Digimon Ghost Game
Digimon Ghost Game (Japanese: デジモンゴーストゲーム, Hepburn: Dejimon Gōsuto Gēmu) is a Japanese anime television series and the ninth anime series in the Digimon franchise. The series was broadcast on Fuji TV from October 2021 to March 2023.
| Digimon Ghost Game | |
Promotional poster | |
| デジモンゴーストゲーム (Dejimon Gōsuto Gēmu) | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Adventure, supernatural[1] |
| Anime television series | |
| Directed by |
|
| Written by | Masashi Sogo |
| Music by | Kow Otani |
| Studio | Toei Animation |
| Licensed by | |
| Original network | Fuji TV |
| Original run | October 3, 2021 – March 26, 2023 |
| Episodes | 67 + 1 special |
| Digimon franchise | |
Plot
In the near future, new and innovative technology has emerged that is more advanced than before. On social networks, rumors are circulating about strange phenomena caused by beings known as "Hologram Ghosts". Hiro Amanokawa is a middle school freshman at Hazakura Academy, who, after activating a mysterious device left behind by his father called the "Digivice -V-", can now see creatures called Digimon that cannot be seen by ordinary people.
After meeting Gammamon, a mischievous Digimon who is entrusted to him by his father Hokuto, Hiro becomes caught up in various strange phenomena. A man with a sewn mouth steals time from human beings, a mummy wanders around at night and kidnaps humans... the Hologram Ghosts are all around us and are targeting us. Alongside their friends Ruli Tsukiyono and Angoramon, and later Kiyoshirō Higashimitarai and Jellymon, Hiro and Gammamon dive into the mysterious world where these creatures live— a side of the world that nobody is aware of.
Characters
Main characters
- Hiro Amanokawa (天ノ河 宙, Amanokawa Hiro)
- Voiced by: Mutsumi Tamura[3]
- A thirteen-year-old boy who attends the private school Hazakura Academy, and is an inquisitive and relatable youth who never turns down requests. He can also do most things on his own, so others often rely on him. He's curious and becomes interested in Digimon after meeting Gammamon through his father, Hokuto Amanokawa. Due to his upbringing, he tends to suppress his childish side while being energetic and caring around others. He has a scar on his left ear.
- Gammamon (ガンマモン, Ganmamon)
- Voiced by: Miyuki Sawashiro[3]
- Hiro's partner, a white Ceratopsian Rookie-level Digimon with small wings on his back. Gammamon possesses three Champion-level forms: BetelGammamon, KausGammamon, and WezenGammamon, each who have their own strengths and weaknesses. As well, within him is a dark Champion-level form called GulusGammamon, who is vicious and sadistic and manifests himself when Gammamon's heart is consumed by sadness or rage. He later gains the power to evolve further into the Ultimate-level Canoweissmon and the Mega-level Siriusmon. Near the end of the series, GulusGammamon evolves into the Ultimate-level Regulusmon, who created a virus called GRB (Gulus Realm Burst). He planned to create an army of empowered Digimon to devour weak Digimon and ravage the Digital World.
- Ruli Tsukiyono (月夜野 瑠璃, Tsukiyono Ruri)
- Voiced by: Yū Kobayashi[3]
- Ruli is a first-year middle school student attending a combined middle and high school for girls. A friendly and outgoing thirteen-year-old who runs a popular occult-related social media account, she is sociable and has many friends. She looks for things that suit her taste and wants to stick her nose into everything. Furthermore, she plays the piano, which Angoramon likes to listen to. Although she is skilled at many talents, she struggles to find a main passion and therefore feels bored with life.
- Angoramon (アンゴラモン, Angoramon)
- Voiced by: Kazuya Nakai[3]
- Ruli's partner, a rabbit-like Rookie-level Beast Digimon with a pacifistic personality, who enjoys the sound of Ruli playing the piano. He can evolve into the Champion-level SymbareAngoramon, the Ultimate-level Lamortmon, and the Mega-level Diarbbitmon.
- Kiyoshirō Higashimitarai (東御手洗 清司郎, Higashimitarai Kiyoshirō)
- Voiced by: Akira Ishida[3]
- A 14-year-old genius who graduated from an American school and currently attends Hazakura Academy to enjoy living as a regular boy. He is afraid of ghosts and always look for talismans to ward them off. Although usually condescending and cowardly, he occasionally becomes brave and level-headed when in a crisis, which could be a split-personality.
