Mononoke the Movie: The Ashes of Rage

Mononoke the Movie: The Ashes of Rage is a 2025 Japanese animated supernatural psychological horror film directed by Kiyotaka Suzuki with chief direction by Kenji Nakamura, and written by Yasumi Atarashi; the film is based on the Mononoke anime television series (2007), which in turn is a spin-off of Ayakashi: Samurai Horror Tales anthology series (2006), both created by Toei Animation. Co-produced by EOTA and Crew-Cell, and co-distributed by Giggly Box and Twin Engine, The Ashes of Rage is a second film of the Mononoke trilogy film project, and a sequel to Phantom in the Rain (2024). Hiroshi Kamiya reprises his role as the voice of the Medicine Seller, alongside Haruka Tomatsu, Tomoyo Kurosawa, Yoko Hikasa, Yukana and Yuki Kaji, with Chō, Kenyu Horiuchi, Ryō Horikawa, Yoshiko Sakakibara and Atsumi Tanezaki joining the ensemble cast. The Ashes of Rage was released in Japan on March 14, 2025.

A third film is set to release in Q2 2026.

Plot

One month after the events taken place at the Inner Chambers, the Medicine Seller returns to the imperial harem, where the carnal workings for the lower-ranking concubines seems to have improved under the management of Asa. However, the higher-ranking concubines continue to fight each other to produce a new imperial heir, and things come to a head when one of the concubines spontaneously combusts.

Voice cast

Production

In July 2024, Hiroshi Kamiya, the voice of the Medicine Seller, teased that he was recording his lines for the sequel to Mononoke the Movie: Phantom in the Rain. Later that month, it was announced that the Mononoke film project will comprise of a trilogy, with the second film titled Mononoke the Movie: The Ashes of Rage. In December 2024, it was announced that Chō and Kenyu Horiuchi have been cast as new characters, while Haruka Tomatsu, Yoko Hikasa and Yuki Kaji are reprising their roles from the first film. The Ashes of Rage features returning key staff members from Phantom in the Rain, while Kiyotaka Suzuki is directing the film under Kenji Nakamura's chief direction, and Crew-Cell co-producing the film with EOTA. In February 2025, additional cast members were announced. Aina the End provided the theme song, titled "Flower Unrivaled" (花無双, Hana Musō).

Release

The film was released in theaters in Japan on March 14, 2025.

Reception

Box office

The Ashes of Rage made its debut in 6th place in the Japanese box office, one place higher than its predecessor, Phantom in the Rain.

Critical reception

Richard Eisenbeis of Anime News Network gave the film an A- rating, and stated "Buoyed by its supernatural twist, mystery, and visuals unlike any other anime out there, it is a fantastic follow-up to The Phantom in the Rain—even if it never quite reaches the lofty heights of that film".