Opening in Japan back on September 21st, 2018, Okko’s Inn got a pickup in early December from the folks at GKIDS for North American release and did their theatrical run. We learned recently that the film was getting ready to make its leap to streaming as Netflix has set a June 12th, 2020 debut. The property did debut today and is available now, which we really recommend checking it out. Confirming the language options, the series is available in Japanese and English with English subtitles based on the Japanese dialogue.
Check out our review of the film.
Kitaro Kousaka directed this with Reiko Yoshida handling the screenplay. Animation Production is handled by DLE and Madhouse.
The Japanese cast includes Seiran Kobayashi as Oriko “Okko” Seki, Etsuko Kozakura as Suzuki, Masaki Terasoma as Kōnosuke “Kō-san” Minoda, Nana Mizuki as Matsuki Akino, Satsumi Matsuda as Makoto “Uri-bō” Tachiuri, Teiyu Ichiryusai as Etsuko Tajima, and Youko Asagami as Mineko Seki.
The English cast includes KJ Aikens as Uribo, Madigan Kacmar as Okko Seki, Alyson Leigh Rosenfeld as Sakiko Seki, Carly Williams as Matsuki Akino, Colleen O’Shaughnessey as Suzuki, Glynis Ellis as Mineko Seki, James Weaver Clark as Shōji Seki, and Tessa Frascogna as Miyo.
Plot Concept: After losing her parents in a car accident, Okko goes to live in the countryside with her grandmother, who runs a traditional Japanese inn built on top of an ancient spring said to have healing waters. While she goes about her chores and prepares to become the inn’s next caretaker, Okko discovers there are spirits who live there that only she can see – not scary ones, but welcoming ghosts who keep her company, play games and help her navigate her new environment. The inn’s motto is that it welcomes all and will reject none, and this is soon put to the test as a string of new guests challenge Okko’s ability to be a gracious host. But ultimately Okko discovers that dedicating herself to others becomes the key to taking care of herself. The latest feature from famed anime studio Madhouse and director Kitaro Kosaka, who was a key animator on numerous classic films at the venerable Studio Ghibli, seamlessly blends immersive, idyllic landscapes with the storybook charm of Okko’s beloved ghosts. Okko’s Inn delivers a rare ghost story that – despite several floating characters – is firmly grounded in the trials and joys of humanity.
