Cosmic Princess Kaguya! is an upcoming anime movie from Netflix that reimagines The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, Japan’s oldest surviving folktale, which revolves around the story of Kaguya-hime, a mysterious princess from the Moon. Netflix just released the teaser trailer, and it is set to premiere on January 22, 2026, on Netflix.
Originally written in the 10th century, Kaguya-hime, a princess from the Moon who was discovered as a baby inside a bamboo stalk. As she grows, her beauty attracts many suitors, but she sets impossible tasks for them. Eventually, Kaguya reveals that she is from the Moon and must return to her celestial home.
Netflix’s Cosmic Princess Kaguya! takes this timeless tale and transforms it with modern animation and music, set in a virtual world called Tsukuyomi. The official synopsis says (via Crunchyroll),
Set in the virtual realm of Tsukuyomi, the story unfolds as a live performance marrying original music with Yamashita’s signature style of polished visuals, emotive pacing, and dynamic 3D camerawork to boldly transform this classic tale for a new generation.
The Japanese folktale has several renditions and has been adapted in countless works of art, anime, and manga. Notable adaptation includes Studio Ghibli’s 2013 movie The Tale of Princess Kaguya, which was one of the expensive anime ever made.
What Did Director Shingo Yamashita Say About Cosmic Princess Kaguya?
The anime movie is directed by Shingo Yamashita, known for his work on the opening sequences of Jujutsu Kaisen Season 1, Chainsaw Man, Urusei Yatsura, Naruto Shippuden’s 13th opening, and the infamous Naruto vs Pain animation. The movie marks his first feature-length direction. Shingo Yamashita is eager to bring his unique vision to this project. He told Netflix Tudum,
This is my first full-length original animated film. I poured into it everything I’ve learned about visual expression, my love for unique characters, and my affection for the internet culture that’s continued since the 1990s. It’s a bright, fun film — so please sit back, relax, and enjoy it.
Yamashita is known for his energetic and dynamic animation style. The movie will feature his signature 3D animation, emotive pacing, and polished visuals to bring the ancient story into a vibrant digital world.
Studio Colorado (Penguin Highway, A Whisker Away) will produce the animation in collaboration with Yamashita’s Studio Chromato. Character designs are by Hachima (The Idolmaster Gakuen) and Akihiro Nagae (Drifting Home).
Who Features in the Cosmic Princess Kaguya! Soundtrack?
Princess Kaguya in Cosmic Princess Kaguya! | Image Via: Netflix
The movie’s soundtrack is a collaboration with some of the prominent producers from the Vocaloid music scene. Featured artists include ryo (Supercell), creator of the famous Hatsune Miku hit Melt, and many more. Here’s the list:
ryo (supercell)
kz (livetune)
HoneyWorks
40mP
Aqu3ra
yuigot
This eclectic mix of composers will bring a unique blend of traditional Japanese influences and contemporary digital sounds to the film’s score.
The voice cast includes:
Yuko Natsuyoshi as Kaguya
Anna Nagase as Iroha
Saori Hayami Yachiyo
Cosmic Princess Kaguya! combines an ancient story with cutting-edge animation and a modern soundtrack. Will this reimagining of Japan’s oldest folktale capture the hearts of anime fans? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Cosmic Princess Kaguya! Set to premiere on January 22, 2026, on Netflix (US).
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