BrandWikiReturn

Monogatari (series)

Monogatari (物語) is a Japanese light novel series written by Nisio Isin and illustrated by Vofan. The story follows Koyomi Araragi, a third-year high school student who survives a vampire attack and finds himself helping girls affected by various supernatural phenomena that act as proxies for their emotional and mental issues. Since November 2006, Kodansha published 29 volumes in the series under its Kodansha Box imprint. All of the series' story arcs share the common title suffix -monogatari (物語).

Shaft has animated the Monogatari series several times since 2009. The "first season" of the anime adaptation consists of 30 episodes, which were broadcast in Japan between July 2009 and December 2012. The second season consists of 28 episodes broadcast between July and December 2013, and the "final season" consists of 42 episodes broadcast between December 2014 and June 2019. A prequel anime film trilogy, Kizumonogatari, was released in 2016 and 2017. An anime adaptation of the "Off Season" and "Monster Season" novels aired from July to October 2024. A manga adaptation, illustrated by Oh! great and titled Bakemonogatari, was serialized in Kodansha's Weekly Shōnen Magazine from March 2018 to March 2023.

Synopsis

Setting

Most heroines have an item that symbolizes their spectres, such as Hitagi's stapler (the claw of a crab), Mayoi's backpack (the shell of a snail), Suruga's arm (the arm of a monkey), Nadeko's hat and jacket (the head and skin of a snake), and Karen's black and yellow tracksuit (the colors of a bee). Although it incorporates elements of fantasy, horror, and action, the series primarily focuses on relationships and conversations between its characters, which make heavy use of Nisio Isin's signature wordplay and metahumor.

Premise

The Monogatari series revolves around Koyomi Araragi, a third-year high school student who has almost restored his humanity after briefly becoming a vampire during spring break. One day, a classmate of his, the reclusive Hitagi Senjōgahara, falls down a flight of stairs at school into Koyomi's arms. To his surprise, he discovers that Hitagi weighs almost nothing, in defiance of physics. Despite being threatened to keep away, Koyomi offers his help and introduces her to Meme Oshino, a strange middle-aged man living in an abandoned cram school who helped reverse his vampirism. Once Koyomi helps solve Hitagi's problem, she decides to become his girlfriend.

As the series progresses, Koyomi finds himself involved with other girls afflicted by "oddities" (怪異): a child named Mayoi Hachikuji; his underclassman Suruga Kanbaru; Nadeko Sengoku, a friend of his sisters; his classmate Tsubasa Hanekawa; and his own younger sisters Karen and Tsukihi. To deal with the apparitions, which feed on human emotions and often take forms symbolically represented by animals, Koyomi relies on supernatural guidance from Oshino and, later, from Shinobu, the once-powerful blonde vampire who attacked him and later assumed the appearance of an eight-year-old girl.

Production

As Nisio Isin's previous work, the Zaregoto series, had been accepted as a light novel, he decided to write the first Monogatari short story, "Hitagi Crab", with a more formal approach in mind.[6] It was not a simple transition from light novels to formal literature, but rather an experiment to see if he could write a light novel without illustrations. However, by the series' third story, "Suruga Monkey", it was decided that illustrations would be included in publication, and he changed his approach accordingly. He has stated that the atmosphere between Kizumonogatari and Nisemonogatari differed due to his knowledge that the latter would be adapted as an anime.

Media

Light novels

The Monogatari series was first written by Nisio Isin as a series of short stories without illustrations for Kodansha's literary magazine Mephisto.[7] The first three stories were printed in the magazine's September 2005, January 2006, and May 2006 issues, respectively; they were later collected in a light novel volume entitled Bakemonogatari (化物語) on November 2, 2006.[8] A second volume of Bakemonogatari, containing two new chapters, was released in December 2006.[9] Both volumes were published under the Kodansha Box imprint and featured original art by Taiwanese illustrator Vofan, who would illustrate all following releases.

A prequel story to Bakemonogatari entitled "Koyomi Vamp" (こよみヴァンプ) was published in the February 2008 issue of Pandora magazine. It was later released as a light novel volume entitled Kizumonogatari (傷物語) in May 2008.[10] The next story arc, Nisemonogatari (偽物語), was released as two volumes in September 2008 and June 2009.[11][12] The first volume of Nekomonogatari (猫物語), subtitled Kuro (黒), was released in July 2010, and consists of a prequel story to Bakemonogatari entitled "Tsubasa Family" (つばさファミリー).[13]

The second Monogatari saga, referred to as the "Second Season", released between 2010 and 2011, delves further into Koyomi's relationship with each of the heroines. The second volume of Nekomonogatari, subtitled Shiro (白), was released in October 2010.[14] It was followed by five story arcs published in five volumes: Kabukimonogatari (傾物語) in December 2010,[15] Hanamonogatari (花物語) in March 2011,[16] Otorimonogatari (囮物語) in June 2011,[17] Onimonogatari (鬼物語) in September 2011,[18] and Koimonogatari (恋物語) in December 2011.[19]

