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Cosmic Princess Kaguya! (超かぐや姫！) is a 2026 Japanese animated musical fantasy film directed by Shingo Yamashita in his feature-length directorial debut. Produced by Studio Colorido and Studio Chromato, the film reimagines the classic Japanese folktale The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter through a vibrant, modern lens filled with music, fantasy visuals, and emotional storytelling.
The film stars Yūko Natsuyoshi as Kaguya, alongside Anna Nagase and Saori Hayami, with an English-language dub led by Jeannie Tirado, Dawn M. Bennett, and Ryan Bartley. Released globally on Netflix on January 22, 2026, the movie quickly gained attention for its bold art direction and Vocaloid-driven soundtrack.
Cosmic Princess Kaguya! – Official Trailer
What Is Cosmic Princess Kaguya! About?
Inspired by Japan’s oldest surviving folktale, The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, the film reimagines Princess Kaguya’s story in a contemporary and cosmic setting. Rather than retelling the original legend in a traditional historical framework, the story shifts into a layered fantasy world that blends modern youth culture with mythic themes.
At its heart, the film explores identity, belonging, performance, and the pressure of expectations. Kaguya is not just a mysterious girl with otherworldly origins—she becomes a symbol of self-expression and emotional awakening. The narrative balances spectacle with intimacy, offering moments of quiet reflection alongside dazzling musical sequences.
Importantly, the film avoids leaning entirely on nostalgia for the folktale. Instead, it treats the original story as a foundation, building something new and emotionally resonant for modern audiences without retelling every familiar beat.
A Musical Powered by Vocaloid Legends
One of the most distinctive elements of Cosmic Princess Kaguya! is its soundtrack. The score was composed by Conisch, while six prominent Vocaloid producers contributed original songs, including Ryo (Supercell), HoneyWorks, Kz (Livetune), 40mP, Aqu3ra, and Yuigot.
The theme song, “Ex-Otogibanashi,” performed by Saori Hayami in character as Yachiyo Runami, anchors the film emotionally and musically. The soundtrack blends electronic pop, idol aesthetics, and theatrical orchestration, creating a soundscape that feels both nostalgic for longtime Vocaloid fans and fresh for newer audiences.
Music is not treated as a background element. Instead, performances are integrated directly into the narrative, enhancing character arcs and emotional turning points without overwhelming the story.
Visual Style and Dual-World Design
Visually, the film stands out through its dual-world structure. Character designs for the “real world” segments were handled by Akihiro Nagae, while illustrator Hechima designed the more fantastical Tsukuyomi world characters. This contrast allows the film to visually separate grounded reality from dreamlike spectacle.
Director Shingo Yamashita, known for his dynamic anime opening sequences in series like Jujutsu Kaisen and Chainsaw Man, brings that same kinetic energy into the film. Musical scenes are staged with striking choreography and fluid animation, giving them a music-video-like intensity while still serving the broader narrative.
The result is a polished and energetic aesthetic that feels distinctly modern while honoring the emotional tone of the original folktale.
Cast and Performances
Yūko Natsuyoshi voices Kaguya with a performance that balances vulnerability and confidence. Anna Nagase and Saori Hayami add emotional nuance to the supporting cast, particularly through the film’s musical moments. Hayami’s vocal performance, both spoken and sung, has been highlighted as one of the film’s strongest elements.
The English dub features Jeannie Tirado, Dawn M. Bennett, and Ryan Bartley, ensuring accessibility for global audiences. Frankie Kevich provides the English singing voice for Yachiyo, maintaining the musical authenticity across languages.
The cast’s performances are crucial in grounding the film’s more fantastical elements, keeping the emotional stakes relatable despite the cosmic scale of the story.
Production and Development Journey
Development began in 2022 following Studio Colorido’s partnership with Netflix to produce multiple feature-length anime films. Storyboards were completed by mid-2024, and an additional year was dedicated to refining the animation and musical sequences.
Studio Chromato, led by Yamashita himself, co-produced the project, marking its first major production. The extended production timeline reflects the film’s emphasis on detailed musical choreography and polished visual transitions.
The final product was delivered in September 2025, with Netflix launching a strong marketing campaign that included trailers featuring remixes of iconic Vocaloid tracks such as “World Is Mine.”
Is Cosmic Princess Kaguya! Worth Watching?
If you enjoy animated musicals, bold reinterpretations of folklore, or projects that bridge internet-era music culture with traditional storytelling, this film is worth your attention.
It may not be a quiet, minimalist retelling like some past adaptations of The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter. Instead, it embraces spectacle, sound, and modern pop energy. For some viewers, that ambition will feel exhilarating. For others seeking a more classical interpretation, it may feel stylistically intense.
Either way, it is undeniably a distinctive entry in Netflix’s growing anime film catalog.
FAQ – Cosmic Princess Kaguya!
When was Cosmic Princess Kaguya! released?
The film premiered on Netflix on January 22, 2026.
Is Cosmic Princess Kaguya! based on a real story?
It is inspired by the classic Japanese folktale The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, but it reimagines the story in a modern, musical fantasy format.
Who composed the music for Cosmic Princess Kaguya!?
The score was composed by Conisch, with original songs contributed by major Vocaloid producers such as Ryo (Supercell), HoneyWorks, and Kz (Livetune).
Is there an English dub available?
Yes, the film includes a full English dub released simultaneously with the Japanese version on Netflix.
Conclusion
Cosmic Princess Kaguya! is more than a simple folktale adaptation—it is a high-energy musical experiment that blends tradition with internet-age music culture. With its striking visuals, Vocaloid-driven soundtrack, and emotionally layered characters, the film stands out as one of the most stylistically daring anime releases of 2026.
For viewers open to a reimagined, pop-infused version of a centuries-old legend, this cosmic fairy tale offers something both nostalgic and entirely new.
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