Ghost Cat Anzu 2024

The story unfolds with Karin, an 11-year-old girl, as she embarks on a transformative journey alongside her father, Tetsuya, to the serene Sousei-Ji temple, the residence of her grandfather. Tetsuya, burdened by the pressures of gambling debts, arrives at the temple with high hopes of pleading for financial assistance from his estranged father. However, after being turned down and left in despair, he promises Karin that he will return on the anniversary of her mother’s death, leaving her behind with a sense of longing and disappointment.

Once at the temple, Karin’s mundane days take an unexpected turn when she encounters Anzu, a quirky cat who defies the ordinary; Anzu not only walks and talks like a person but also utilizes a cell phone and zips around on a moped while working as a masseuse. Forming a unique bond with two local boys who treat Anzu with a mix of reverence and mischief, she starts to explore the whimsical dynamics of her new surroundings. Amidst this, Anzu observes a local man, Yotchan, being followed by the ominous God of Poverty, and clever in his approach, Anzu devises a plan to make the god lose interest in Yotchan’s misfortune.

As Karin grapples with feelings of abandonment, frequently frequenting the train station in the futile hope of seeing her father return, her spirit seems to dwindle. Meanwhile, Anzu, always the curious cat, trails a flock of quails that eventually leads to the discovery of astonishing forest sprites and the enchanting company of a monster frog and other yokai. This whimsical encounter turns into a lively celebration at the temple where Karin, feeling despondent over her father’s absence and the weight of financial struggles, seeks sympathy from the yokai by sharing her sorrowful tale.

With a surge of rebellious spirit, Karin persuades one of the boys to steal Anzu’s bike in a desperate bid to flee to Tokyo. However, the journey becomes treacherous, leading them astray in unfamiliar territory. It is in this chaotic search that Anzu starts to understand that the God of Poverty has latched onto Karin, marking her for misfortune. Their adventure takes a surreal turn as they are led through a portal—a toilet no less—into the eerie yet mysterious Land of the Dead, where Karin hopes to find her beloved mother.

Within the underworld, Karin’s tragic discovery reveals her father’s plight, being severely beaten by the loan sharks, stirring her emotions to the point where her spirit fights to maintain hope. As they navigate this labyrinth of the afterlife, Karin’s heart yearns for her mother, and in a powerful moment during their encounter, promises are exchanged about meeting again. However, as dark forces loom—the menacing oni and Enma, the king of the dead—Anzu and Karin find themselves caught in a desperate chase. The chaotic festival scene unfolds as their friends from the yokai meet to assist, albeit facing overwhelming odds when confronted by the oni.

Even in the face of despair, Anzu’s cleverness shines as he attempts to negotiate with Enma for their freedom. Yet, despite their efforts, Enma remains resolute in their pursuit. Ultimately, Karin’s mother, in an act of selflessness, decides to return to the Land of the Dead, embracing the consequences of her past while reassuring Karin of their destined reunion.

The narrative culminates as Karin finally reconnects with her father, who has somehow survived the wrath of the loan sharks and resolved his debts. Though presented with the option to return to Tokyo, Karin makes a profound choice to remain at Sousei-Ji, opting for a life filled with newfound friends and support, including her beloved companion, Anzu, rather than returning to the chaotic life and uncertainties awaiting her in the city.