The third Monogatari saga, referred to as the "Final Season", released between 2012 and 2014, deepens the history of the character Ōgi Oshino, a supposed relative of Meme Oshino. It is composed of four story arcs published in six volumes: Tsukimonogatari (憑物語) in September 2012,[20] a collection of 12 short stories entitled Koyomimonogatari (暦物語) in May 2013,[21] three volumes of Owarimonogatari (終物語) in October 2013, January 2014, and April 2014,[22][23][24] and Zoku Owarimonogatari (続・終物語) in September 2014.[25]

The fourth Monogatari saga, referred to as "Off Season", released between 2015 and 2017, contains side stories focusing on various characters. It is composed of four story arcs published in four volumes: Orokamonogatari (愚物語) in October 2015,[26] Wazamonogatari (業物語) in January 2016,[27] Nademonogatari (撫物語) in July 2016,[28] and Musubimonogatari (結物語) in January 2017.[29]

The fifth Monogatari saga, referred to as "Monster Season", released between 2017 and 2021, follows Koyomi's life as a university student. It is composed of six story arcs published in six volumes: Shinobumonogatari (忍物語) in July 2017,[30] Yoimonogatari (宵物語) in June 2018,[31] Amarimonogatari (余物語) in April 2019,[32] Ōgimonogatari (扇物語) in October 2020,[33] and two volumes of Shinomonogatari (死物語) in August 2021.[34][35]

The sixth Monogatari saga, referred to as "Family Season", began in 2023. So far, only two volumes have been published: Ikusamonogatari (戦物語) in May 2023,[36] and Tsugimonogatari (接物語) in October 2025. Tsugimonogatari had initially been announced for release in 2015, as part of Off Season.[37][38][39] Two further novels, Torimonogatari (鳥物語) and Ootorimonogatari (鳳物語), have been announced, with no release date given yet.[40]

In 2015, Vertical licensed the novel series for English release.[41] The company began its paperback line with Kizumonogatari on December 15, 2015,[42] and later released the Bakemonogatari novels in three volumes: the first in December 2016, the second in February 2017, and the third in April 2017.[43] As of December 2020, the novels in the series up to Zoku Owarimonogatari have been translated.[44]

The English audiobook version of Kizumonogatari was released on May 25, 2016, by Bang Zoom! Entertainment with narration done by Keith Silverstein, Eric Kimerer, and Cristina Vee.[45] The audiobook for Nekomonogatari (White) was released on April 9, 2019, with narration done by Cristina Vee, Eric Kimerer, and Erica Mendez.[46] The audiobook for the three volumes of Bakemonogatari was released on March 24, 2020, with narration done by Eric Kimerer, Cristina Vee, Erica Mendez, and Keith Silverstein.[47]

The Japanese audiobook version of the entire series began release by Kodansha via Audible on February 17, 2021. Each novel features narration by the voice actors/actresses of the anime adaptation. It released one novel each month until June 16, 2023, with the second volume of Shinomonogatari.[48][49]

Anime

An anime adaptation of Bakemonogatari was announced in April 2008,[50] and broadcast between July 3 and September 25, 2009, on Tokyo MX.[51] The 15-episode series was animated by Shaft and directed by Akiyuki Shinbo and series director Tatsuya Oishi, with series composition by Shinbo and Shaft staff under the collective pen name of Fuyashi Tō,[52] character designs by Akio Watanabe based on Vofan's original concepts,[53] and scripts edited by Yukito Kizawa and Muneo Nakamoto.[54] The music for the series was composed by Satoru Kōsaki.[53] Only the first 12 episodes were broadcast on television; the remaining three episodes were distributed on the anime's website between November 3, 2009, and June 25, 2010.[55] At Sakura-Con 2012, Aniplex of America announced that it had acquired Bakemonogatari for release in North America.[56] All 15 episodes were released on Blu-ray with English subtitles on November 20, 2012.[57]

An 11-episode anime adaptation of Nisemonogatari aired from January 8 to March 18, 2012, produced by the same staff as Bakemonogatari, but with Tomoyuki Itamura replacing Tatsuya Oishi as director. A four-episode anime television series adaptation of Nekomonogatari (Kuro) (猫物語(黒)) aired back-to-back on December 31, 2012.[58] Two Blu-ray and DVD compilation volumes were released: the first on March 6, 2013, and the second on April 3, 2013.[58] A 26-episode anime television series titled Monogatari Series Second Season, spanning five of the six novels from Nekomonogatari (Shiro) (猫物語(白)) to Koimonogatari,[59] aired between July 7 and December 29, 2013.[60][61] Aniplex USA later released the Blu-ray on April 22, and June 24, 2014.[62] Kabukimonogatari and Onimonogatari featured Naoyuki Tatsuwa and Yuki Yase as series directors for those respective arcs under Itamura and Shinbo.[63] Five episodes of the Second Season, adapting the Hanamonogatari story arc from the novels, were delayed from the original broadcast due to production issues and aired as a marathon on August 16, 2014.[64]