- Jellymon (ジェリーモン, Jerīmon)
- Voiced by: Yū Shimamura[3]
- A jellyfish-like Rookie-level Mollusk Digimon and Kiyoshirō's partner, whom she likes to scare and cause mischief towards. She can evolve into the Champion-level TeslaJellymon, the Ultimate-level Thetismon, and the Mega-level Amphimon.
- Espimon (エスピモン, Esupimon)
- Voiced by: Yumiko Kobayashi
- A jetpack-themed Rookie-level Digimon who helps Gammamon rescue Hiro when he is under the influence of a Doumon. Hokuto tasked him with helping Hiro, and so he is looking for Hiro going off of his student ID. Even after meeting Hiro, he keeps looking for him since he is convinced he is not the real Hiro, but is unaware that he has already found him. When Hiro reveals that he is who Espimon is looking for, Espimon becomes Hiro's second partner, able to evolve into the Champion-level Hover Espimon.
Digimon
This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (December 2021) |
The following Digimon have appeared as ghosts that the group have to deal with:
Supporting Digimon
- Clockmon (クロックモン, Kurokkumon)
- Voiced by: Mitsuo Iwata
- A clock Champion-level Digimon who initially targeted humans using his time-based abilities, but becomes an ally to Hiro's group after he is defeated.
- Mummymon (マミーモン, Mamīmon)
- Voiced by: Takayuki Sugō
- A mummy Ultimate-level Digimon who becomes an ally to Hiro's group after a misunderstanding about his methods of healing humans is resolved.
- Ryudamon (リュウダモン, Ryūdamon)
- Voiced by: Masami Kikuchi
- A draconic samurai Rookie-level Digimon who became Gyukimon after entering the Human World. Gammamon is able to defeat Gyukimon and revert him back to his original form. Later on in the series, he permanently Digivolves to Ginryumon.
- Airdramon (エアドラモン, Eadoramon)
- Voiced by: Ryōtarō Okiayu
- A draconic feathered serpent Champion-level Digimon who Ruli befriends. He is also used as transportation for Hiro’s group.
- Terriermon Assistant (テリアモン助手, Teriamon Joshu)
- Voiced by: Aoi Tada
- A terrier Rookie-level Digimon in scientists' clothing who was Hokuto’s partner during his time in the Digital World.
Antagonists
- Dracmon (ドラクモン, Dorakumon)
- Voiced by: Kōki Miyata
- A vampire Rookie-level Digimon who caused trouble before aligning himself with Myotismon, only for Myotismon to destroy him after he defies his orders to not harm Ruli.
- Crowmon (ヤタガラモン, Yatagaramon)
- Voiced by: Yasunori Masutani
- A yatagarasu Ultimate-level Digimon who controls birds at night, it flies away after it is defeated by KausGammamon.
- Bokomon (ボコモン, Bokomon)
- Voiced by: Yūsuke Numata
- A Rookie-level Digimon who aids Hiro's group before being killed by Sealsdramon. His death causes Gammamon to fall into despair, which is what first triggers his ability to Digivolve to GulusGammamon.
- Sealsdramon (シールズドラモン, Shīruzudoramon)
- Voiced by: Nobutoshi Canna
- A cyborg reptile Champion-level Digimon who is an infamous serial killer responsible for the deaths of many innocent Digimon. He is also responsible for killing Bokomon, and is killed by Gammamon as GulusGammamon to avenge Bokomon's death.
- Archnemon (アルケニモン, Arukenimon)
- Voiced by: Wakana Yamazaki
- A jorōgumo Ultimate-level Digimon, who is known for her intelligent and temperamental personality. She feeds on human brains before being destroyed by Gammamon as GulusGammamon.
- Ajatarmon (アヤタラモン, Ayataramon)
- Voiced by: Takako Honda
- A humanoid plant Ultimate-level Digimon who attempts to turn humans into more of her kind, before killing herself after a battle between Hiro and friends upon realizing she will never be able to be with Yuto.
- Myotismon (ヴァンデモン, Vandemon)
- Voiced by: Toshiyuki Morikawa
- An evil vampire Ultimate-level Digimon who aspires to take over the human world, acquiring followers by founding the trendsetter company Scarlatto Vento under the guise of Kyogoku Aviel. He is defeated by Gammamon as Canoweissmon and turns back into a bat.
