Jacket visual of the new ending theme “Beware of the Darkness” for the July to September period
(C) Mizuki Productions, Toei Animation
The new ending theme for the July to September period of the selection broadcast of the “GeGeGe no Kitaro” anime series “GeGeGe no Kitaro: My Beloved GeGeGe’s Past GeGeGe” has been decided to be “Beware of the Darkness” sung by enka singer Keisuke Yamauchi. The song was produced by Shiina Ringo, who is also his senior at high school in Fukuoka and is from the same hometown.
Yamauchi said that when he met Shiina again at last year’s NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen, he told her, “I want you to write a song for me someday.” About half a year after that promise, the dream team was realized, and Yamauchi said, “I am filled with gratitude for being able to be involved in the long-loved work that is ‘GeGeGe no Kitaro,’ and for the bond that ‘GeGeGe no Kitaro’ has connected us to, and for Shiina Ringo’s willingness to accept the role.”
The new ending theme, “Beware of the Darkness,” features lyrics and a melody that strongly evoke a sense of Japanese culture, a solid band sound, and an arrangement constructed with gorgeous wind instruments, creating a worldview that is unique to Shiina. Yamauchi showcases a strong, sensual singing voice that exudes adult sexiness, and says, “The world of Gegege no Kitaro itself is expressed through Shiina’s lyrics and melody. It’s an up-tempo, jazzy song, and it has a very stylish sound.” He is confident in the completion of the song.
Yamauchi also revealed about recording with Shiina, “We’ve been working together in Tokyo, but there’s also an atmosphere like a school festival, and he’s not only a singer, but also a senior in high school, so when he directed me, I had no questions at all, and it was just like, ‘Yay!'” He continued, “Shiina requested me to sing in a way that I haven’t done before, like growling and shaking the letters at the beginning. I think I can deliver a new Yamauchi Keisuke with this song.” “Shiina had a complete worldview of how he wanted me to sing it, so I wondered how many of those I could do, and the more I could do, the clearer the shape of the song would become, so I worked hard,” he recalled.
After the recording, Shiina said, “I felt while recording that Yamauchi Keisuke is someone who has devoted his life to singing, which is why he expresses himself in this way.” In preparation for the song’s debut, Yamauchi said, “I would be happy if this song becomes a song that people will immediately think of Gegege no Kitaro when they hear it, and that will be loved by everyone for a long time. I myself tried many things with this song, but I would like everyone to listen to it while thinking of the worldview of Gegege no Kitaro, and try various things.”
“Gegege no Kitaro: The Gegege I Loved” new ending theme “Beware of the Darkness” will be used from the episode airing on July 6th. Yamauchi and Shiina’s comments are as follows.
[Comment from Keisuke Yamauchi]
This was a doubly wonderful joy. Not only do I get to sing the ending song for “GeGeGe no Kitaro,” but I also get to have the lyrics and music written by Shiina Ringo, a senior at my alma mater, so I take it as a gift for the 25th anniversary of my debut. “Yami ni Gojin” is a difficult song to understand, but once you sing it, freedom awaits you. However, if you misunderstand freedom, darkness awaits just a step ahead. So beware of the darkness.
[Shiina Ringo comment]
Yōkai have always been my number one fascination.
GeGeGe no Kitaro is a timeless masterpiece, beloved across generations. Just hearing “Kitaro’s father, Medama-Oyaji” immediately sparks joy.
This magical experience is brought to life thanks to Keisuke Yamauchi. His refined mastery of traditional flutes like the shakuhachi and shinobue is unmatched. Whether it’s on screen or stage, his performances leave a vivid and lasting impression—infused with both depth and originality.
What truly captivates me is his voice. There’s an elegant clarity to it, filled with subtle nuance and emotional warmth. He delivers every note with purpose, effortlessly bringing out the passion and message behind each melody.
It’s astounding how he handles even the most intricate compositions with such grace, making them sound natural and accessible. That expressive power—drawing out such complex feelings with refined simplicity—is something only Yamauchi can do.
I sincerely hope more people get to experience his extraordinary talent. I’ll definitely be ordering another special composition soon. Please continue to support his work.
With deep admiration,
Ringo Sheena
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A unique senior-junior duet breathes new life into a nostalgic tale
The collaboration between Ringo Shiina and Keisuke Yamauchi for the ending theme of GeGeGe no Kitaro: The GeGeGe I Loved is more than just a musical partnership — it’s a creative bridge between generations and genres. Shiina, known for her experimental rock-pop style, and Yamauchi, a popular enka singer, embody a compelling contrast that reflects the anime’s blend of modern animation with traditional folklore. Their senior-junior dynamic adds a subtle emotional layer to the project, mirroring the show’s themes of memory, legacy, and the passage of time.
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