Maboroshi Ending Explained: Who is Itsumi?

MAPPA’s anime movie “Maboroshi” has finally made its debut on Netflix, and we’re here to provide a detailed breakdown of the film’s ending.

Hailing from the acclaimed author Mari Okada, “Maboroshi” is an original anime film that initially premiered in Japan in September 2023. The international audience has eagerly awaited its release on Netflix.

Produced by the renowned animation studio MAPPA, celebrated for its contributions to classics like Jujutsu Kaisen and Attack on Titan Final Season, “Maboroshi” unfolds a narrative centered around a love story. The plot weaves through intricate complexities, introducing mind-bending twists and turns that may leave viewers in a state of bewilderment. However, fret not, as we are here to elucidate the intricacies of the film’s captivating yet intricate storyline.

Maboroshi Ending: Who is Itsumi?

The young girl, who was held captive in a steel factory, is revealed to be the daughter of Masamune and Mutsumi in an alternate reality. In this alternate dimension, she experiences a peculiar event when, during a visit to an amusement park with her parents, she is inexplicably transported to the time-frozen realm of Mifuse. In this alternate world, where change is nonexistent, the Sagami and Aki, fathers of Mutsumi and Masamune respectively, come across the young girl.

Arriving in the phantom world of Mifuse via a sacred train with the capability to return her to reality, the little girl becomes the focal point of a discussion between Sagami and Aki. After a brief conversation, Sagami successfully persuades Aki that the gods have chosen the girl to safeguard their world. Consequently, she was kept captive in the steel factory for an extended period, and Mutsumi was selected as her guardian.

Does Itsumi Escape the Phantom World?

Upon Masamune’s realization that Itsumi was not meant for his world, he made the decision to return her to reality. The explosion in the steel factory had obliterated Mifuse long ago. However, the town’s inhabitants discovered their true fate when Itsumi revealed the world beyond the fractured skies to Masamune.

An unexpected letter arrives for Masamune, left by his father before abandoning the family. The letter lays bare the truth, detailing the events from the day Itsumi was discovered to the moment when he and Sagami chose to confine the young girl in their world. Masamune also learns about the existence of the train capable of transporting Itsumi back to where she belongs.

The journey ahead proves to be challenging, with the need to confront Sagami, who is willing to go to any lengths to prevent Itsumi’s departure. Undeterred, Masamune, aided by Mutsumi, perseveres and successfully guides Itsumi back to her rightful place.