白虎の試練!トウマVSハルヤ)		March 1, 2019 (2019-03-01)
46"Kaira Fallen into Darkness"
"Yami ni Ochita Kaira"  (闇に堕ちたカイラ)		March 8, 2019 (2019-03-08)
47"Bonds Back to Back"
"Senaka, Awase no Kizuna"  (背中合わせの絆)		March 15, 2019 (2019-03-15)
48"Truth about Spirit"
"Supiritto no Shinjitsu"  (スピリットの真実)		March 22, 2019 (2019-03-22)
49"The Tale and the End of It"
"Shinwa Sono Hate ni"  (神話 その果てに)		March 29, 2019 (2019-03-29)
Note: This is the final episode of Yo-kai Watch Shadowside.

Video game

[edit]

Yo-kai Watch 4 was developed and published by Level-5 and it has been released on the Nintendo Switch on 20th June 2019 in Japan. The game is set on an alternative timeline to the anime, as several events that occur in the anime occur differently in the games.[12][13][14]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Yo-kai Watch Shadowside

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Yo-kai Watch Shadowside is a Japanese television series produced by , serving as a direct sequel to the 2017 film Yo-kai Watch Shadowside: Oni-ō no Fukkatsu and set approximately 30 years after the events of the original . The series, which aired from April 13, 2018, to March 29, 2019, consists of 49 episodes and centers on siblings Natsume and Keisuke Amano as they navigate a world where yo-kai possess both "lightside" benevolent forms and "shadowside" malevolent counterparts, often requiring the use of specialized Yo-kai Watches to combat emerging threats. Directed by Fumiya Kitajou with series composition by Yoichi Kato, it introduces new protagonists and expands the franchise's lore by exploring themes of duality in entities and human-yo-kai interactions. The preceding film, Yo-kai Watch Shadowside: Oni-ō no Fukkatsu (also known as The Return of the Oni King), premiered in Japan on December 16, 2017, and depicts Natsume Amano and her allies confronting the revival of the ancient Demon King Rasen amid an "Onimaro" virus outbreak that corrupts humans and yo-kai into demonic forms. Directed by Shinji Ushiro and scripted by Level-5 president Akihiro Hino, the movie grossed approximately 2.04 billion yen at the Japanese box office and ranked second in its opening weekend. It features crossover elements with characters from Shigeru Mizuki's GeGeGe no Kitarō manga, including Kitarō voiced by Masako Nozawa, and introduces the lightside-shadowside transformation mechanic central to the subsequent series. As part of Level-5's broader cross-media initiative announced in , Yo-kai Watch Shadowside also influenced video games like , which incorporates shadowside yo-kai designs and story elements from the and . The project marked a tonal shift toward darker, more mature storytelling compared to the original series, emphasizing action-oriented battles and psychological depth in yo-kai influences on . Music for the television adaptation includes opening themes by Hard Birds and ending themes by King Cream Soda, contributing to its distinctive atmosphere.

Overview

Premise

Yo-kai Watch Shadowside is set 30 years after the events of the original series, introducing a new generation of characters in a world where supernatural threats have evolved. The story centers on the emergence of "Shadowside" Yo-kai, beings capable of manifesting both light and dark aspects of their nature, reflecting a more complex interplay between the human and spirit realms. This darker tone builds directly on the 2017 film Yo-kai Watch Shadowside: Oni-ō no Fukkatsu, which establishes the overarching timeline and initial crisis. The central plot follows Natsume Amano, daughter of the original protagonist Keita Amano, and her friends as they form the Yo-kai Detective Agency to investigate bizarre incidents plaguing their city. These events stem from the lingering effects of the Onimaro virus—a malevolent Yo-kai pathogen introduced in the film that infects human malice, multiplies uncontrollably, and facilitates the resurrection of ancient demons like the Oni King Rasen. Triggered by a catastrophic meteor incident, the virus sparks an epidemic that transforms ordinary people into monstrous entities, forcing the agency to summon Shadowside Yo-kai for battles that maintain balance between worlds. A key figure is Natsume's younger brother, Keisuke Amano, a skeptical fifth-grader who dismisses ghosts, UFOs, and Yo-kai despite mounting evidence. Reluctantly drawn into the agency's operations after tailing his late-returning sister, Keisuke acquires a Yo-kai Watch and confronts the reality of these threats. Meanwhile, antagonists such as the demon lord Shutendoji, architect of the Onimaro invasion, and the shadowy Voidera pursue the elusive "Princess"—revealed to be Natsume—aiming to exploit her power for their apocalyptic goals. This pursuit bridges the film's chaos with the series' episodic yet interconnected investigations, emphasizing themes of doubt, family, and the duality of good and evil.

