Thus Spoke Rohan Kishibe: The Confessional Streaming Guide | How to Watch Online Free on U-NEXT, d Anime Store & Netflix, Issei Takahashi, Tomoya Nakamura

Are you looking for a way to watch “Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan: The Confessional” for free? “The Confessional” is a shocking must-see episode for JoJo fans. We thoroughly researched which streaming services offer free trials and whether there’s a super-cheap way to watch. We compare major subscription services like U-NEXT, d Anime Store, and Netflix in an easy-to-understand table and explain how to watch without missing it. First, check this article for the best viewing method!

What is “Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan: The Confessional”?

“Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan: The Confessional” is one episode from the spin-off series “Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan” by Hirohiko Araki, creator of the hugely popular “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure.” The series is known for its eccentric characters, intense psychological portrayals, and mysterious worldview, and among them, “The Confessional” is considered one of the top-tier episodes by JoJo fans. The story is set in Venice, Italy. It unfolds around the confession of a man filled with fear and guilt that manga artist Kishibe Rohan overhears in a “confessional”. By depicting the universal themes of “fear” and “confession” through Rohan’s cool and unusual perspective, this work has earned high praise from many fans.

Who is it recommended for?

“Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan: The Confessional” is especially recommended for the following:

• Fans of the JoJo series
• Those who love suspense and horror
• Those interested in mind games and human drama
• Those who want a dense story in a short runtime

Also, the film version was shot entirely on location in Venice, and the contrast between the beautiful cityscape and the gloomy confessional is a visual highlight.

Distinctive setup and appeal

The biggest draw is the closed-room drama set entirely within a “confessional”. As the characters converse only through voices, their hidden sins and fears gradually surface, drawing readers and viewers deep into the story. Moreover, seeing Rohan use his unique Stand ability “Heaven’s Door” to expose the truth is quintessential JoJo. In the screen adaptations, the play of light and shadow and the tense sound design further heighten the sense of dread.

Synopsis & Details for “Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan: The Confessional”

“Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan: The Confessional” is a short horror piece starring the popular “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure” character Kishibe Rohan, created by Hirohiko Araki. The story begins with Rohan visiting a church in Venice for research.

Synopsis

In an old Venetian church, Kishibe Rohan is preparing to research the “confessional.” By chance, he overhears a young man beginning his confession inside. The man recounts a brutal act from his youth and the terror that followed. As Rohan confronts the man’s sins and probes the mystery, the ending that awaits is beyond anyone’s imagination.

Differences from the original

In the original release as an OVA (Original Video Animation), “The Confessional” became known for its unique tension and eerie quiet. Meanwhile, the live-action film version, scheduled for release on May 23, 2025, was shot entirely in Venice, focusing more on human nature and sin with realistic visuals. Some scenes are supplemented in the film, offering deeper character psychology and enhanced cinematic direction.

Cast & Staff

Issey Takahashi plays Kishibe Rohan, perfectly capturing the character’s distinctive intelligence and cool detachment. Additionally, the mysterious man Rohan meets in Venice is portrayed by popular actor Tomoya Nakamura, who embodies both madness and anguish. The director is Kazutaka Watanabe, who also earned acclaim for the TV drama version, faithfully translating the original’s atmosphere to the screen. Music is by Yugo Kanno, whose score matches the unique JoJo aesthetic.

Appeal of the Venice location

The film’s standout feature is that it’s the first Japanese production to shoot an entire feature in Venice. The beautiful yet labyrinthine water city of Venice intensifies the story’s horror and themes of guilt. Historic churches, cobblestone back alleys, and the decaying texture of the confessional deliver an immersive experience.

Streaming services likely to offer “Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan: The Confessional”

“Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan: The Confessional” is scheduled for theatrical release on Friday, May 23, 2025. At present, it’s not available on streaming services, but based on past releases in the series, the following platforms are expected to carry it.

Service	Estimated Start	Price	How to Watch Free
U-NEXT	Autumn 2025 or later	2,189 yen/month (tax incl.)	31-day free trial for first-time users
Netflix	Winter 2025 or later	790–1,980 yen/month (tax incl.)	No free trial
Amazon Prime Video	Winter 2025 or later	600 yen/month (tax incl.)	30-day free trial

FAQ: Watching “Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan: The Confessional”

Q1: Can I watch “The Confessional” for free?

Yes, there are ways to watch for free. Services like U-NEXT and d Anime Store offer a 31-day free trial for first-time subscribers. During this period, you can watch “The Confessional” at no extra cost. Note that after the free period ends, monthly fees will be charged automatically.

Q2: What’s the difference between the OVA and the film versions?

The OVA is animated, while the film is live-action. The OVA faithfully captures the tone of the original with animation-specific expression and emphasizes horror elements. The film was shot entirely in Venice, using realistic visuals and performances to focus more on human drama. The core story is the same, but the film includes additional scenes and subtle directional changes, offering a fresh perspective even for longtime fans.

Q3: What are the reviews and word-of-mouth like?

On social media and review sites, “Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan: The Confessional” is highly rated even by non-JoJo fans. In particular, the visual beauty, performances, and overwhelming Venetian atmosphere are hot topics. On the other hand, its faithfulness to the original means JoJo’s distinctive world and dialogue can feel a bit quirky to some viewers.

Q4: Are there catch-up or rental options?

Yes, catch-up streaming is planned on U-NEXT and others. After the theatrical run, rental options may be available on subscription services, Amazon Prime Video, and [TSUTAYA DISCAS]. Especially on U-NEXT, you can also rent with points, so if you use the 600 points granted during the free trial, you can effectively rent at no cost.