Ju-On Creator Reveals Unused Sequel Script as J-Horror Classic Returns in 4K
Japanese pop culture news edited by Patrick Macias
● Director Takashi Shimizu reveals he wrote an unused Ju-On sequel script over five years ago
● The original Ju-On and Ju-On 2 return to theaters in 4K with remastered sound
● Born in the V-Cinema era, Ju-On became a global J-horror phenomenon through word of mouth
Takashi Shimizu, the genius behind one of Japan’s most iconic horror series, looks back on the legacy that shaped his career. The direct to video releases Ju-On and Ju-On 2, which traumatized viewers with their unforgettable scares, have returned in a 4K remaster and theatrical run in Japan. Director Takashi Shimizu, creator of the now legendary series, shared his thoughts on the revival 25 years after the original release.
High Resolution 4K and Surround Sound Updates
The series, which centers on the terror experienced by those who enter the cursed house of Kayako and her son Toshio, was originally created during the VHS rental boom (known as V-Cinema, short for Video Cinema) . Now remastered under Shimizu’s supervision using Sony PCL’s RS Plus technology, the films have been upgraded to high definition 4K. The original stereo audio has also been enhanced into 5.1 channel surround sound. Shimizu commented, “Some people say the old video quality made the film scarier, and I agree. But I also hope people who didn’t know about the V-Cinema version or the younger generation who only saw the theatrical releases can discover it through this opportunity.”
Raw Energy of a Young Filmmaker in the V-Cinema Era
These V-Cinema films were a unique blend of youthful momentum, raw passion, and the creative liberties of direct to video filmmaking. Shimizu laughed as he looked back, saying, “I can’t believe how crude some of the direction was. It's kind of embarrassing now. With past works, I can't just say, ‘If I did it now, I’d go for a more restrained balance.’ That’s the frustrating part.”
Though the V-Cinema versions of Ju-On now seen as legendary, they didn’t sell well at first. However, as viewers began recommending the videos to others, rental shops started putting in more and more orders. Eventually, the series evolved into theatrical films and even a Hollywood remake. Despite this success, Shimizu says he once felt like he was under a kind of curse due to the franchise.
Breaking Free From the Curse of Ju-On
“Every time I heard the name Ju-On, I would think, ‘Please, give me a break. Watch my new films too,’” he admitted. But over the past 25 years, his attitude began to shift. After directing successful works like Howling Village and Who’s That Girl, Shimizu said, “I’ve reached an age where I can finally accept this as a blessing. Without Ju-On, I wouldn’t be where I am today. It gave me the drive to create something even greater.”
So, is a new Ju-On project coming? “Actually, I finished a first draft of a new Ju-On script about five or six years ago. It uses the same house,” Shimizu revealed. “But the producer who requested it got busy with another film and hasn’t even read it. It’s just been sitting there untouched. But since the base script exists, I think there’s still a real chance we could see a proper continuation, something that isn’t a spin off made without my involvement.”
The 4K V-Cinema versions of Ju-On and Ju-On 2 are now playing in theaters across Japan as of August 8, 2025.
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