Malevolent Spirits: Mononogatari

Malevolent Spirits: Mononogatari, produced by Bandai Namco Pictures, premiered in 2023 as an adaptation of the manga series by Onigunso. The narrative centers on the concept of tsukumogami—objects that have attained souls after existing for many years—and follows a protagonist whose past trauma drives him to eliminate these entities, only to find himself cohabiting with a group of benevolent spirits. The series draws upon rich Japanese folklore and Shinto traditions, recontextualizing historical mythological tropes within a contemporary urban fantasy setting.

The production sought to balance high-octane supernatural action with character-driven interpersonal drama. Studio designers focused on the visual distinction between the Tsukumogami, who possess human-like manifestations, and the more monstrous malevolent spirits. Upon its release, the series was received as a solid entry in the supernatural action genre, praised for its unique take on domestic life involving supernatural roommates and its exploration of the complex bonds between humans and objects of spirit.