Gegege-ki (Mizuki Shigeru Memorial Day)

What Is Gegege-ki?

November 30th is "Gegege-ki," the memorial day of manga artist Mizuki Shigeru, known for "GeGeGe no Kitaro" and other works. In 2016, the city of Chofu in Tokyo -- where Mizuki lived from the time he moved to Tokyo until his final years -- named this day "Gegege-ki." Mizuki passed away on November 30, 2015.

Chofu, the Town Where Mizuki's Manga Was Born

Chofu is the city where Mizuki lived for many years and created many of his works. Along with naming the day, the city held commemorative events, and it continues to hold events around this time every year, such as tours of places connected to him.

• Origin of the date: The anniversary of Mizuki Shigeru's death (November 30, 2015)
• Named by: Chofu, Tokyo, where Mizuki lived from his move to Tokyo until his later years (2016)
• Major works: "GeGeGe no Kitaro," "Kappa no Sanpei," "Akuma-kun," and more
• Annual events: Stamp rallies and events at places linked to Mizuki are held in Chofu

The First Gegege-ki on the First Anniversary

For the first Gegege-ki in 2016, the city held a stamp rally around places connected to Mizuki and a "Gegege Yokocho" event at Fuda Tenjin Shrine. The event featured screenings of Kitaro anime and sales of specialties from Sakaiminato in Tottori Prefecture, a place closely tied to Mizuki. On the anniversary itself, a screening was held of the last documentary program he appeared in.

Tips for Marking This Day

• Reread Mizuki Shigeru's works, such as "GeGeGe no Kitaro"
• Check information on Chofu's Gegege-ki events
• Chat about your favorite yokai or characters
• Read about Mizuki's life and his works depicting his wartime experiences

A Day to Remember the Artist Alongside His Yokai

The yokai created by Mizuki Shigeru are still loved across generations. November 30th is a day to revisit his works and remember the artist behind them.