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On January 22, Netflix will unveil its latest animated feature, Cosmic Princess Kaguya. This film marks the directorial debut of Shingo Yamashita, recognized for his work on acclaimed titles such as Jujutsu Kaisen and Chainsaw Man. Yamashita offers a fresh perspective on a beloved Japanese folktale, reviving a classic narrative and immersing viewers in a dreamlike virtual world.
The story follows Iroha Sakayori, a 17-year-old student from Tokyo balancing her school life with part-time jobs. Iroha finds refuge in the vibrant online community of Tsukuyomi, where she enjoys content produced by popular streamer Yachiyo Runami. However, her life drastically changes when she discovers a mysterious glowing telephone pole that gives birth to an infant, triggering a series of extraordinary events.
The unexpected arrival of Kaguya
Upon bringing the infant home, Iroha is astonished when the child rapidly grows into a girl named Kaguya, who is the same age as her. This transformation reveals a character with a captivating yet self-indulgent personality. As their bond strengthens, Kaguya expresses her ambition to become a streamer within Tsukuyomi, leading to a partnership that intertwines their lives.
Building a bond through creativity
As Iroha takes on the role of producer and songwriter, and Kaguya pursues her aspirations as a streamer and singer, their friendship deepens. However, their newfound happiness is overshadowed by sinister forces intent on reclaiming Kaguya and returning her to the moon—a fate she desperately wants to evade.
A star-studded voice cast and musical elements
The film features an impressive voice cast, with Natsuyoshi Yuko voicing Kaguya in the original Japanese version, alongside Anna Nagase as Iroha and Saori Hayami as Yachiyo Runami. The English dub includes talents like Jeannie Tirado and Dawn Bennett, allowing audiences to enjoy the story in their preferred language.
Music is integral to the film’s emotional depth, featuring contributions from renowned Vocaloid producers such as ryo from supercell and kz from livetune. The main theme, titled Ex-Otogibanashi, is performed by Yachiyo Runami, enhancing the film’s vibrant atmosphere.
Visual storytelling at its finest
Produced by Studio Colorido, known for acclaimed works like Penguin Highway and A Whisker Away, and in collaboration with Yamashita’s new venture, Studio Chromato, Cosmic Princess Kaguya showcases a stunning blend of animation styles. The creators have crafted a visual experience that complements the narrative—a tapestry woven with dynamic 3D animation and stylized visuals.
Anticipation builds ahead of the release
Anticipation for Cosmic Princess Kaguya has intensified, with a trailer generating over 15 million views prior to the film’s release. Yamashita expressed his enthusiasm, stating that this project encapsulates his passion for visual storytelling and internet culture, promising a film that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
As the premiere date approaches, fans of anime and folklore are eager to see how this modern adaptation of the classic Tale of the Bamboo Cutter unfolds. With its unique blend of traditional storytelling and contemporary themes, Cosmic Princess Kaguya is poised to capture the hearts of audiences worldwide.