A four-episode adaptation of the first novel of the third series, Tsukimonogatari, aired in a marathon on December 31, 2014.[65] A 13-episode anime television series adapting two more novels of the third series, titled Owarimonogatari, aired between October 3 and December 19, 2015. A series of three films adapting the prequel novel Kizumonogatari were produced, with the first one, Kizumonogatari Part 1: Tekketsu, premiering on January 8, 2016,[66] the second film, Kizumonogatari Part 2: Nekketsu, premiering on August 19, 2016,[67][68] and the third and final film, Kizumonogatari Part 3: Reiketsu, premiering on January 6, 2017.[69] A web anime series adapting Koyomimonogatari became available for download on the App Store and Google Play from January 9, 2016.[70] A seven-episode anime television series, an adaptation of the third Owarimonogatari novel, aired on August 12 and 13, 2017.[71][72] An adaptation of Zoku Owarimonogatari was released in theaters on November 10, 2018[73] and as two Blu-ray and DVD volumes on February 27, 2019 and March 27, 2019. It aired on TV as six episodes between May 18 and June 22, 2019.[74]

In January 2024, an adaptation of both "Off Season" and "Monster Season" was announced, with chief director Shinbo, character designer Watanabe, and studio Shaft returning. Midori Yoshizawa is directing.[75][76][77] It aired on Abema from July 6 to October 19, 2024.[78] Crunchyroll licensed the series.[79] New episodes of Off & Monster Season were announced in July 2025.[80]

The anime adaptation does not follow the order of the novels. Kizumonogatari was planned to be released in 2012[81] after Bakemonogatari, but due to production issues, it was delayed until 2016.[82] Hanamonogatari was originally planned to be animated in its original place from the novels,[83][82] but it got postponed to air after Monogatari Series Second Season.[84] In the Blu-ray box set of Monogatari Series Second Season though, Hanamonogatari is listed as the third arc.[85] Koyomimonogatari in the novels was released before Owarimonogatari, but in the anime adaptation, it was released on the App Store and Google Play app after Kizumonogatari I and Owarimonogatari.

Music

The several opening themes were written by Meg Rock and composed by Satoru Kōsaki and Mito, featuring vocals of the main characters.[54] The ending theme for Bakemonogatari, "Kimi no Shiranai Monogatari" (君の知らない物語), was produced by Supercell and released on August 12, 2009, featuring vocals Nagi Yanagi,[86] and peaked at No. 5 in the Oricon singles charts.[87] The ending theme for Nisemonogatari is "Naisho no Hanashi" (ナイショの話) sung by ClariS and written by Ryo of Supercell.[88] The ending theme for Nekomonogatari (Black) is "Kieru Daydream" (消えるdaydream), written by Saori Kodama, composed by Satoru Kōsaki and performed by Marina Kawano.[89] Monogatari Series Second Season features four ending songs: "Ai o Utae" (アイヲウタエ), produced by Jin (Shizen no Teki-P) and performed by Luna Haruna for Nekomonogatari (White) and Kabukimonogatari; "Sono Koe o Oboeteru" (その声を覚えてる) by Kawano for Otorimonogatari and Onimonogatari;[90] "snowdrop" by both Haruna and Kawano for Koimonogatari;[91] and "Hanaato -Shirushi-" (花痕 -shirushi-) by Kawano for Hanamonogatari. Monogatari Series Final Season features five ending songs: "Border" by ClariS for Tsukimonogatari, "Sayonara no Yukue" (さよならのゆくえ) by Alisa Takigawa for the first season of Owarimonogatari, "whiz" by TrySail for Koyomimonogatari, "Shiori" by ClariS for the second season of Owarimonogatari, and "azure" by TrySail for Zoku Owarimonogatari.[92] The ending theme song for Monogatari Series Off & Monster Season is "Undead" by Yoasobi.[93][94]

Utamonogatari

The collection of theme songs, Utamonogatari (歌物語), released on January 6, 2016, ranked at No. 1 on Oricon's weekly album chart at the time selling over 66,000 copies.[95][96] It was the fifth anime theme song collection to top the Oricon's weekly album chart since 2010's One Piece Memorial Best album.[97] It also sold over 100,000 copies and was certified as a Gold Disc by Japan Record Association.[98] Disc 1 features the opening and ending themes for Monogatari First Season: Bakemonogatari, Nisemonogatari, and Nekomonogatari (Black). Disc 2 features the opening and ending themes for Monogatari Second Season: Nekomonogatari (White), Kabukimonogatari, Hanamonogatari, Otorimonogatari, Onimonogatari, and Koimonogatari.

Utamonogatari 2

The second collection of theme songs, Utamonogatari 2 (歌物語2), released on May 10, 2019, sold over 16,000 copies in its first week and was ranked at No. 1 on Oricon's weekly album chart.[95] It feature the opening and ending themes of Monogatari Final Season: Tsukimonogatari, Owarimonogatari I and II, and Zoku Owarimonogatari. It also feature the ending theme of Koyomimonogatari, the two ending themes of the Kizumonogatari's trilogy and the opening theme for the mobile game PucPuc.