- Splashmon (スプラッシュモン, Supurasshumon)
- Voiced by: Hiroaki Miura
- A humanoid white tiger-like Ultimate-level Digimon who can turn humans into water. He is defeated by SymbareAngoramon and taken back to the Digital World by BlackGatomon Uver.
- Publimon (パブリモン, Paburimon)
- Voiced by: Kappei Yamaguchi
- A shell-helmeted Champion-level Digimon who publishes dangerous stunts in an attempt to kill people. He fights KausGammamon, but then falls to his death.
- Lilithmon (リリスモン, Ririsumon)
- Voiced by: Mie Sonozaki
- A succubus Mega-level Digimon who had infected several humans and Digimon. Gammamon is able to hold her off as Siriusmon, and the fight between the two ends in a draw. Lilithmon decides to call off her attack, and offers Siriusmon a place at her side. When Siriusmon refuses, she retreats while wondering if he will ever accept her offer.
- AncientSphinxmon (エンシェントスフィンクモン, EnshentoSufinkumon)
- Voiced by: Hiroyuki Kinoshita
- A sphinx Mega-level Digimon who turns humans into slab stones if they fail to answer his riddles. Angoramon fights him as Lamortmon, but is overpowered until he becomes Darabbitmon for the first time and defeats AncientSphinxmon, who is then killed by its own vortex.
- MoonMillenniumon/ZeedMilleniummon (ムーンミレニアモン/ズィードミレニアモン, MūnMireniamon/ZīdoMireniamon)
- Voiced by: Atsuki Tani
- An evil Mega-level Digimon who killed a researcher named Jinno Minami, then took over her corpse and became ZeedMillenniummon. It is defeated by Siriusmon and Darabbitmon, and then reverts back to Moon=Millenniummon.
- Dragomon (ダゴモン, Dagomon)
- Voiced by: Takashi Matsuyama
- A Cthulhu-themed Ultimate-level Digimon who calls humans to become his minions, turning them into Gill-men. After he is defeated by Siriusmon, he is swallowed by a digital gate.
Other
- Akane
- Ruli's teacher, who has brown eyes and brown hair and wears a yellow t-shirt with a star on it.
- Aoi Uwada (宇和田 アオイ, Uwada Aoi)
- Voiced by: Arisa Sekine
- Ruli's friend and classmate, who has yellow eyes and brown hair.
- Mika Kashiwagi (柏木 ミカ, Kashiwagi Mika)
- Voiced by: Kanami Taguchi
- Ruli's friend and classmate, who has blue eyes and black hair worn in a ponytail.
- Nana
- Ruli's friend and classmate, who has brown eyes and dark brown hair worn in twintails.
- Moe
- Ruli's friend and classmate, who has blue eyes and black hair.
- Yuina
- A little girl who Kiyoshiro saves.
- Kayono Aramaki (荒巻 カヨノ, Aramaki Kayono)
- Voiced by: Satomi Satō
- A little girl who was once Aoi's friend.
- Hokuto Amanokawa (天ノ河 北斗, Amanokawa Hokuto)
- Voiced by: Hiroki Takahashi
- Hiro's father, who has been in the Digital World since he mysteriously disappeared.
