Mononoke film trilogy producer Kōji Yamamoto has announced his retirement from producing and issued an apology following controversy surrounding the recasting of voice actor Takahiro Sakurai. Yamamoto confirmed the decision in a statement posted to X (formerly Twitter), taking responsibility for the way the information about Sakurai's involvement was handled.
Mononoke The Movie: Chapter III – The Curse of the Serpent, the third film in the trilogy, opened on May 29. The film featured a cameo by the original Medicine Seller, voiced by Takahiro Sakurai. This appearance was not announced prior to the film's release, leading to considerable fan debate regarding the casting choice, especially in light of Sakurai's 2022 scandal involving an alleged extramarital affair. The film trilogy itself features Hiroshi Kamiya as the protagonist Medicine Seller, a different character from the one seen in the original TV series.
Yamamoto explained his intention was to surprise fans with the return of the original Medicine Seller, whom he believed could be reintroduced in a way that would please viewers. However, he acknowledged this approach deprived audiences of the choice to see the film knowing about the cameo, leading to his apology for the lack of consideration. He stated he will now focus on management and mentoring the next generation of creators.
Takahiro Sakurai was originally slated to voice the main Medicine Seller in the trilogy. However, in February 2023, Twin Engine announced a change in casting due to the story's themes, leading to Hiroshi Kamiya taking over the role. The controversy and Yamamoto's subsequent retirement mark a significant moment for the Mononoke franchise.
Source: Anime News Network(https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2026-06-05/mononoke-film-trilogy-producer-koji-yamamoto-retires-from-producing-apologizes-after-recasting-/.238159)