Utamonogatari

The collection of theme songs, Utamonogatari (歌物語), released on January 6, 2016, ranked at No. 1 on Oricon's weekly album chart at the time selling over 66,000 copies.[95][96] It was the fifth anime theme song collection to top the Oricon's weekly album chart since 2010's One Piece Memorial Best album.[97] It also sold over 100,000 copies and was certified as a Gold Disc by Japan Record Association.[98] Disc 1 features the opening and ending themes for Monogatari First Season: Bakemonogatari, Nisemonogatari, and Nekomonogatari (Black). Disc 2 features the opening and ending themes for Monogatari Second Season: Nekomonogatari (White), Kabukimonogatari, Hanamonogatari, Otorimonogatari, Onimonogatari, and Koimonogatari.

Utamonogatari 2

The second collection of theme songs, Utamonogatari 2 (歌物語2), released on May 10, 2019, sold over 16,000 copies in its first week and was ranked at No. 1 on Oricon's weekly album chart.[95] It feature the opening and ending themes of Monogatari Final Season: Tsukimonogatari, Owarimonogatari I and II, and Zoku Owarimonogatari. It also feature the ending theme of Koyomimonogatari, the two ending themes of the Kizumonogatari's trilogy and the opening theme for the mobile game PucPuc.

Manga

A manga adaptation of the series, illustrated by Oh! great, started in Kodansha's magazine Weekly Shōnen Magazine on March 14, 2018.[101] Vertical began releasing the manga in North America in October 2019.[102] The manga concluded on March 15, 2023, and released its 22nd and final tankōbon volume in Japan on May 17.[103] The final English-language volume was released on August 20, 2024.[104]

Other media

A drama CD titled, a reference to the parlor game Hyakumonogatari Kaidankai, was released on August 3, 2009. The script was written by Nisio Isin and is bundled with the CD.[105] A PlayStation Portable visual novel titled Bakemonogatari Portable (化物語 ポータブル) developed by Bandai Namco Games was released on August 23, 2012.[106][107]

Good Smile Company has made several nendoroid petit figures for the series, releasing them as separate sets. The first set contains the characters Koyomi Araragi, Hitagi Senjōgahara and Tsubasa Hanekawa.[108] The second set contains Suruga Kanbaru, Mayoi Hachikuji and Nadeko Sengoku[109] and the third set contains the Araragi sisters Karen and Tsukihi, as well as Shinobu Oshino.[110] The company also made a line of separate, 1/8 scale figures of Hitagi Senjōgahara,[111] Suruga Kanbaru,[112] Nadeko Sengoku,[113] Tsubasa Hanekawa,[114] Mayoi Hachikuji,[115] Karen Araragi,[116] Tsukihi Araragi,[117][118] Shinobu Oshino,[119] Kiss-Shot Acerola-Orion Heart-Under-Blade (from Kizumonogatari),[120] Nadeko Sengoku in her Medusa form,[121] and Yotsugi Ononoki.[122][123] They have also made figma figures of several of the characters: Koyomi Araragi,[124] Hitagi Senjōgahara,[125] Mayoi Hachikuji,[126] Suruga Kanbaru,[127] Nadeko Sengoku,[128] and Tsubasa Hanekawa.[129] They have planned to make the Araragi sisters, Karen and Tsukihi. Alter, Bandai, Kotobukiya, and others have made figures of some of the other characters as well.

Reception

The light novel series ranked sixth in the 2009 issue of the light novel guidebook Kono Light Novel ga Sugoi! published by Takarajimasha.[130] It later went on to rank as high as second in 2010,[131] and 2017 issues, with the latter in the tankōbon category.[132] In the 2019 issue, in the tankōbon category, the series ranked third.[133] In the 2020 issue it was revealed the top 10 light novels of the past decade, and the series ranked in the 10th place.[134] Koyomi Araragi ranked sixth in the Best Male Character in 2009,[130] second in 2010,[131] seventh in 2011,[135] third in 2012,[136] and sixth in 2013.[137] Meanwhile, Hitagi Senjōgahara ranked seventh in the Best Female Character in 2009,[130] fourth in 2010,[131] eighth in 2011,[135] and seventh in 2012.[136]

The anime adaptation won the Users' Special Award in the 2nd annual DEG Japan Awards/Blu-ray Prizes.[138][139] Over one million DVDs and BDs of Bakemonogatari and Nisemonogatari have been sold combined as of September 2012.[140] Across its 27 volumes, the series has sold over two million DVDs and BDs as of October 2015.[141] The Tokyo Anime Award held in 2017 selected Bakemonogatari as the best anime released in 2009.[142]

Barbara Greene in her article "Haunted Psychologies: The Specter of Postmodern Trauma in Bakemonogatari" states that the series critiques otaku consumption and the objectification inherent in consumer capitalism, using its fragmented narrative and visual style to reflect the collapse of traditional narratives in postmodernity. Otaku are drawn to moe-kyara, stylized characters that allow for personal meaning-making, but this consumption ultimately perpetuates a cycle of suffering without resolution. She concludes saying that Bakemonogatari portrays a world where meaning is constructed but never truly fulfilled, serving as both a product of and a commentary on the traumas of postmodern consumer culture.[143]