Production
Background
Digimon Ghost Game was officially announced at Bandai's DigiFes 2021 event on August 1, 2021[4] with a first teaser visual for the series, by Tenya Yabuno.[5] The series is directed by Kimitoshi Chioka and Masato Mitsuka, with Masashi Sogo supervising the series' scripts, Tenya Yabuno as character designer and Mariko Itō adapting their designs for animation, and Kenji Watanabe designing the Digimon and Cho Shinozuka adapting their designs for animation.[3]
In the October issue of Shueisha's V Jump magazine on August 19, 2021, the presentation stated that Ghost Game is going to be the franchise's first horror-themed entry.[6] The creation of this series required putting thought into how to reinterpret the Digimon and the background lore that Bandai has created, in the context of the horror genre.[7] New Digimon have been created specifically for this series, but old Digimon also appear and play an active role in this story through their background and aspects.[7] In this series, Digimon are compared to poltergeists from Japanese folklore ;[7] the first promotional poster introduced them as "Hologram... ?" and "Ghost... ? ".[4] The series is produced for an episodic format.[7]
Toei Animation decided to make Digimon Ghost Game a villain of the week show as they found that children of the generation the series came out have low attention spans due to the prevalence of YouTube and TikTok. They were worried that if they made a show with an extended plot, children would get bored quickly and stop watching the show entirely.[8]
Development
The announcement was originally leaked on Chinese social media on July 28, 2021.[9] On August 7, 2021, the teaser visual was updated on the official website with the only difference being, Kiyoshirō's left hand covered with bandages.[10] On September 3, 2021, Shueisha's Saikyo Jump magazine announced Digimon Dreamers, unrelated to the anime, with a first illustration from the monthly illustrated by Yabuno featuring Hiro, the main character of Ghost Game, with goggles.[11] The design of the protagonist wasn't finalized at the time of submission, and then changed to an original character in a new illustration revealed by the author via Twitter on September 4, 2021.[12] On September 10, 2021, the official website revealed the cast, the airing date, as well as the main visual featuring the characters in their school uniforms, design by Mariko Itō.[3]
Broadcast and distribution
The first trailer for the series was shown during the 65th episode of Digimon Adventure:.[5] The series premiered on Fuji TV on October 3, 2021,[13] set to start after Adventure: in the same timeslot.[3] Digimon Ghost Game is broadcast on Fuji Television, and available for streaming on TVer, U-NEXT, Bandai Channel, Anime Hodai and Docomo Anime Store in Japan.[14] The series ended with its 68th episode on March 26, 2023.[15]
Digimon Ghost Game is distributed simultaneously by Crunchyroll in North America, Central America, South America, Europe, Africa, Oceania, the MENA and CIS zones[16] with English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Arabic, Italian, German and Russian (1–21[17]) subtitles for premium members within the first week of release. Starting in spring 2022, new episodes are available by subscription only, with the first twenty-one episodes remaining available to all users.[18] The anime was also simulcast on VRV in the United States.[19] In France, the anime is also available on Anime Digital Network and J-One.[20]
On March 6, 2022, Toei Animation announced that the series would not air the following Sunday due to the Nagoya Women's Marathon.[21] On March 7, 2022, Toei Animation and Digimon Ghost Game's social network revealed that they had been affected by a computer hacking attack, with all media produced by the studio facing postponements starting on March 20, 2022.[21] In Japan, Fuji TV decided to rebroadcast the first episode of Digimon Ghost Game on March 20 and a selection of episodes in the following weeks during the hiatus.[22]
Soundtrack
The composer of the Japanese version is Kow Otani. Wienners performs the opening theme "FACTION",[23] and Aiiro Apollo performs the series' first ending theme "Pedal" (episodes 1–12).[23] BMK performs the second ending theme, "Because I'm Still in Love to This Day" (episodes 13–21). Bye-Bye-Hand performs the third ending theme, "Hikariau Monotachi" (episodes 22–31). The fourth ending theme, "Monster Disco" (episodes 32–44), was written and sung by Shikao Suga and arranged by Hyadain.[24][25][26] Kobore performs the fifth ending theme, "Strawberry" (episodes 45–57). Penthouse performs the sixth and final ending theme, "Take Me Maybe" (episodes 58–67).
References
- ^ Ashcraft, Brian (October 5, 2021). "Your Fall 2021 Anime Guide". Kotaku. from the original on December 26, 2022. Retrieved February 23, 2023.
- ^ Cardine, Kyle. "UPDATE: Crunchyroll Announces Fall 2021 Lineup! (9/28)". Crunchyroll. Retrieved 2021-09-28.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Pineda, Rafael Antonio (September 10, 2021). "Digimon Ghost Game TV Anime Reveals Cast, Staff, October 3 Debut". Anime News Network. Retrieved September 10, 2021.
- ^ a b デジモンパートナーズ【公式】 [@DM_Partners] (August 1, 2021). "＜＜＜2大重大発表＞＞＞ ⭐️新作TVアニメ 「デジモンゴーストゲーム」 フジテレビほかにて2021年秋放送！ ⭐️本宮大輔たち『02』の物語となる新作映画製作決定！【田口智久 × 大和屋暁】超特報映像公開！ t.co/jPcvvcBiPy #デジモン #digimon #デジモンアドベンチャー02 #デジフェス2021 t.co/E9z6FdMrQi" [<<<2 major announcements>>> ⭐️ New TV anime "Digimon Ghost Game" Broadcast on Fuji TV and others in fall 2021! ⭐️ A new movie will be produced that will be the story of Daisuke Motomiya and others "02"! [Tomohisa Taguchi x Akatsuki Yamatoya] Special video release! #Digimon #digimon #Digimon Adventure 02 #Digifest 2021] (Tweet) (in Japanese). from the original on September 5, 2022. Retrieved February 17, 2023 – via Twitter.
