Yami Shibai [Season 14 Episode 13]

Yami Shibai Season 14 Episode 13: A Spooky Farewell with Taro-chan’s Return

If you’re a fan of short, spine-chilling tales, Yami Shibai has probably been on your radar for years. The show’s signature paper-cut animation style and eerie urban legends have made it a cult favorite among horror anime enthusiasts. Now, with Season 14 Episode 13, the series wraps up another season—this time with the return of a fan-favorite (or fan-feared) character: Taro-chan.

The Episode in a Nutshell

For those unfamiliar, Yami Shibai is an anthology of horror stories, each episode delivering a standalone tale of terror. Episode 13, titled “Taro-chan Returns Again,” brings back the creepy puppet that first haunted viewers way back in Season 2. This time, Taro-chan’s antics revolve around a cursed auction, a doomed friend, and a bathtub scene that left more than a few fans screaming into their pillows.

The episode follows a protagonist who, despite losing the auction for Taro-chan, somehow ends up with the puppet anyway. From there, things escalate in classic Yami Shibai fashion—slow-burn tension, unsettling imagery, and a twist that leaves you questioning whether the protagonist was ever in control.

Fan Reactions: Love, Hate, and Puppet Trauma

Diving into fan discussions (courtesy of MyAnimeList), the reactions to this finale were mixed but passionate. Here’s what stood out:

1. Taro-chan’s Legacy
2. Many fans were thrilled to see Taro-chan return, with comments like “Taro-chan 3: Tokyo Drift—there’s no stopping him!” and “Taro-chan deserves his own series.”

3. Others were initially skeptical (“I groaned at seeing his name again”) but admitted the episode exceeded their expectations.

4. The Horror Factor

5. The bathtub scene was a standout moment, with one fan joking, “Well, he wanted to buy Taro-chan, and Taro-chan he got. His ‘friend’ in the bathtub came for free 💀.”

6. Some found Taro-chan’s psychological torment more unsettling than outright scary, praising the episode for playing with the protagonist’s (and viewer’s) paranoia.

7. Season 14: Hit or Miss?

8. Opinions on the season as a whole were divided. One fan summed it up: “This season was hit and miss, but it had a few really good episodes on the Yami Shibai scale.”

9. Another called it “not the best season ever” but highlighted episodes like “Paprika” and “Desire Release” as standouts.

10. The Final Verdict

11. While some felt the show is “getting worse with every season,” others appreciated the callbacks to older characters and the consistency of the horror formula.

Why This Episode Works (or Doesn’t)

Yami Shibai has always thrived on simplicity—short, sharp shocks with minimal animation but maximum atmosphere. Episode 13 leans into this with Taro-chan’s return, a character who embodies the show’s ability to turn everyday objects (like puppets) into nightmares.

That said, the episode’s success depends on how much you buy into Taro-chan’s gimmick. If you’re a longtime fan, the callback is a nostalgic (if terrifying) treat. If you’re new, it might feel like a rehash.

Final Thoughts

Yami Shibai Season 14 Episode 13 is a fitting end to the season—uneven but with enough creepy charm to satisfy horror junkies. Taro-chan’s return is a love letter to longtime fans, even if the season as a whole didn’t reach the heights of earlier installments.

Would I recommend it? If you’re in the mood for a quick, spooky fix, absolutely. Just maybe keep the lights on afterward.

Rating: 6.5/10 – Not the scariest Yami Shibai has ever been, but Taro-chan’s antics are always worth a watch.

What did you think of the episode? Drop your thoughts below—just don’t speak to Taro-chan. 😉