Christopher Smith's article "The Text Inside Us: Text on Screen and the Intertextual Self in Bakemonogatari" examines how the anime Bakemonogatari uses disruptive on-screen text to create a Brechtian alienation effect, emphasizing the intertextual nature of the characters' thoughts, memories, and desires. By employing archaic Japanese orthography and integrating text deeply into the narrative, the anime not only highlights the constructedness of its story but also situates its themes within Japan's modern historical context. Smith argues that Bakemonogatari serves as a self-reflexive commentary on subjectivity in the postmodern world, suggesting that identity is not an authentic, isolated construct but rather an intertextual creation shaped by social and historical forces.[144]

External links

References

  1. Mikikazu Komatsu. Monogatari Anime Series Website Starts Mysterious Countdown Crunchyroll, February 5, 2019, retrieved January 20, 2021^
  2. https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000901.000018760.html PR Times, October 4, 2019, retrieved January 20, 2021^
  3. Bakemonogatari: Monster Tale Vertical, Inc., retrieved January 20, 2018^
  4. Nick Creamer. Monogatari is a Disaster Anime News Network, August 7, 2015, retrieved January 20, 2021^
  5. 西尾維新最新作『終物語』、別冊少年マガジン10月号に異例の先行掲載 Oricon News, Oricon, August 8, 2013, retrieved July 29, 2020^
  6. 活字倶楽部 雑草社, April 25, 2009^
  7. Isin Nisio. ザレゴトディクショナル 戯言シリーズ用語辞典 Kodansha, June 7, 2006^
  8. 化物語（上） Kodansha Book Club, Kodansha, retrieved 18 February 2020^
  9. 化物語（下） Kodansha Book Club, Kodansha, retrieved 18 February 2020^
  10. 傷物語 Kodansha Book Club, Kodansha, retrieved 18 February 2020^
  11. 偽物語（上） Kodansha Book Club, Kodansha, retrieved 18 February 2020^
  12. 偽物語（下） Kodansha Book Club, Kodansha, retrieved 18 February 2020^
  13. 猫物語 （黒） Kodansha Book Club, Kodansha, retrieved 18 February 2020^
  14. 猫物語 （白） Kodansha Book Club, Kodansha, retrieved 18 February 2020^
  15. 傾物語 Kodansha Book Club, Kodansha, retrieved 18 February 2020^
  16. 花物語 Kodansha Book Club, Kodansha, retrieved 18 February 2020^
  17. 囮物語 Kodansha Book Club, Kodansha, retrieved 18 February 2020^
  18. 鬼物語 Kodansha Book Club, Kodansha, retrieved 18 February 2020^
  19. 恋物語 Kodansha Book Club, Kodansha, retrieved 18 February 2020^
  20. 憑物語 Kodansha Book Club, Kodansha, retrieved 18 February 2020^
  21. 暦物語 Kodansha Book Club, Kodansha, retrieved 18 February 2020^
  22. 終物語 （上） Kodansha Book Club, Kodansha, retrieved 18 February 2020^
  23. 終物語 （中） Kodansha Book Club, Kodansha, retrieved 18 February 2020^
  24. 終物語 （下） Kodansha Book Club, Kodansha, retrieved 18 February 2020^
  25. 続・終物語 Kodansha Book Club, Kodansha, retrieved 18 February 2020^
  26. 愚物語 Kodansha Book Club, Kodansha, retrieved 18 February 2020^
  27. 業物語 Kodansha Book Club, Kodansha, retrieved 18 February 2020^
  28. 撫物語 Kodansha Book Club, Kodansha, retrieved 18 February 2020^
  29. 結物語 Kodansha Book Club, Kodansha, retrieved 18 February 2020^
  30. 忍物語 Kodansha Book Club, Kodansha, retrieved 18 February 2020^
  31. 宵物語 Kodansha Book Club, Kodansha, retrieved 18 February 2020^
  32. 余物語 Kodansha Book Club, Kodansha, retrieved 18 February 2020^
  33. 余物語 Kodansha Book Club, Kodansha, retrieved October 27, 2020^
  34. https://books.rakuten.co.jp/rb/16784990/?l-id=search-c-item-text-02 Rakuten Books, retrieved June 21, 2021^
  35. https://books.rakuten.co.jp/rb/16784991/?l-id=search-c-item-text-01 Rakuten Books, retrieved June 21, 2021^
  36. 戦物語 Kodansha Book Club, Kodansha, retrieved 16 May 2023^
  37. 『接物語』（西尾 維新,ＶＯＦＡＮ） 製品詳細 講談社 講談社「おもしろくて、ためになる」を世界へ, retrieved 2026-01-18^
  38. Monogatari Series Off Season, Monster Season Novels Get Anime Anime News Network, retrieved 18 January 2024^
  39. 〈物語〉シリーズ最新小説^
  40. Isin Nisio. Tsugimonogatari Kodansha, October 16, 2025^
  41. Lynzee Loveridge. Vertical Adds Kizumonogatari Novel, Seraph of the End Novels, Ninja Slayer Manga Anime News Network, 15 February 2015, retrieved 18 February 2020^
