Tag: Horror

GeGeGe no Kitaro (2018) – Episode 25: A Dark Dive into Modern Curses and Cyberbullying

If you’re a fan of GeGeGe no Kitaro, you know it’s not just about spooky yokai and supernatural battles—it’s a show that often holds up a mirror to society, sometimes in the most unsettling ways. Episode 25 of the 2018 reboot, titled Electric Yokai, is no exception. This episode dives headfirst into themes of cyberbullying, curses, and the darker side of human nature, all wrapped in a chilling supernatural package.

The Plot: A Modern-Day Curse

The episode opens with a disturbing scene: a group of teenagers relentlessly bullying someone online, urging them to “just die.” The victim, overwhelmed, takes their own life—a stark reminder of how real and devastating cyberbullying can be. But in GeGeGe no Kitaro, tragedy doesn’t end there. The vengeful spirit of the victim manifests as an electric yokai, latching onto smartphones and spreading a curse through an app.

Mana, the ever-unlucky human companion of Kitaro, gets caught in the crossfire. The yokai’s curse spreads like wildfire, and soon, people are turning on each other, consumed by hatred and resentment. Kitaro and Neko Musume must step in to break the cycle before it’s too late.

What Fans Are Saying

The episode sparked intense discussions among fans, with many praising its bold take on modern issues. Here’s what stood out:

1. “This Was Darker Than Expected”
   Fans were shocked by the episode’s grim tone. One viewer on MyAnimeList noted, “This was actually much more grim and darker than I had anticipated. Poor Mana for getting caught up in this.” Another added, “I’m surprised they even aired this in a timeslot with younger viewers—this was heavy stuff.”

2. Cyberbullying Hits Hard
   The opening scene, where the victim commits suicide after being bullied online, resonated deeply. A fan pointed out, “It reminded me of real-life cyberbullying cases. The show didn’t hold back in showing how words can kill.”

3. The Curse of Hatred
   The episode’s central theme—that hatred and curses eventually come back to haunt the perpetrator—was a standout. One fan reflected, “When you curse someone, you dig your own grave. The app in the episode was a brilliant metaphor for how negativity spreads.”

4. Nanashi’s Sinister Plan
   Long-time fans noticed subtle hints about the overarching villain, Nanashi. One theory suggests that the symbols marked on Mana (Wood in Episode 19, Fire in this episode) hint at a larger ritual involving the five elements. “Nanashi isn’t after five girls—Mana is his vessel, and he’s marking her step by step,” a Wikia contributor explained.

5. Mixed Reactions to the Message
   Some viewers debated whether the episode was a critique of smartphone addiction or a deeper exploration of human malice. “I’m conflicted—was this about tech addiction or just how hatred consumes us?” one fan pondered. Others appreciated the ambiguity, calling it “a smart episode that works on multiple levels.”

Why This Episode Stands Out

GeGeGe no Kitaro has always balanced folklore with social commentary, but Episode 25 feels particularly relevant. In an age where online toxicity is rampant, the episode’s message—that hatred is a curse that boomerangs back—is a powerful one.

The animation and voice acting also deserve praise. Banjo Ginga’s chilling performance as the electric yokai left fans unsettled (“If I were a young voice actor next to him, I wouldn’t sleep at night!”). Meanwhile, Kitaro and Neko Musume’s teamwork in the final battle was a highlight, with one fan cheering, “The tag-team action was awesome! 4/5 for the fights alone!”

Final Thoughts

Episode 25 of GeGeGe no Kitaro isn’t just another monster-of-the-week story—it’s a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked hatred, both online and offline. While some viewers found it uncomfortably dark, others praised its boldness and relevance.

As one fan perfectly summed it up: “Social media is a ‘curse’ engine. Other people’s suffering is the most popular form of entertainment right now. This episode got it right.”

Whether you’re here for the yokai battles or the social commentary, this episode delivers on both fronts—and leaves you thinking long after the credits roll.

Rating: 4.5/5 – A haunting, thought-provoking installment that proves GeGeGe no Kitaro is more than just a kids’ show.