Famed Ghibli character apparently couldn’t cut it making movies, seems to have resorted to busking to get by.
There’s little doubt that No-Face (known as “Kaonashi” in Japanese) is one of Studio Ghibli’s most iconic characters. He’s instantly recognizable and impossible to miss wherever you might see him, whether in another realm or playing tsugaru-jamisen in Hachinohe City in Aomori.
Wait, what?!
Yes, it seems that the internationally famous No-Face has fallen on hard times and has resorted to busking on the streets. At least, that’s the only explanation we can come up with for this image, which exploded on Twitter over the weekend.
▼ Maybe this is what retirement looks like for anime characters?
カオナシが津軽三味線弾いてたよ。八戸すごい。 pic.twitter.com/9TfCuU0bQU
— タツ (@sake_love) January 9, 2016
While one tweeted image of No-Face would be amusing, it would also be easy to shrug off as a one-time thing, maybe just some college kid having fun. Except that this apparently is the exact opposite — the “anime character” has been playing his instrument and attracting attention since at least May of last year.
▼ Another Twitter photo, taken in May
みろく横丁にカオナシ現る。こわい。 pic.twitter.com/tHUNx6nEbb
— ⛄️mamo⛄️ (@mamo_photo8) May 5, 2015
▼ A photo of No-Face rocking out in Hachinohe City last summer.
In fact, someone even captured a short video of the spirit-turned musician playing last July. And this isn’t some Bigfoot-shaky-camera thing either. That’s definitely No-Face playing tsugaru-jamisen…and pretty damn well at that!!
Photos of No-Face in Hachinohe City have also appeared on Instagram…
And the character turned up in another blog post in August as well.
Feeling curious, we eventually turned to Google Image Search, where we found…
▼ Holy crap, Hachinohe City is officially haunted!!
But even if Hachinohe City is haunted by a tsugaru-jamisen playing No-Face, we don’t think anyone minds. We have to admit it seems like it might even boost their tourism a bit…in fact, we’re tempted to buy some shinkansen tickets right now!
Sources: Twitter/@sake_love, Kyou no uzuuzu, Farm An, YouTube/Hatsu58
Featured image: Twitter/@sake_love
Studio Ghibli’s No-Face appears again on the streets of Japan to rock out on his shamisen 【Video】
Kindergarten student scares classmates by dressing up as No Face from Spirited Away for Halloween
Moving, burping No Face coin bank figure is back to receive your Ghibli fan generosity【Photos】
Spirited Away No Face piggy bank is back to talk, burp and play music as it munches coins 【Video】
Japan has a Ghibli train where you can travel by the sea with Spirited Away’s No Face and Chihiro
Family Mart commits “reverse fraud” in new Giant All-Star Festival, and we couldn’t be happier
New Square Enix Cafe reveals Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, Nier, and Fullmetal Alchemist menu items
New Tokyo sweets shop offers 648 different mochi ice cream dumpling combinations
Godiva melts minds by releasing a new corn chocolate drink in Japan
Shinto shrine’s night sky firefly sweets are Japan’s newest breathtaking, mouthwatering desserts.
Retro fashion magazines from Tokyo’s street market remind Mr. Sato of a special gift from his dad
Starbucks adds new Fruit Gummy sweets to stores in Japan
Gun found in Japanese convenience store restroom, traced to forgetful on-duty cop
Ghibli’s No Face continues to demonstrate his generous character growth by dispensing soy sauce
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
Japanese convenience store shows us how to dress for the rainy season
Kyoto public junior high school becomes first in Japan with a hoodie school uniform
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
Japanese rice cooker recipe gives us a tasty new way to enjoy vegetables and wieners
Tokyo’s Pokémon Cafe reopens this month with brand-new sweets and Pikachu show
Starbucks Japan unveils new Frappuccino showcasing “mottainai” culture
Tourists brave Typhoon Jangmi to queue at two famous sites in Tokyo
Osaka is hosting a “hentai” event, but it’s probably not what you think
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
New official Ghibli anime food cookbook will teach you how to make Ponyo’s ramen and more
Japanese convenience store Lawson launches new “mini supermarket” chain, L Minimart
Japan’s real-world Pokémon hot spring’s first photos are here![Photos]
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Spirited Away’s No Face pulls up as a car with newest Studio Ghibli Dream Tomica now on sale【Pics】