Themes and Differences from Original Series

Yo-kai Watch Shadowside marks a significant tonal shift from the original series, adopting a more mature and horror-infused narrative that incorporates darker visuals and psychological depth. While the original franchise emphasized light-hearted comedy and episodic misadventures centered on child protagonists befriending mischievous Yo-kai, Shadowside introduces elements of horror and emotional tension, blending them with lingering humor to appeal to a slightly older audience. In terms of world-building, the series expands the Yo-kai lore by setting the story 30 years after the original events, portraying a modern urban environment where human-Yo-kai coexistence has evolved amid emerging threats. A central innovation is the Shadowside duality, where Yo-kai can manifest lightside (benevolent) or shadowside (destructive) forms depending on external influences or internal conflicts; the Onimaro virus, meanwhile, is an epidemic pathogen that amplifies malice in humans, turning them into demonic entities and drawing from ancient , particularly demons as chaotic forces. This virus symbolizes the duality inherent in human nature. Key themes revolve around identity, redemption, and the blurred boundaries between , as characters grapple with the shadow aspects of themselves and their Yo-kai allies. The recurring figure of the "," a reincarnated ruler from the tribe, serves as a symbol of balance, embodying the potential for amid chaos and underscoring the philosophical undertones of restoring equilibrium in a fractured world. These elements contrast sharply with the original series' focus on gadget-based Yo-kai summoning and collecting for comedic effect, shifting instead to serialized with high emotional stakes and detective-like investigations into mysteries.

Development and Production

Announcement and Planning

Yo-kai Watch Shadowside was announced in February 2018 by Level-5 through a feature in magazine, positioning it as a multifaceted cross-media project designed to breathe new life into the franchise amid its waning momentum. The initiative encompassed an series, a new , and additional merchandise, marking a strategic pivot to reengage fans after the original series' explosive rise—where the franchise had sold over 10 million units—gave way to declining sales following the release of in 2016. In response to these challenges, Level-5 opted for a soft approach, advancing the narrative 30 years into the future with a noticeably darker tone, mature themes, and a fresh cast of protagonists to broaden appeal toward older audiences while retaining core supernatural elements. This shift aimed to evolve the franchise beyond its initial child-focused whimsy, introducing concepts like human-Yo-kai coexistence strained by emerging threats. Central to the planning was the integration of the December 2017 theatrical film, Yo-kai Watch Shadowside: The Return of the Oni King, which functioned as a pilot to test these revitalization ideas and set the stage for the broader series. The movie previewed key mechanics, including Shadowside Yo-kai—alternate, often more sinister manifestations of familiar spirits—and an overarching storyline centered on a mysterious Yo-kai virus that amplifies human malice, turning victims into monstrous entities and driving chaotic events. Pre-production for Shadowside commenced in 2017, coinciding with the film's development, and included detailed blueprints for a 49-episode run to sustain narrative depth over a full year, alongside concurrent work on a that would expand the rebooted universe. These milestones reflected Level-5's commitment to a cohesive revival, balancing innovation with franchise legacy to recapture market interest.

Staff and Production Details

The anime series Yo-kai Watch Shadowside was directed by Fumiya Kitajou, who oversaw the episode production to emphasize a more mature narrative tone compared to prior entries in the franchise. The feature film, Shadowside: The Return of the King, was directed by Shinji Ushiro, focusing on high-stakes action sequences that introduced the Shadowside lore. Series composition was handled by Yōichi Katō, who structured the overarching story arcs involving human-Yo-kai conflicts. Production was led by Team , a division of OLM, Inc., in collaboration with Level-5 as the overarching franchise developer responsible for script supervision and world-building consistency. Animation efforts by Team Inoue incorporated 2D techniques for character expressions and battles, supplemented by 3D graphics from OLM Digital for dynamic Yo-kai transformations and environmental effects. The musical score was composed by Ken'ichirō Saigō, blending orchestral elements with electronic motifs to underscore the series' supernatural tension. Opening themes included "Toki wo Matō" and "Susume Shounen! Hyuui Hyuu" performed by Hard Birds, while ending themes featured "Funky Boogie Bar" and "Oyasumi Sanka" by King Cream Soda, selected to reflect the blend of energetic and introspective moods. The series aired on the Network (TXN) from April 13, 2018, to March 29, 2019, spanning 49 episodes in a weekly Friday evening slot at 18:25 JST, marking a shift toward a more continuous storyline format under Level-5's guidance. Production coordination ensured alignment between the , film, and related video games, with Level-5 overseeing lore integration to maintain narrative cohesion across media.

