In a crowded Japan, ghost sweeping has become a necessary and profitable private profession.

Countries & Cities · Published 15 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Overdevelopment in Japan has displaced spirits, creating a unique crisis that demands professional intervention. Enter the Ghost Sweepers, private exorcists who combat supernatural entities for a fee. Among these specialists, the Mikami GS Agency stands out, led by a profit-driven exorcist and her team of unconventional assistants.

The manga series Ghost Sweeper Mikami, created by Takashi Shiina and published in Weekly Shōnen Sunday from 1991 to 1999, depicts a world where rapid urban expansion has forced ghosts and spirits out of their traditional habitats. This displacement creates frequent supernatural disturbances, necessitating the rise of Ghost Sweepers—exorcists hired to resolve these issues. The series blends folk religion themes like shamanism and yūrei with modern, often humorous, scenarios.

At the center of this industry is the Mikami GS Agency, headed by 31-year-old Reiko Mikami. Driven by a motto that profit comes first, Mikami is a formidable exorcist who utilizes an energy sword, ofuda talismans, and martial arts. Her agency is staffed by an eclectic team: Tadao Yokoshima, a 17-year-old student with dormant spiritual potential and a meager hourly wage, and Okinu, a teenage ghost who was sacrificed centuries ago to appease a volcano. Together, they navigate a landscape where they must balance their supernatural duties with the realities of financial struggle.

The narrative structure is largely episodic, focusing on the agency's encounters with various spirits, while weaving in longer story arcs that develop the protagonists. The cast is diverse, featuring characters like the powerful Catholic priest Father Karasu, the immortal alchemist Dr. Chaos, and Emi, a voodoo-practicing competitor. These characters often grapple with their own histories and financial woes, grounding the supernatural elements in character-driven drama. The series, which won the 38th Shogakukan Manga Award in 1993, remains a notable exploration of how traditional Japanese folklore intersects with the pressures of contemporary life.

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