  42. KIZUMONOGATARI Kodansha Comics, Kodansha USA, retrieved 18 February 2020^
  43. BAKEMONOGATARI Kodansha Comics, Kodansha USA, retrieved 18 February 2020^
  44. ZOKU OWARIMONOGATARI Penguin Random House, retrieved 30 October 2020^
  45. Rafael Antonio Pineda. Kizumonogatari, Attack on Titan Audiobooks' Dates & Casts Revealed Anime News Network, April 19, 2016, retrieved February 18, 2021^
  46. Luster Joseph. Kodansha Announces New Cardcaptor Sakura Manga Edition and More Crunchyroll, November 18, 2018, retrieved February 18, 2021^
  47. The epic trilogy of BAKEMONOGATARI by NISIOISIN is NOW out on major audio book platforms!! Twitter, March 24, 2020, retrieved February 18, 2021^
  48. https://www.audible.co.jp/series/%EF%BC%9C%E7%89%A9%E8%AA%9E%EF%BC%9E%E3%82%B7%E3%83%AA%E3%83%BC%E3%82%BA%E3%82%B7%E3%83%AA%E3%83%BC%E3%82%BA/B08WH8LJF5?source_code=ADBOTHR028020721002Y Audible, retrieved September 6, 2021^
  49. https://news.livedoor.com/article/detail/19709859/?p=1 livedoor NEWS, Line, February 17, 2021, retrieved February 17, 2021^
  50. Egan Loo. NisiOisin's Bakemonogatari Light Novels to Get Anime Anime News Network, April 24, 2008, retrieved August 28, 2008^
  51. 化物語 Media Arts Database, Agency for Cultural Affairs, retrieved 22 May 2020^
  52. Green, Scott. SHAFT's Zaregoto: Kubikiri Cycle OVA Previewed Crunchyroll, August 27, 2016, retrieved April 30, 2020^
  53. Egan Loo. Bakemonogatari Anime Promo Video Posted Anime News Network, March 18, 2009, retrieved March 18, 2009^
  54. https://www.monogatari-series.com/bakemonogatari/special/interview02.html Monogatari Series (Bakemonogatari), Kodansha/Shaft/Aniplex, retrieved June 22, 2021^
  55. Egan Loo. Bakemonogatari Anime Promo Video Streamed Anime News Network, July 2, 2009, retrieved July 3, 2009^
  56. Crystalyn Hodgkins. Aniplex of America Adds Bakemonogatari TV Anime Anime News Network, April 6, 2012, retrieved April 6, 2012^
  57. Bakemonogatari Blu-ray Complete Set (S) Limited Edition The Right Stuf International, retrieved September 16, 2012^
  58. Jennifer Sherman. Nekomonogatari (Black) Anime's Promo Streamed Anime News Network, December 7, 2012, retrieved December 7, 2012^
  59. Egan Loo. NisiOisin's Nekomonogatari (Black) Anime to Air on TV Anime News Network, September 26, 2012, retrieved September 26, 2012^
  60. Sarah Nelkin. Monogatari 2nd Season to Run for 1/2 Year Starting in July Anime News Network, January 7, 2013, retrieved January 7, 2013^
  61. Lyenzee Loveridge. Luna Haruna Sings Monogatari Series 2nd Season Anime's Ending Anime News Network, May 22, 2013, retrieved May 22, 2013^
  62. Aniplex USA Outlines Its Nekomonogatari (Black) & (White) Blu-ray Sets February 15, 2014, retrieved February 15, 2020^
  63. [〈物 語 〉 モノガタリ シリーズ セカンドシーズン] Media Arts Database, Agency for Cultural Affairs, retrieved August 18, 2020^
  64. Egan Loo. Monogatari Series' Hanamonogatari Delayed Until August 16 Anime News Network, May 13, 2014, retrieved May 13, 2014^
  65. Egan Loo. Monogatari Series' 1st 'Final Season' Anime to Air on December 31 Anime News Network, October 21, 2014, retrieved October 21, 2014^
  66. Egan Loo. Kizumonogatari Confirmed as 3 Films Starting on January 8 Anime News Network, October 3, 2015, retrieved October 6, 2015^
  67. Egan Loo. 2nd Kizumonogatari Film Opens in Japan Next Summer Anime News Network, December 21, 2015, retrieved January 26, 2016^
  68. Karen Ressler. Kizumonogatari II Film Slated for August 19 Anime News Network, June 28, 2016, retrieved June 28, 2016^
  69. Egan Loo. 3rd Kizumonogatari Film Slated for January 6 Anime News Network, August 18, 2016, retrieved August 18, 2016^
  70. Mikikazu Komatsu. "Koyomimonogatari" Short Anime to be Available from January 9, 2016 Crunchyroll, December 12, 2015, retrieved December 20, 2015^
  71. Rafael Antonio Pineda. New Owarimonogatari Anime Adapts 3rd Novel Volume in Summer Anime News Network, March 24, 2013, retrieved March 25, 2017^
