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 with a unique twist: a captivating Bunraku puppet theater performance. This collaboration showcases both the game's deeply Japanese roots and the rich cultural heritage of Japan to a global audience.

Capcom Showcases Kunitsu-Gami with a Bunraku Theater Production

Celebrating Japanese Culture Through Traditional Arts

The National Bunraku Theater, celebrating its 40th anniversary, created a special Bunraku performance for the game's launch. Bunraku, a traditional Japanese puppet theater, uses large puppets manipulated by skilled puppeteers to a samisen (three-stringed lute) soundtrack. This production, titled "Ceremony of the Deity: The Maiden's Destiny," features custom-made puppets representing Soh and the Maiden, the game's protagonists. Master Puppeteer Kanjuro Kiritake brought these characters to life, utilizing classic Bunraku techniques.

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

A Bunraku Prequel to Kunitsu-Gami

The Bunraku performance serves as a prequel to the game's storyline. Capcom describes this as a "new form of Bunraku," blending traditional artistry with cutting-edge CG backdrops from the game itself. Capcom aims to introduce the beauty of Bunraku to a wider audience through this premiere.

Bunraku's Influence on Kunitsu-Gami's Development

Producer Tairoku Nozoe revealed that game director Shuichi Kawata's passion for Bunraku significantly influenced the game's development. Even before the collaboration, Kunitsu-Gami incorporated many Bunraku-inspired elements. Nozoe shared that a shared experience of a Bunraku performance solidified their decision to collaborate with the National Bunraku Theater.

Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess is set on Mt. Kafuku, a once-sacred mountain now corrupted. Players purify villages by day and protect the Maiden by night using sacred masks. The game is available now on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox consoles, including Xbox Game Pass. A free demo is also available.