Kunitsu-Gami's Prequel Shown Through Traditional Japanese Bunraku Theater

Kunitsu-Gami's Prequel Shown Through Traditional Japanese Bunraku Theater Capcom's new action strategy game, Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess, launched July 19th, and to celebrate, they commissioned a unique Bunraku puppet theater performance. This collaboration showcases both the game and Japan's rich cultural heritage to a global audience.

Capcom Showcases Kunitsu-Gami with a Traditional Japanese Theater Production

Traditional Arts Highlight Kunitsu-Gami's Cultural Roots

The National Bunraku Theater of Osaka, celebrating its 40th anniversary, created a special Bunraku performance for the game's launch. Bunraku, a form of Japanese puppet theater using large puppets and a three-stringed samisen, provided a fitting tribute to the game's deeply ingrained Japanese folklore themes. Custom puppets representing Soh and the Maiden, the game's protagonists, were crafted for the show, titled "Ceremony of the Deity: The Maiden's Destiny," and brought to life by Master Puppeteer Kanjuro Kiritake.

"Bunraku, like Capcom, thrives in Osaka," Kiritake commented. "This collaboration allows us to share our art with the world."

A Bunraku Prequel to Kunitsu-Gami

Kunitsu-Gami's Prequel Shown Through Traditional Japanese Bunraku Theater The Bunraku performance serves as a prequel to the game's story. Capcom describes it as a "new form of Bunraku," blending traditional techniques with modern CG backdrops from the game itself. This innovative approach aims to introduce the captivating world of Bunraku to a wider international audience.

In a July 18th statement, Capcom expressed its hope that this collaboration would highlight the game's strong Japanese cultural influences.

Bunraku's Influence on Kunitsu-Gami

Kunitsu-Gami's Prequel Shown Through Traditional Japanese Bunraku Theater Producer Tairoku Nozoe explained in an Xbox interview that director Shuichi Kawata's passion for Bunraku significantly impacted the game's development. Nozoe revealed that the team was heavily inspired by the movement and style of Ningyo Joruri Bunraku, noting that Kunitsu-Gami already contained many Bunraku-inspired elements before the collaboration began. A shared experience of a Bunraku performance solidified their decision to partner with the National Bunraku Theater.

Kunitsu-Gami's Prequel Shown Through Traditional Japanese Bunraku Theater Set on Mt. Kafuku, a mountain corrupted by a dark "defilement," Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess tasks players with purifying villages by day and protecting the Maiden by night, utilizing sacred masks to restore balance.

The game is now available on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox consoles, and is included with Xbox Game Pass. A free demo is also available on all platforms.