Characters

Human Protagonists

Natsume Amano (Summer Adams in English localizations) serves as the primary leader of the Yo-kai Detective Agency in , a 13-year-old skilled in investigation and summoning through her use of the Shadowside Yo-kai Watch. As the daughter of the original series protagonist Keita Amano (Nathan Adams in English localizations), she exhibits a lively personality and deep care for her family, particularly her younger brother, while navigating the challenges of supernatural cases. Her backstory includes a childhood near-drowning incident from which she was mysteriously saved, an event connected to the Onimaro occurrence depicted in the series' . Keisuke Amano (Tate Adams in English localizations), Natsume's younger brother and an 11-year-old fifth-grader, begins the story as a staunch skeptic who dismisses the existence of ghosts, UFOs, and other supernatural elements. Growing up in the Amano family, he becomes suspicious of Natsume's frequent late nights and decides to follow her, leading to the discovery of the Yo-kai Detective Agency and his eventual acquisition of his own Yo-kai Watch. This involvement marks a pivotal shift in his role within the family dynamics, where he transitions from an outsider to an active participant, strengthening the sibling bond through shared challenges. Touma Tsukinami (Cole in English localizations), also known as a key ally to Natsume in the Detective Agency, brings a sense of mystery and resourcefulness to the team as a 13-year-old boy from a family with busy parents that leaves him feeling isolated. Introduced in the , his background intersects with the Onimaro incident, positioning him as a tech-savvy investigator who aids in unraveling complex cases alongside the Amano siblings. Akinori Arihoshi (Bruno in English localizations) complements the group as a strong, reliable fighter and another core member of the agency, hailing from a family lineage that has long managed a and engaged in practices. Like Touma, his origins tie back to the events of the Onimaro incident in the film, where he emerges as a steadfast supporter in the fight to protect human-yo-kai relations. The human protagonists' arcs emphasize personal evolution amid escalating supernatural threats, with Keisuke's journey from denial and to courageous acceptance highlighting themes of growth and . Natsume's fosters unity among the group, underscoring the importance of familial and friendly bonds as they confront uncertainties together. These developments reinforce the narrative's focus on overcoming doubt through collaboration, as the characters mature from isolated individuals into a cohesive team dedicated to safeguarding their world.

Yo-kai and Antagonists

In Yo-kai Watch Shadowside, ally Yo-kai serve as companions to the human protagonists, often featuring evolved designs that reflect the series' darker tone while retaining ties to the original franchise. A prominent example is Jibanyan, the legendary cat Yo-kai, who appears in a more mature, battle-hardened form after 30 years, assisting Natsume Amano following her act of kindness toward him. Other allies include Whisper, the encyclopedic Yo-kai butler who continues to educate and support the group, and new additions like Mitsumatanozuchi (nicknamed Mitchy), a serpentine Yo-kai aspiring to human-like activity despite his imposing yet physically weak build, positioning himself as Natsume's knight. These Yo-kai are summoned through upgraded devices such as the Yo-kai Watch Elder, which Natsume wields, enabling access to their enhanced abilities in confrontations with threats. Central to the series is the Shadowside concept, where many Yo-kai exhibit dual natures—Lightside forms embodying benevolence and Shadowside forms unleashing malevolent tendencies—allowing them to shift based on circumstances or external influences. This duality is triggered by the Onimaro virus, a rare Yo-kai pathogen that emerges every thousand years, infecting human malice to propagate endlessly and inducing chaotic possessions that amplify negative emotions in both humans and Yo-kai. Infected individuals transform into aggressive -like entities known as Kaodeka Oni, disrupting the balance between the human and Yo-kai worlds. The primary antagonists revolve around ancient oni mythology. Oni King Rasen is the central demon from the feature film, revived through accumulated malice, who seeks to capture a princess figure possessing purifying light powers (Natsume) to further his dominion. In the series, Shutendoji emerges as the main demon lord, a separate entity from Rasen, aiming to disrupt the balance and revive oni supremacy. Accompanying threats include Voidera (known as Dōketsu in Japanese), a subordinate Yo-kai who wields one of the sacred Yo-sei swords, the Ashura Gōenmaru, and acts as a destructive enforcer, monitoring threats and engaging in battles that escalate the resurrection plot tied to oni legends. These villains draw from traditional Japanese folklore, portraying oni as harbingers of chaos reborn through modern malice. These supernatural entities propel the narrative by fueling the Yo-kai Detective Team's investigations into bizarre incidents, such as possessions and viral outbreaks, while underscoring the broader peril of Yo-kai-human imbalance that could lead to mutual extinction if the Onimaro virus spreads unchecked. The allies' dual modes and the antagonists' mythological ambitions create ongoing tensions, resolved through battles that highlight themes of inner conflict and harmony.

