Anime fans, music lovers, and those who appreciate stunning visual storytelling are in for a treat in early 2026. Netflix is set to release Cosmic Princess Kaguya, a Japanese anime musical film that promises to captivate audiences with its breathtaking animation and vibrant soundtracks from the popular Vocaloid music scene. Scheduled to drop on January 22, 2026, Cosmic Princess Kaguya is a reimagining of one of Japan’s oldest and most beloved folktales, The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter. The film is directed by Shingo Yamashita, known for his work on titles like Jujutsu Kaisen and Naruto: Shippuden. This fusion of classic folklore with modern anime artistry and music is bound to draw attention from a wide range of viewers.
Overview of Cosmic Princess Kaguya:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Release Date | January 22, 2026 |
| Director | Shingo Yamashita |
| Animation Studios | Studio Colorido, Studio Chromato |
| Producers | Twin Engine |
| Music | ryo (supercell), 40mP, HoneyWorks, Yuigot |
| Main Cast | Yuuko Natsuyoshi, Saori Hayami, Anna Nagase |
| Genre | Anime, Musical, Fantasy |
| Original Source | The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter (Japanese Folktale) |
| Target Audience | Anime lovers, Vocaloid music fans, general audiences |
| Music Genre | Vocaloid, J-Pop, Japanese anime soundtracks |
The Plot of Cosmic Princess Kaguya
Cosmic Princess Kaguya is based on one of Japan’s oldest folktales, The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, which dates back to the 10th century. The story revolves around an old bamboo cutter, Taketori no Okina, who discovers a glowing bamboo stalk. Inside the bamboo, he finds a tiny, radiant baby girl. He and his wife adopt the child, whom they name Kaguya. The child grows at a supernatural rate, quickly becoming a breathtakingly beautiful young woman.
Kaguya’s beauty spreads throughout the land, attracting many suitors, including nobles, princes, and even the Emperor of Japan himself. Despite their best efforts, Kaguya refuses every suitor, citing the impossibility of their demands. As the story unfolds, it is revealed that Kaguya is not of this world, and her true origins lie on the moon. Eventually, she must return to her celestial home, leaving behind the family and the world she has grown to love.
The film will reimagine this classic tale, blending elements of fantasy and modern anime visuals. Expect a fresh take on the traditional narrative, infused with music and modern anime elements that make this version unique.
Director Shingo Yamashita’s Vision
Shingo Yamashita, the director behind Cosmic Princess Kaguya, is no stranger to high-profile anime projects. Having worked on Jujutsu Kaisen, Naruto: Shippuden, and Chainsaw Man, Yamashita brings a wealth of experience to the film. His involvement ensures that the animation quality will be top-tier, with dynamic action sequences and intricate character designs.
In an interview, Yamashita shared his excitement for the project, stating, “This film represents a new way of bringing Japan’s classical folklore to modern audiences. Combining it with a unique musical experience will give viewers an entirely new way of experiencing Kaguya’s story.”
Music: The Vocaloid Touch
One of the standout features of Cosmic Princess Kaguya will be its music, which will feature a collaboration with prominent artists from the Vocaloid scene. The film will include music from supercell’s ryo, 40mP, HoneyWorks, and Yuigot. Known for their involvement in anime and J-Pop, these artists will bring their signature sound to the film, enhancing the emotional impact of the narrative.
Vocaloid, which uses singing synthesizer software to create computer-generated voices, has become a phenomenon in Japan and worldwide. This film’s soundtrack promises to blend the unique sounds of Vocaloid with traditional anime musical compositions, ensuring a fresh auditory experience.
The Cast of Cosmic Princess Kaguya
The film features a talented voice cast, each bringing their own energy to the project:
- Yuuko Natsuyoshi as Princess Kaguya – Natsuyoshi is known for her roles in anime such as The Misfit of Demon King Academy and In the Heart of Kunoichi Tsubaki. She will bring her unique voice to the iconic character of Kaguya, adding depth to the ethereal princess.
- Saori Hayami as Runami Yachiyo – Hayami is a renowned voice actress, famous for her roles in My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU and Demon Slayer. She will voice the character Runami, one of the key players in the story.
- Anna Nagase as Iroha Sakayori – Nagase has appeared in Jujutsu Kaisen and Summertime Render, and her role as Iroha will add another layer of intrigue to the film.
These actors, known for their strong performances in both anime and video games, will bring the characters to life with their voices, enhancing the immersive experience of Cosmic Princess Kaguya.
Why Cosmic Princess Kaguya Matters?
The film’s release marks an exciting moment in the anime world, as it blends traditional folklore with modern technology and artistic styles. The tale of The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter has captivated generations in Japan, and now it is set to find a new audience through the power of anime and music.
Director Shingo Yamashita’s involvement, alongside the unique combination of Vocaloid music and stunning animation, will likely appeal to both traditional anime fans and those new to the genre. Cosmic Princess Kaguya promises to push the boundaries of what anime can achieve, combining emotional storytelling, folklore, and a groundbreaking musical experience.
Release Date
Cosmic Princess Kaguya will be available to stream globally on Netflix starting January 22, 2026. Fans of anime and music should mark their calendars for this much-anticipated release. With the combination of a compelling storyline, talented voice cast, and unique music, the film is set to be one of the biggest anime releases of the year.
FAQs
Cosmic Princess Kaguya is a reimagining of Japan’s oldest folktale, The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter. The film follows Kaguya, a mysterious girl discovered in a bamboo stalk, who must return to her origins on the moon after attracting suitors on Earth.
The film will be released on Netflix on January 22, 2026.
Cosmic Princess Kaguya is directed by Shingo Yamashita, known for his work on popular anime like Jujutsu Kaisen and Naruto: Shippuden.
The main cast includes Yuuko Natsuyoshi as Princess Kaguya, Saori Hayami as Runami Yachiyo, and Anna Nagase as Iroha Sakayori.
The film will feature soundtracks from prominent Vocaloid artists, including ryo (supercell), 40mP, HoneyWorks, and Yuigot, blending modern J-Pop and anime music styles.
