The film follows the legendary 14th-century Noh performer Inu-oh as he travels from town to town, relegated to the margins of society because of an ancient curse. When he eventually meets up with the blind biwa player, Tomona, who is haunted by his past, the two rise from hardship to stardom with their creative and revolutionary artistry. Described in the press release as a “revisionist rock opera,” the singers Avu-chan (Queen Bee) and Mirai Moriyama lend their voices to the musical.
Inu-Oh features character creation from manga artist Taiyo Matsumoto (Tekkonkinkreet), and it was animated by Japanese production company Science Saru Inc., in collaboration with Asmik Ace, Inc. It was released in Japan on May 28, but stateside—thanks to GKIDS—it will have a limited, staggered release starting August 12.
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