Casting

Voice Actors for Humans

In Yo-kai Watch Shadowside, the human protagonists are voiced by a cast selected to reflect the series' more mature tone aimed at a teenage audience, emphasizing emotional depth in their portrayals of , , and interpersonal dynamics. Natsume Amano, the elder sibling and primary Yo-kai Watch user, is voiced by Aoi Yuki in the series, following a recast from Mone Kamishiraishi's performance in the preceding for narrative continuity across media. Yuki's delivery captures Natsume's determined yet conflicted nature as she balances family responsibilities with supernatural encounters. Keisuke Amano, Natsume's younger brother known for his initial disbelief in the supernatural, is voiced by , whose versatile performance highlights his character's growth from doubt to involvement in Yo-kai affairs. The supporting human roles include Touma Tsukinami, voiced by Yoshiaki Hasegawa (recast from in the film), who brings a sense of brooding intensity to the group's dynamic with the Amano siblings during joint investigations. Akinori Arihoshi, the tech-savvy ally, is voiced by , contributing a youthful energy that complements the protagonists' arcs.
Character (Japanese)Voice ActorNotable Role Context
Natsume AmanoAoi YukiLead protagonist; recast from film for series continuity.
Keisuke AmanoSkeptical younger brother; emphasizes character development.
Touma TsukinamiYoshiaki HasegawaAlly with internal conflicts; interacts dynamically with siblings (recast from film).
Akinori ArihoshiSupportive friend; adds levity to group interactions.

Voice Actors for Yo-kai

The voice cast for the Yo-kai in Yo-kai Watch Shadowside features a mix of returning talent from the original series and new actors to suit the darker, more mature tone of the sequel. provides the voice for Jibanyan in his Shadowside form, replacing Etsuko Kozakura from the original series to reflect the character's evolved, more intense personality. voices Komasan Shadowside, also a change from , emphasizing the Yo-kai's dual Lightside and Shadowside aspects through distinct vocal inflections. reprises his role as Whisper, maintaining continuity for the series' signature informant Yo-kai while adapting to the narrative's horror elements. Antagonists and demonic Yo-kai receive casting that underscores their menacing presence. Kōji Yusa voices Shutendoji, the powerful leader, bringing a gravelly, authoritative that enhances the character's mythical threat. returns as Enma, the ruler of the Demon World, delivering a commanding performance suited to the series' exploration of yokai hierarchies and conflicts. Other demons, such as those in the Oni Clan, are portrayed by veteran seiyū like as Jao Kaira, contributing to the eerie, otherworldly atmosphere with layered, sinister deliveries. The casting strategy blends established Yo-kai Watch alumni with fresh voices to accommodate the redesigned, dual-natured Yo-kai, allowing for seamless shifts between cheerful and ominous tones that mirror the series' thematic duality of light and shadow. This approach ensures vocal performances align with the supernatural elements, heightening the horror-infused storytelling without overlapping human characterizations.

