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On January 22, Netflix will unveil the highly anticipated anime feature Cosmic Princess Kaguya. This release marks a significant milestone for director Shingo Yamashita, renowned for his impressive work on the openings of popular series such as Jujutsu Kaisen and Chainsaw Man. Yamashita now takes on the challenge of reimagining a beloved Japanese folktale.
The story follows Iroha Sakayori, a 17-year-old high school student balancing her studies and a part-time job. Iroha finds solace in the online world of Tsukuyomi, where she enjoys the streams of Yachiyo Runami, a popular content creator. Her ordinary life takes a magical turn when she discovers a mysterious telephone pole emitting a dazzling light, from which a baby appears.
Plot overview
After finding the infant, Iroha takes her in, only to witness the rapid growth of the child into a girl who shares her age. This girl, Kaguya, develops a penchant for self-indulgence and soon persuades Iroha to help her build a streaming career within the virtual realm of Tsukuyomi. As they collaborate, with Iroha as the producer and songwriter and Kaguya as a streamer and singer, a deep bond forms between them.
Unbeknownst to them, dark forces are lurking, intent on reclaiming Kaguya and returning her to her celestial home on the moon. This classic tale, reimagined with a contemporary twist, promises an exploration of friendship, ambition, and the unexpected challenges that arise.
Voice cast and creative team
The film features a talented voice cast, including Natsuyoshi Yuko as Kaguya and Anna Nagase as Iroha Sakayori, alongside notable actors such as Saori Hayami and Miyu Irino. An English dub will include Jeannie Tirado as Kaguya and Dawn Bennett as Iroha Sakayori, broadening its appeal to international audiences.
Musical elements
One of the standout features of Cosmic Princess Kaguya is its focus on music. The film’s soundtrack includes contributions from renowned Vocaloid producers such as ryo and kz, enhancing the film’s emotional depth and creating a captivating auditory experience. The main theme song, titled Ex-Otogibanashi, is performed by Yachiyo Runami, adding authenticity to the musical performances.
Animation and production
Produced by Studio Colorido, known for acclaimed films like Penguin Highway, this anime combines traditional 2D animation techniques with modern 3D elements, showcasing Yamashita’s unique visual style. The collaboration with his newly established Studio Chromato promises stunning visuals that will immerse viewers in the dreamlike world of Tsukuyomi.
This film is more than a simple retelling; it vibrantly explores creativity and connection in a digital age. As audiences prepare for this enchanting journey, they can expect a tale that weaves together classic storytelling with contemporary themes, appealing to both anime enthusiasts and newcomers.
As the release date approaches, anticipation builds for Cosmic Princess Kaguya, which aims to captivate hearts with its enchanting story, compelling characters, and resonant soundtrack. Viewers will not want to miss this unique anime film when it streams exclusively on Netflix starting January 22.