  72. Karen Ressler. Owarimonogatari Anime Special Previewed in Video Anime News Network, June 30, 2017, retrieved June 30, 2017^
  73. Crystalyn Hodgkins. Zoku Owarimonogatari Anime Reveals TrySail Ending Theme, November 10 Debut Anime News Network, September 21, 2018, retrieved September 21, 2018^
  74. Crystalyn Hodgkins. Monogatari Series Rebroadcast Takes Over Sword Art Online: Alicization Anime's Timeslot Starting on April 6 Anime News Network, February 10, 2019, retrieved February 10, 2019^
  75. Crystalyn Hodgkins. Monogatari Series' Off Season, Monster Season Novels Get Anime Anime News Network, January 18, 2024^
  76. 〈物語〉シリーズ オフ＆モンスターシーズン｜公式サイト Aniplex and Shaft, January 18, 2024, retrieved January 18, 2024^
  77. Egan Loo. Monogatari Series Off & Monster Season Anime's Teaser Confirms Staff, 2024 Launch With Orokamonogatari Story Anime News Network, March 24, 2024, retrieved March 24, 2024^
  78. Crystalyn Hodgkins. Monogatari Series Off & Monster Season Anime's Promo Video Reveals July 6 Debut Anime News Network, May 3, 2024, retrieved May 3, 2024^
  79. Kyle Cardine. Crunchyroll Summer 2024 Anime Season Lineup Announced! Crunchyroll, June 18, 2024, retrieved June 18, 2024^
  80. Joanna Cayanan. Monogatari Off & Monster Season Anime Gets New Episode Anime News Network, July 3, 2025, retrieved July 3, 2025^
  81. Egan Loo. NisiOisin's Kizumonogatari Anime Film Trailer Streamed Anime News Network, September 15, 2011, retrieved September 15, 2011^
  82. Ko Ransom. NisiOisin's Upcoming Monogatari Anime Works Outlined Anime News Network, April 9, 2012, retrieved June 22, 2019^
  83. Egan Loo. Anime of All of NisiOisin's Monogatari Novels 'Officially' Green-Lit Anime News Network, April 7, 2012, retrieved June 22, 2019^
  84. Egan Loo. Hanamonogatari to Be Separate From Rest of Monogatari 2nd Season Anime News Network, July 11, 2013, retrieved June 22, 2019^
  85. 〈物語〉シリーズ 2ndシーズン Blu-ray BOX Aniplex, retrieved June 22, 2019^
  86. Supercell 1st single "Kimi no Shiranai Monogatari" retrieved May 31, 2009^
  87. http://ranking.oricon.co.jp/free_contents/search/ranking_list.asp?itemcd=826537&samecd=1&chart_kbn=111&linkcd=40509187 Oricon, retrieved October 11, 2009^
  88. http://www.nisemonogatari-anime.com/music/index.html retrieved January 3, 2013^
  89. http://www.nekomonogatarikuro-anime.com/music/index.html retrieved January 3, 2013^
  90. Egan Loo. Monogatari 2nd Season Otorimonogatari Promo Streamed Anime News Network, September 14, 2013, retrieved September 14, 2013^
  91. Crystalyn Hodgkins. Monogatari Series Second Season Koimonogatari 1st Short Promo Streamed Anime News Network, September 14, 2013, retrieved November 24, 2013^
  92. Crystalyn Hodgkins. Zoku Owarimonogatari Anime Reveals TrySail Ending Theme, November 10 Debut Anime News Network, September 21, 2018, retrieved September 21, 2018^
  93. Crystalyn Hodgkins. YOASOBI Performs New Monogatari Series Anime's Theme Song Anime News Network, May 1, 2024, retrieved May 3, 2024^
  94. 『〈物語〉シリーズ オフ＆モンスターシーズン』愚物語＆撫物語 PV Aniplex, 2 May 2024, retrieved 5 May 2024^
  95. 『〈物語〉シリーズ』主題歌集が2作連続首位【オリコンランキング】 Oricon News, Oricon, May 14, 2019, retrieved August 1, 2020^
  96. 【オリコン】＜物語＞シリーズ主題歌集が首位 アニメコンピ盤5年10ヶ月ぶり Oricon News, Oricon, January 1, 2016, retrieved August 1, 2020^
  97. Rafael Pineda. Monogatari Series' Theme Song Compilation Ranks #1 With 66,000 Anime News Network, January 11, 2016, retrieved August 1, 2020^
  98. 〈物語〉シリーズ主題歌集「歌物語2」5月10日発売決定、ライナーノーツも付属 Natalie, Natasha, Inc., February 27, 2019, retrieved August 1, 2020^
  99. Utamonogatari Monogatari series, Aniplex, retrieved January 16, 2021^
  100. Utamonogatari 2 Monogatari series, Aniplex, retrieved January 17, 2021^
  101. Rafael Antonio Pineda. NisiOisin's Bakemonogatari Novel Gets Manga in March Anime News Network, January 10, 2018, retrieved August 9, 2018^
