Kunitsu-Gami Prequel Unveiled in Japanese Bunraku Theater

Capcom has unveiled a captivating traditional Japanese theater show to mark the launch of its latest game, Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess, and to showcase Japan's rich cultural heritage to a global audience. This unique celebration merges the deeply Japanese-inspired game with the artistry of Bunraku, a traditional form of puppet theater.

Capcom Celebrates Launch of Kunitsu-Gami with Traditional Japanese Theater Performance

Hopes to Highlight Kunitsu-Gami's Cultural Appeal Through Traditional Arts

In honor of the July 19th launch of Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess, Capcom has partnered with the National Bunraku Theater in Osaka to present a special performance. This Osaka-based theater, celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, has crafted a show that pays homage to the new action strategy game, which is steeped in Japanese folklore. The performance features specially designed puppets representing the game's protagonists, Soh and the Maiden, brought to life by Master Puppeteer Kanjuro Kiritake in a play called "Ceremony of the Deity: The Maiden's Destiny."

Bunraku, characterized by its large puppets and the musical accompaniment of the samisen, a three-stringed Japanese lute, offers a unique storytelling method. Miritake, a key figure in the performance, expressed a strong connection between the art form and Capcom's efforts: "Bunraku is an art form that was born and raised in Osaka, just like how Capcom has continued to nurture this same land. I felt a strong connection with the idea of sharing and spreading our efforts further, beyond Osaka, to the rest of the world."

National Bunraku Theater Performs Kunitsu Gami's Prequel Program

This Bunraku performance serves as a prequel to the game's narrative, blending traditional artistry with modern technology. The show uses computer-generated (CG) backdrops of the game world, creating a new form of Bunraku that fuses tradition with innovation. Capcom aims to bring the enchanting world of Bunraku to global audiences and emphasize the Japanese cultural appeal of Kunitsu-Gami through this theatrical performance.

Kunitsu Gami is heavily inspired by Bunraku

Producer Tairoku Nozoe shared insights into the game's development, revealing that the game director Shuichi Kawata's passion for Bunraku deeply influenced the project. "Kawata is a fervent fan of Bunraku, and his enthusiasm led us to attend a performance together. We were both deeply moved by the performance, and it made us realize that such a fascinating art form existed out there, convincingly withstanding the test of time," Nozoe explained. This experience inspired the team to collaborate with the National Bunraku Theatre and infuse elements of Bunraku into Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess even before the collaboration was discussed.

Set on the corrupted Mt. Kafuku, Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess challenges players to purify villages during the day and protect the revered Maiden at night using sacred masks imbued with power. The game will be available on July 19 for PC, PlayStation, and Xbox consoles, and will be accessible at no extra cost for Xbox Game Pass subscribers at launch. Additionally, a free demo is available across all platforms, allowing players to experience the game's unique blend of action and strategy inspired by Japan's cultural heritage.