Inspired by the children’s book series おばけずかん, the film follows a group of children on their quest to capture ghosts using a mysterious book that grants wishes upon completion. A film by Takashi Yamazaki, starring Kairi Jo, Fuga Shibazaki, Sonny Mcclendon, Yui Aragaki, and Ryunosuke Kamiki.

Renowned Japanese filmmaker Takashi Yamazaki (山崎貴), director of acclaimed films such as ALWAYS 三丁目の夕日 and STAND BY ME ドラえもん, has crafted a live-action adaptation of the popular children’s book series おばけずかん (Ghost Book), written by Hiroshi Saito (斉藤洋) and Etsuyoshi Miyamoto (宮本えつよし). First published in 2013, the series, currently spanning 34 volumes with over 1.4 million copies sold.

Three elementary school students and best friends, Kazuki Sakamoto (坂本一樹 portrayed by Kairi Jo / 城桧吏 ), Taichi Kudo (工藤太一 portrayed by Fuga Shibazaki / 柴崎楓雅), and Sosuke Sonny Iida (飯田サニー宗佑 portrayed by Sonny Mcclendon), pedal their bicycles to a small shrine outside of town to make their wishes. They have heard rumors that this shrine is the real deal, and they are determined to test its purported power.

The children’s wishes remain a mystery, but their determination piques the interest of the mysterious used bookstore owner (古本屋の店主 portrayed by Ryunosuke Kamiki / 神木隆之介). He decides to entrust them with the Ghost Book, a tome that grants wishes to those who can pass a series of challenging tests within three days.

The used bookstore owner dispatches Zukanbo (図鑑坊), a ghost, to visit the children and inform them of the life-threatening series of tests they have to overcome to make their wishes come true. If they are willing to take the challenge, they must go to the used bookstore near the shrine to pick up the Ghost Book (おばけずかん).

Upon arriving at the location where they had made their wishes, the children are surprised to find that the shrine has vanished, replaced by a strange-looking used bookstore they have never seen before. Hesitant to enter, they peer through a window and spot the bookstore owner slumbering in his chair. Meanwhile, their teacher Yoko Hayama (葉山瑤子 portrayed by Yui Aragaki / 新垣結衣), who happens to be passing by, notices the children entering the bookstore. Curious, she follows them inside.

Amidst the dusty shelves, the children spot the Ghost Book. Startled by the sound of the bookstore owner waking, they flee the scene, carrying the book with them. Their haste prevents them from learning the rules and conditions of their test from the owner. Emerging from the bookstore, the children find themselves in a deserted town, as if everyone has simply vanished into thin air.

The familiar Japanese characters on the street signs have morphed into an indecipherable language. To their astonishment, they encounter a fellow student, Minato Tachibana (橘湊 portrayed by Fumika Yoshimura / 吉村文香), who is equally surprised to see them.

At this point, viewers may be wondering about the identity of the mysterious girl and her connection to the test. The boys’ reaction to her suggests that something terrible has befallen her, and that she is somehow connected to their wishes.

Zukanbo, the bookstore owner’s spectral assistant, explains that the children have entered the spirit world. Their mission is to capture seven ghosts that will appear in the Ghost Book, one by one. Each captured ghost will obey one command. The children have two days to complete their mission, or their wishes will not be granted.

GHOST BOOK is a heartwarming portrayal of a children’s friendship and their courageous journey on a dangerous quest, sacrificing for those they love. The cast delivers believable and engaging performances, though the script could be trimmed by 10-20 minutes to tighten the story and make it more captivating.

The film’s ghost character designs are all excellent, imbuing each character with unique and charming qualities, except the final boss which is supposed to be scary. Each ghost also boasts a memorable personality and delightful dialogue.

GHOST BOOK ゴーストブック おばけずかん was theatrically released in Japan on 22 July 2022.