Media

Feature Film

Yo-kai Watch Shadowside: Oni-ō no Fukkatsu (English: Yo-kai Watch Shadowside: The Return of the Oni King) is a 2017 Japanese animated feature film directed by Shinji Ushiro. It premiered in theaters across Japan on December 16, 2017, with a runtime of 94 minutes. Produced by OLM and Level-5, the film marks the fourth installment in the Yo-kai Watch movie series and introduces the darker "Shadowside" era of the franchise. Set 30 years after the events of the original series, the plot centers on a meteor approaching , which triggers the outbreak of the Onimaro virus—a malevolent Yo-kai infection that amplifies people's dark intentions and transforms them into chaotic Kaodeka . In response, protagonists Natsume Amano (Summer), Touma Tsukinami (Cole), and Akira Arihoshi (Bruno) team up, equipped with a new Yo-kai Watch that allows Yo-kai to shift between Lightside and Shadowside forms, to confront the Oni King Rasen, the source of the crisis. This narrative establishes key Shadowside lore, including the duality of Yo-kai natures and the viral threat, while serving as a foundational pilot that directly precedes the series. The film functioned as a conceptual testbed for the Shadowside project, debuting core characters like Natsume Amano (Summer), Touma Tsukinami (Cole), and Akira Arihoshi (Bruno) alongside innovative elements such as the Lightside/Shadowside transformation mechanic and the Onimaro virus mythology. These introductions laid the groundwork for the franchise's shift toward more mature, horror-infused themes of inner conflict and balance. Commercially, it grossed ¥2.04 billion in Japan.

Anime Series

The Yo-kai Watch Shadowside anime series comprises 49 episodes that aired weekly, beginning with a one-hour special featuring the premiere of episodes 1 and 2 on April 13, 2018. Produced by , the show aired on in Japan until its conclusion on March 29, 2019, replacing the original anime in the timeslot. International broadcasts and dubs were limited to select regions, such as a Korean version on starting April 23, 2019. The series structure combines episodic "case-of-the-week" formats, where protagonists investigate isolated supernatural incidents caused by yo-kai, with an overarching narrative focused on the quest to identify and protect the , a key figure in the yo-kai world's balance between light and shadow sides. Set 30 years after the original series, the plot introduces Tate (Keisuke Amano), a skeptical fifth-grader who initially dismisses the existence of yo-kai, alongside his older sister Natsume (Summer Amano), who leads him into the world of a secret yo-kai detective agency. As the story progresses, threats intensify from Voidera, a powerful demon loyal to the antagonist Shutendoji, and broader alliances among demonic entities seeking to exploit the Princess's power for chaos. This escalation drives multi-episode arcs involving lightside and shadowside yo-kai transformations, culminating in the series finale, "The Tale and the End of It," which resolves the central conflict over the Princess's fate and the agency's battles. Episode highlights include early installments like "Phantom Gangleader," which establishes the detective agency's role in resolving a ghostly gang-related mystery, and "The Bicycle Ridden by the Dead," showcasing standalone yo-kai possessions. These build toward later climactic confrontations, such as those in episodes 47–49, where the protagonists face Voidera and demon forces in large-scale battles that tie into the quest's resolution. The film Yo-kai Watch Shadowside: The Return of the King provides setup for the series' opening threats, while certain yo-kai appearances align with concurrent tie-ins.

Video Games

The primary video game in the Yo-kai Watch Shadowside era is , a game developed and published by Level-5 exclusively for the in . Released on June 20, 2019, following delays from its initial announcement, the title integrates Shadowside lore by featuring an alternate timeline where protagonist Nathan "Nate" Adams and his family confront escalating supernatural threats thirty years after the original series events. The story centers on Nate's adult life with wife Katie Forester and their children, Summer and Tate Adams, who wield advanced Yo-kai Watches like the Arcane model to battle the Onimaro—a malevolent virus that infects humans and Yo-kai, transforming them into aggressive entities and threatening global stability. Gameplay emphasizes open-world exploration across familiar locales like Springdale and the new Sai district, a vibrant city inspired by Chinese architecture, where players befriend and summon over 500 Yo-kai, including Shadowside variants that toggle between benevolent Lightside and corrupted Shadowside forms during combat. Battles adopt a real-time action RPG format with dual modes: strategic positioning for team-based attacks and direct control for individual Yo-kai maneuvers, allowing form shifts via the Yo-kai Keystone system when the Soultimate gauge is full to exploit enemy weaknesses. The Onimaro infection mechanic adds tension, as possessed Yo-kai or humans must be purified through battles, tying into the narrative's themes of malice and redemption while incorporating anime characters like Natsume Amano and Touma Tsukinami as allies against these threats.) Post-launch support expanded the experience with free updates in July and August 2019, introducing new quests and multiplayer features, followed by the paid expansion on December 5, 2019, which added exclusive areas, additional Shadowside Yo-kai, and enhanced post-game content like godside evolutions and cross-platform compatibility with PlayStation 4. The game achieved 150,721 units sold in its first week in , topping sales charts despite lower figures compared to prior entries, reflecting sustained interest in the franchise's darker evolution. Shadowside elements also appeared briefly in mobile spin-offs, such as event collaborations in Puni Puni, where players could summon Shadowside-exclusive Yo-kai like Genma Omatsu through special battles and gacha mechanics, bridging the era's lore to portable play without a dedicated title.

