Hiruko the Goblin

Set in modern-day Japan, the narrative blends present-day investigations with a decades-old tragedy. A younger generation uncovers old family secrets and ancient spells from the Kojiki as they race to prevent Hiruko from breaking free. The past and present collide as the community confronts supernatural threats and long-buried memories.

The story unfolds in a small Japanese town centered on a local schoolhouse where chilling events unfold. The burial mound houses a sealed chamber tied to an ancient yōkai, linking everyday life with a hidden supernatural history. The town’s ordinary rhythms are interrupted by murders, eerie phenomena, and the quest to close the sealed gate.

🔮 Supernatural

The plot centers on a yōkai sealed in a tomb and the arcane spells required to open and close the chamber. Characters wrestle with beliefs about the supernatural versus rational explanations, as ancient power intrudes into modern life.

🗝️ Family Secrets

The Yabe family history—sealed gates, a missing helmet treasure, and past betrayals—drives the mystery. Personal loyalties clash with the duty to protect others, revealing hidden motives and long-held secrets.

🗡️ Courage and Sacrifice

Protagonists take risks to seal the gate again, facing a transformed Reiko and escalating danger. Sacrifices are made in the struggle to prevent further slaughter and restore safety to the town.