- ^ a b "メインビジュアル、スタッフ、メインキャストが解禁気になるPV映像の情報も発表！ | ニュース". デジモンゴーストゲーム | 東映アニメーション (in Japanese). Retrieved 2021-09-10.
- ^ "Digimon in October V-Jump- Ghost Game, 02, Vital Bracelet Updates, Adventure:, Booster Set 7, & ReArise". With the Will. from the original on 2021-08-19. Retrieved 2021-09-03.
- ^ a b c d "November 2021 V-Jump interview with Masatoshi Chioka | The DigiLab". 2021-09-21. Retrieved 2022-03-12.
- ^ 独家专访｜「浪客剑心追忆篇」「BLEACH」脚本家十川诚志
- ^ "Gamerbraves: "Digimon Ghost Game animated series slated for Fall 2021"". gamerbraves. 30 July 2021. Retrieved August 22, 2021.
- ^ "Ghost Game Art Update- Seishirou Bandage". With the Will. from the original on 2021-08-08. Retrieved 2021-09-03.
- ^ "New Digimon Manga from Tenya Yabuno in Saikyo Jump Beginning Next Month". With The Will. 2021-09-03. from the original on 2021-09-03.
- ^ やぶのてんや『ねんどん』の絵本発売中！ [@YABU_Ten] (September 4, 2021). "予告カットの入稿時点では少年のキャラが固まっておらず、デザインが変わりましたm(_ _)m。パルスモンが主人公なのは変わりません。 あと、Vテイマーもよろしくです＞ t.co/yjjXlshROg" [At the time of drafting the preview cut, the boy's character wasn't solidified, so the design was changed m(_ _)m. It doesn't change that Pulsemon is the main character. Also, thank you V-Tamer >] (Tweet) (in Japanese). from the original on February 7, 2023. Retrieved February 17, 2023 – via Twitter.
- ^ "Digimon Franchise Gets New Fall TV Anime, New Digimon Adventure 02 Anime Film". Anime News Network. Retrieved August 1, 2021.
- ^ "放送・配信". デジモンゴーストゲーム | 東映アニメーション (in Japanese). Retrieved 2022-03-12.
- ^ Mateo, Alex (March 9, 2023). "Digimon Ghost Game Anime Ends With 68th Episode on March 26". Anime News Network. Retrieved March 10, 2023.
- ^ Cardine, Kyle. "UPDATE: Crunchyroll Announces Fall 2021 Lineup! (9/28)". Crunchyroll. Retrieved 2021-09-28.
- ^ "Crunchyroll, Wakanim Suspend Services in Russia". Anime News Network. Retrieved 2022-03-12.
- ^ "Changes to Ad-Supported Viewing". Crunchyroll.
- ^ Watch Digimon Ghost Game, retrieved 2022-03-12
- ^ "ON AIR". DIGIMON GHOST GAME | TOEI ANIMATION (in Japanese). Retrieved 2022-03-12.
- ^ a b Harding, Daryl. "Digimon, One Piece, Pretty Cure, Dragon Quest Anime See Production Affected by Toei Animation Hack, Broadcasts Will be Delayed [UPDATED]". Crunchyroll. Retrieved 2022-03-12.
- ^ "One Piece, Digimon Ghost Game Will Not Air New Episodes on March 20 After Toei Animation Hack". Anime News Network. Retrieved 2022-03-28.
- ^ a b Harding, Daryl. "Digimon Ghost Game Uploads Wienners, Aiiro Apollo As Theme Song Performers". Crunchyroll. Retrieved 2022-03-12.
- ^ . natalie.mu (in Japanese). Archived from the original on June 28, 2022. Retrieved June 29, 2022.
- ^ . fujitv.co.jp/ (in Japanese). Archived from the original on June 27, 2022. Retrieved June 29, 2022.
- ^ . natalie.mu (in Japanese). Archived from the original on June 29, 2022. Retrieved June 29, 2022.
External links
- Official website at Toei Animation (in Japanese)
- Digimon Ghost Game at Anime News Network's encyclopedia