Reception

Critical Response

Critics and audiences generally received Yo-kai Watch Shadowside positively for its shift toward more mature storytelling and darker themes, marking a departure from the original series' episodic to a plot-driven exploring consequences and moral ambiguity in Yo-kai interactions. The introduction of lightside and shadowside Yo-kai forms was lauded as an innovative expansion of the franchise's lore, providing deeper emotional and thematic layers to the creatures' influences on human lives. Animation quality saw significant praise, with the series adopting a more realistic and atmospheric style that amplified its horror elements and surreal visuals, produced by to evoke a sense of unease absent in prior entries. On platforms like , it earned an average score of 6.79 out of 10 from 937 users, underscoring recognition for these advancements in visual and narrative depth. Similarly, IMDb users rated the 7.1 out of 10 based on 33 reviews, highlighting its appeal as a fresh evolution within the franchise. Criticisms focused on pacing inconsistencies, particularly in initial episodes that struggled to balance action with exposition, leading to a slower buildup that tested viewer patience. The mature tone was seen by some as challenging for the original's younger audience, potentially limiting broad accessibility while introducing a more serious dynamic that divided opinions on its complexity and resolution. Japanese outlets like acknowledged the series' role in revitalizing the franchise through its thematic boldness, though detailed -specific critiques were sparse compared to coverage of tied-in media. Western commentary, including analyses on sites like , appreciated the horror-infused revival as a compelling reinvention, fostering niche acclaim among enthusiasts. The production received no major awards or nominations from bodies like the Tokyo Anime Award Festival.

Commercial Performance

The Yo-kai Watch Shadowside feature film, Yo-kai Watch Shadowside: The Return of the Oni King, released in December 2017, achieved moderate box office success in but marked a decline from prior entries in the franchise. It debuted at number two with an opening weekend gross of 399 million yen (approximately $3.6 million) from 355,200 tickets sold. By its third weekend, the film had earned 1.22 billion yen (about $11.1 million), and projections estimated a domestic total around 2.5 billion yen. Ultimately, it grossed approximately 2.04 billion yen in , contributing to a worldwide total of $18.4 million, the lowest among the main theatrical releases, which previously exceeded 4 billion yen each. The Shadowside series, which aired on from April 2018 to March 2019, experienced lower viewership ratings compared to the original series, reflecting the franchise's waning popularity. An episode from January 2019 recorded a 2.8% household rating in the Kanto region, typical of its performance in a late-evening slot targeted at an older audience. This was below the original series' peak averages of 4-5% during its prime-time broadcasts, contributing to a shift in the franchise's demographic appeal and overall media momentum. In the video game sector, , released in June 2019 for and and tied to the Shadowside storyline, underperformed relative to earlier titles. It sold 150,721 physical copies in during its debut week, topping charts but with 60% sell-through of its initial shipment, a sharp drop from Yo-kai Watch 3's 670,000 first-week sales. Lifetime physical sales in reached approximately 303,000 units, underscoring the series' commercial challenges amid competition and franchise fatigue. No Western release occurred, limiting global reach. Overall, Shadowside represented a transitional phase with reduced commercial viability, as Bandai Namco reported ongoing declines in merchandise revenue post-2016, dropping from 55.2 billion yen in fiscal 2015 to under half that by 2018, influenced by market saturation and shifting consumer trends. The era's efforts to retool for a teen audience yielded niche success but failed to recapture the original's billion-dollar retail phenomenon.

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