Yamishibai: Japanese Ghost Stories Returns July 12 with Season 17
Yamishibai: Japanese Ghost Stories fans, rejoice! The 17th season of the horror anthology will premiere on July 12, 2026. According to Anime News Network, the theme of the new season has been announced as “decision”.
First airing in 2013, Yamishibai has a unique production that adapts the traditional Japanese kamishibai (paper theater) style into anime. Each episode lasts about 5 minutes and typically tells creepy short stories. With its short but effective storytelling, the series has become a staple for horror fans. Its long-running nature makes it one of the rare examples of its genre.
The theme of the 17th season, “decision”, seems to focus on the supernatural consequences of characters' choices at critical moments. No official trailer or new character information has been released from the series' producers yet, but as we know from past seasons, Yamishibai brings a fresh breath with different directors and writers each new season. This means viewers can expect a new atmosphere and narrative style each season.
As in previous seasons, this season's episodes will air late at night on TV Tokyo. The series has completed over 80 episodes to date, each covering a wide range from Japan's urban legends to classic ghost stories. The successful continuation of this horror anthology format solidifies Yamishibai's special place in the anime world.
The announcement of the new season is big news, especially for fans of short-format horror productions. With the 17th season starting on July 12, the series' total episode count could exceed 100. All eyes are now on official poster and trailer releases. If you also love thrilling, short and concise horror stories, mark July 12 on your calendar!
