Horror storyteller Junji Inakawa performed his "MYSTERY NIGHT TOUR 2026" in Chigasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture, on July 18 [1, 2].
Inakawa's continued presence in the horror genre maintains a long-standing cultural tradition of storytelling in Japan. His ability to draw massive crowds after three decades reflects the enduring public fascination with the supernatural and the specific performance art of the *kaidan*.
The event was part of a broader national circuit spanning 39 venues with 57 performances [1]. During the approximately two-hour show, Inakawa presented new ghost stories and provided detailed commentary on psychic photographs [1, 2].
Inakawa, who is 78 years old, expressed gratitude to his audience during the event. He said that he will turn 79 next month and attributed his continued health to the support of his fans [1].
"Thank you, I'm home. I really love everyone's smiles and feel happy," Inakawa said [1]. "I will be 79 next month, but it is thanks to all of you that I can stay healthy" [1].
This tour marks the 34th year Inakawa has traveled the country to share supernatural encounters [1]. The performer has previously reflected on the passage of time, noting that this is his final summer in his 70s [3].
“I really love everyone's smiles and feel happy.”
Inakawa's 34-year tenure as a touring storyteller demonstrates the commercial viability of live horror performances in Japan. By blending traditional storytelling with modern psychic photography, he has bridged the gap between folklore and contemporary entertainment, ensuring the genre's survival across multiple generations of audiences.
