A classic Japanese story is getting a vibrant new look. “Cosmic Princess Kaguya!“ will premiere on Netflix on January 22, 2026. This original anime film reimagines “The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter,” Japan’s oldest folktale, for a new generation. The project marks the feature film directorial debut of Shingo Yamashita, an animator known for his dynamic work on popular anime series.
A Modern Take on an Ancient Story
The film is a modern reinterpretation of the classic Japanese folktale, “The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter.” The original story follows a princess from the Moon who is discovered as a baby inside a glowing bamboo plant. As she grows into a woman of extraordinary beauty, she must find ways to deal with numerous suitors and eventually confront her celestial origins.
This new version, titled “Cosmic Princess Kaguya!”, transports the story to the virtual realm of Tsukuyomi. The narrative unfolds as a live performance that blends original music with polished visuals and dynamic 3D camerawork. This creative approach aims to transform the classic tale using music, fantasy, and contemporary animation styles.
The Creative Vision Behind the Film
Director Shingo Yamashita is a notable name in the anime industry, though this is his first time leading a full-length feature. He previously directed the highly-regarded opening sequences for Jujutsu Kaisen Season 1, Chainsaw Man, and the reboot of Urusei Yatsura. His signature style of emotive pacing and dynamic camera work is a central part of the new film.
In a statement, Yamashita shared his enthusiasm for the project, saying:
“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 deep 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!”
The animation is a collaborative effort between Studio Colorido—known for films like Penguin Highway and A Whisker Away—and Yamashita’s own Studio Chromato. The character designs are handled by Hechima and Akihiro Nagae.
Meet the Characters and Voices
The film features a small main cast of characters brought to life by a talented voice cast.
Yuko Natsuyoshi lends her voice to the main character, Kaguya. She is joined by Anna Nagase, who voices Iroha, and Saori Hayami, who voices Yachiyo. These three characters form the core of the story set within the virtual world of Tsukuyomi.
The Soundtrack and Vocaloid Influence
Music is a key component of “Cosmic Princess Kaguya!” The soundtrack is crafted by a lineup of prominent producers from the Vocaloid music scene. For those unfamiliar, Vocaloid is a singing voice synthesizer software, and its culture has had a massive influence on music and internet communities, particularly in Japan.
The film’s music team includes ryo of the group supercell, who created the popular Hatsune Miku song “Melt.” They are joined by fellow producers kz (livetune), 40mP, HoneyWorks, Aqu3ra, and yuigot. Their involvement signals that the film will have a modern and distinctive sound that complements its visual style. The teaser trailer already features a new remix of ryo’s “World is Mine,” another well-known Hatsune Miku track.
A Different Princess Kaguya
Many might be familiar with another animated adaptation of the same story. In 2013, the renowned Studio Ghibli released “The Tale of the Princess Kaguya,” directed by the late Isao Takahata. That film was celebrated for its beautiful, watercolor-inspired art style and its faithful, poignant telling of the folktale. It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
The new “Cosmic Princess Kaguya!” is a completely separate project with a different creative team and a distinct visual and narrative approach. Where the Ghibli film was delicate and historical, the Netflix version is bold, virtual, and infused with modern internet and music culture.
Mark Your Calendars
“Cosmic Princess Kaguya!” arrives on Netflix worldwide on January 22, 2026. The film represents a fusion of traditional storytelling with cutting-edge animation and music, offering a fresh experience for both anime fans and newcomers.
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Credits: Netflix Tudum, Animation Magazine, ANN
