Ghost Cat Anzu

11-year-old Karin travels with her father, Tetsuya, to the Sousei-Ji temple, where her grandfather resides. This marks the beginning of a significant period in her life as she adjusts to a new environment away from home.

Tetsuya visits the temple seeking financial assistance from his father to repay debts owed to loan sharks. After being refused, he leaves Karin behind, promising to return on the anniversary of her mother's death.

At the temple, Karin meets Anzu, a talking cat who acts like a human and even operates a moped. Anzu quickly becomes a friend to Karin, bringing a sense of companionship and adventure to her otherwise mundane days.

Anzu befriends two local boys who regard him with a mix of awe and fear, treating him as a gang boss. Their underwhelming activities provide another layer of excitement in Karin's new life.

Anzu observes that Yotchan, a local man, is being stalked by the God of Poverty. With clever tricks, Anzu intervenes, managing to force the god to leave Yotchan alone, showcasing his unique powers.

Feeling lonely and bored, Karin spends much of her time at the train station, waiting for her father's promised return. Despite hoping he would come back to get her, the day passes with no sign of him.

Anzu follows a flock of quails and realizes they are actually forest sprites. This encounter leads him to discover more about the magical creatures inhabiting the area, further enriching his and Karin's experience.

During a gathering at the temple, Karin cries to a group of yokai about feeling abandoned by her father and lacking money. Her emotional display successfully garners sympathy and attention from the mystical beings.

Desperate to leave her current situation, Karin persuades one of the local boys to steal Anzu's bike for her. This impulsive decision leads her down a confusing path when she gets lost in the process.

Karin and Anzu attempt to reach Tokyo to visit her mother's grave, showing the depth of her longing and desire for closure. However, their journey is hindered by unexpected challenges and supernatural influences.

Once in Tokyo, Anzu realizes that the God of Poverty has attached itself to Karin. This realization complicates their visit as they navigate the trials of approaching her mother's grave.

Karin and Anzu are led into the eerie Land of the Dead through a toilet portal. Here, Karin confronts the devastating truth about her father's condition and seeks to reunite with her mother.

As Karin attempts to return to the living world with her mother, they are pursued by oni and Enma, the king of the dead. This thrilling chase unfolds during a summer festival, amplifying the urgency of their escape.

Karin's mother ultimately chooses to go back to the Land of the Dead, accepting her fate. She reassures Karin of their eventual reunion, leaving Karin to cope with this profound loss.

Karin is finally reunited with her father, who has survived the confrontation with the loan sharks. However, she declines his offer to return to Tokyo, opting instead to stay at Sousei-Ji with her grandfather and Anzu, demonstrating her growth and newfound independence.