Theatre of Darkness: Yamishibai (2013)

Summer vacation. Shogo, an elementary school student who spends his holidays at his grandfather’s house every year, is obsessed with "beetle wrestling," a game played among local kids. However, he keeps losing and desperately wants a stronger insect. That's when he discovers that the adults are holding a special, secret beetle wrestling match at night...

Yukako is an elementary school student living with her family. Her mother, Tae, always talks cheerfully to her wicker dowry trunk. However, because the family's life became difficult, Tae makes a decision to part with her important wicker trunk. Yukako has a bad feeling, but...

Hirahara, an old man living in the village, suddenly caused a stir, shouting, "It’s going to burst!" However, the villagers, seemingly used to this, did not take him seriously. This was because, on that perfectly clear day, it was impossible for the dam to break. Yet, a man secretly monitoring Hirahara was informing an emergency via radio...

With his mother giving birth, Yuta has to spend his summer vacation at his grandma's. There are no shops around, only endless pumpkin patches. Bored, Yuta goes for a stroll, when a girl suddenly appears from the field and asks him to play. However...

Late at night, Rikako arrives at her local station on the last train. For some reason, a young boy is standing there all by himself in front of the station, with no guardian in sight. Growing concerned, Rikako stays by his side and walks him toward his home. They arrive at an old apartment building, but then, the boy starts saying he doesn't want to go home...

Minori is a junior high school student living alone with her mother, Aiko. Always kind, efficient at housework, and quick to make decisions, Aiko was someone Minori deeply admired. However, after finishing her high school entrance exams, Minori stumbles upon a secret lurking within this house...

Haruko has just transferred to a rural elementary school. On the day of the Sports Day, it unfortunately pours with rain. But the school's decision is "Proceed as scheduled." The Sports Day is held without being canceled. Neither the teachers nor the other children seem to find it odd. Haruko also has no choice but to follow that atmosphere, but...