Tokyo Ghoul, one of the most emotionally charged and visually distinct anime of its time, is celebrating a full decade since it first aired. To honor its 10 year legacy, Studio Pierrot has released a stunning new music video for “unravel,” the unforgettable opening theme by TK from Ling tosite sigure. The creditless video, now available on the studio’s official YouTube channel, serves as a powerful tribute to Kaneki Ken’s story and the visual memory of Tokyo Ghoul’s evolution across manga, anime, and even live action.
The video weaves iconic moments from the series into a dynamic visual sequence that reintroduces fans to the torment, transformation, and tragedy that defined Ken Kaneki’s journey. The use of “unravel” as the centerpiece was no coincidence. The song became a cultural phenomenon in 2014 when the anime first aired, setting the emotional tone for what was to come. The haunting vocals and raw instrumentals mirror Kaneki’s internal chaos and growing disconnect from humanity, making it the perfect anthem to revisit ten years later.
Created by Sui Ishida, Tokyo Ghoul began as a manga serialized from 2011 to 2014, eventually spanning fourteen volumes. It went on to receive a sequel manga, Tokyo Ghoul:re, which continued the story from 2014 to 2018. These works quickly built a massive fanbase and are now considered essential reading for any fan of dark fantasy manga. The anime adaptation followed in 2014, with a second season titled Tokyo Ghoul √A airing shortly after in early 2015. The Tokyo Ghoul:re manga was also adapted into two anime seasons in 2018, further expanding the animated version of Kaneki’s world.
The legacy of Tokyo Ghoul extends beyond animation and print. A live action film adaptation premiered in Japan in 2017 and was followed by a sequel in 2019. The franchise became a rare example of a manga series that managed to break into multiple formats successfully while maintaining its emotional and aesthetic intensity.
VIZ Media, which licensed the manga for English publication, describes the story as one of duality and survival. It follows the reserved and bookish Ken Kaneki, whose life changes forever after a date with the mysterious Rize. What seemed like a dream scenario quickly turns into a nightmare when Rize is revealed to be a flesh eating Ghoul. Kaneki survives only after undergoing an experimental surgery that leaves him half human and half Ghoul. As he’s forced into the underground world of Ghouls, Kaneki struggles to retain his identity, protect those he cares about, and navigate a society built on fear, violence, and survival.
This 10th anniversary is not just a moment of celebration but a reminder of how Tokyo Ghoul left an emotional mark on its audience. It told a story that was both horrifying and deeply human, exploring identity, trauma, morality, and loss with striking visuals and poetic storytelling. The new music video serves not only as fan service but also as an emotional bookmark for those who were forever changed by Kaneki’s evolution from a timid student to a tragic symbol of resistance.
With the release of this special tribute video, Tokyo Ghoul reasserts its place in the anime canon. It is a story that continues to resonate even after a decade, and this celebration feels like a reunion with something unforgettable.
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