  102. Jennifer Sherman. Kodansha Comics, Vertical Add Bakemonogatari, Cells at Work! Code Black, Granblue Fantasy Manga Anime News Network, March 13, 2019, retrieved March 13, 2019^
  103. Joanna Cayanan. Bakemonogatari Manga Ends, New Ikusamonogatari Novel Debuts Anime News Network, January 26, 2023, retrieved May 17, 2023^
  104. BAKEMONOGATARI (manga) 22 Penguin Random House, retrieved August 20, 2024^
  105. http://bookclub.kodansha.co.jp/product?isbn=9784062153690 Kodansha, retrieved January 10, 2016^
  106. http://news.dengeki.com/elem/000/000/463/463108/ ASCII Media Works, February 24, 2012, retrieved August 7, 2012^
  107. 青春をPSPで妄想し――プレイヤーの想像が創造につながる『化物語 ポータブル』のプレイレポを掲載! ASCII Media Works, August 22, 2012, retrieved August 23, 2012^
  108. Nendoroid Petite: Bakemonogatari Set #1 Good Smile Company, retrieved August 8, 2012^
  109. Nendoroid Petite: Bakemonogatari Set #2 Good Smile Company, retrieved August 8, 2012^
  110. Nendoroid Petite: Bakemonogatari Set #3 Good Smile Company, retrieved August 8, 2012^
  111. Hitagi Senjougahara Good Smile Company, retrieved August 8, 2012^
  112. Suruga Kanbaru Good Smile Company, retrieved August 8, 2012^
  113. Nadeko Sengoku Good Smile Company, retrieved August 8, 2012^
  114. Tsubasa Hanekawa Good Smile Company, retrieved August 8, 2012^
  115. Mayoi Hachikuji Good Smile Company, retrieved August 8, 2012^
  116. Karen Araragi Good Smile Company, retrieved August 9, 2018^
  117. Tsukihi Araragi Good Smile Company, retrieved August 9, 2018^
  118. Tsukihi Araragi: Alternate Color ver. Good Smile Company, retrieved August 9, 2018^
  119. Shinobu Oshino Good Smile Company, retrieved August 8, 2012^
  120. Kiss-Shot Acerola-Orion Heart-Under-Blade Good Smile Company, retrieved August 9, 2018^
  121. Nadeko Sengoku: Medusa Ver. Good Smile Company, retrieved August 9, 2018^
  122. Yotsugi Ononoki Good Smile Company, retrieved August 9, 2018^
  123. Yotsugi Ononoki DX Good Smile Company, retrieved August 9, 2018^
  124. figma Koyomi Araragi Good Smile Company, retrieved August 8, 2012^
  125. figma Hitagi Senjougahara Good Smile Company, retrieved August 8, 2012^
  126. figma Mayoi Hachikuji Good Smile Company, retrieved August 8, 2012^
  127. figma Suruga Kanbaru Good Smile Company, retrieved August 8, 2012^
  128. figma Nadeko Sengoku Good Smile Company, retrieved August 8, 2012^
  129. figma Tsubasa Hanekawa Good Smile Company, retrieved August 8, 2012^
  130. このミステリーがすごい! 2009 Takarajimasha, November 22, 2008^
  131. このミステリーがすごい! 2010 Takarajimasha, November 21, 2009^
  132. Rafael Pineda. Kono Light Novel ga Sugoi! 2017's Series Ranking Anime News Network, November 23, 2016, retrieved August 2, 2020^
  133. Antonio Pineda Rafael. Kono Light Novel ga Sugoi! Reveals 2019 Series Ranking Anime News Network, November 23, 2018, retrieved February 7, 2023^
  134. Kim Morrissy. Kono Light Novel ga Sugoi!: Sword Art Online is the Light Novel of the Decade Anime News Network, November 26, 2019, retrieved August 2, 2020^
  135. このミステリーがすごい! 2011 Takarajimasha, November 19, 2010^
  136. このミステリーがすごい! 2012 Takarajimasha, November 19, 2011^
  137. このミステリーがすごい! 2013 Takarajimasha, November 19, 2012^
  138. Egan Loo. Ponyo, Bakemonogatari, Conan Win Japanese BD Prizes Anime News Network, February 18, 2010, retrieved February 19, 2010^
  139. 第2回「DEGジャパン・アワード/ブルーレイ大賞」受賞作品発表｜DEGジャパン deg-japan.jp, retrieved February 19, 2010^
  140. Egan Loo. 1+ Million Bakemonogatari/Nisemonogatari DVD/BDs Sold Anime News Network, September 25, 2012, retrieved September 26, 2012^
  141. 『傷物語』3部作が来年1月より劇場公開 ＜物語＞シリーズの原点 Oricon News, Oricon, October 4, 2015, retrieved July 30, 2020^
  142. Matt Schley. Anime Festival Ranks Top 100 Anime of Last 100 Years Otaku USA, March 27, 2017, retrieved August 3, 2020^
  143. Barbara Greene. Haunted Psychologies: The Specter of Postmodern Trauma in Bakemonogatari The Journal of Anime and Manga Studies, 2021-11-29^
  144. Christopher Smith. The text inside us: text on screen and the intertexual self in Bakemonogatari Word & Image, 2022-07-03^