Bunraku Theater Unveils Kunitsu-Gami Prequel

Capcom celebrated the launch of its new game, Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess, with a unique and captivating event: a traditional Japanese Bunraku theater performance. This innovative approach showcased both the game's deeply Japanese-inspired world and the rich cultural heritage of Japan to a global audience.

Capcom Showcases Kunitsu-Gami with a Traditional Japanese Theater Performance

Highlighting Kunitsu-Gami's Cultural Appeal Through Traditional Arts

Bunraku, a form of traditional Japanese puppet theater featuring large puppets manipulated to a samisen (three-stringed lute) soundtrack, provided the perfect medium to showcase the game's narrative. Master Puppeteer Kanjuro Kiritake brought the game's protagonists, Soh and the Maiden, to life using custom-crafted puppets in a new play titled "Ceremony of the Deity: The Maiden's Destiny."

"Bunraku is an art form born and raised in Osaka, just like Capcom," Kiritake explained. "Sharing this with the world felt like a natural extension of our efforts."

A Bunraku Prequel to Kunitsu-Gami

The Bunraku performance serves as a prequel to the game's events, offering a fresh perspective on the story. Capcom describes this innovative fusion as a "new form of Bunraku," seamlessly blending tradition with cutting-edge CG backdrops from the game itself.

In a July 18th statement, Capcom expressed its aim to share the captivating world of Bunraku with a global audience, highlighting the game's Japanese cultural influences through this powerful art form.

Kunitsu-Gami's Deep Bunraku Inspiration

Producer Tairoku Nozoe revealed in a recent Xbox interview that game director Shuichi Kawata's passion for Bunraku heavily influenced Kunitsu-Gami's development. The team was deeply inspired by the movements and direction of Ningyo Joruri Bunraku, and even before the collaboration, the game already incorporated many Bunraku elements.

"Kawata's enthusiasm led us to a Bunraku performance," Nozoe shared. "We were moved by its enduring power, inspiring us to collaborate with the National Bunraku Theatre."

Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess unfolds on Mt. Kafuku, a once-sacred mountain now corrupted by a dark "defilement." Players purify villages by day and protect the revered Maiden at night, utilizing sacred masks to restore peace.

The game launched July 19th for PC, PlayStation, and Xbox consoles, and is available on Xbox Game Pass. A free demo is also available across all platforms.