Bunraku Unveils Kunitsu-Gami Prequel

Capcom presented a classic Japanese theatrical production about its game, Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess, to commemorate its release and display Japan's cultural legacy, alongside the profoundly Japanese-inspired game, to a worldwide audience.

Capcom Marks Kunitsu-Gami Launch with Classic Japanese Theater ShowAims to Underscore Kunitsu-Gami's Cultural Allure Through Traditional Arts

Capcom commemorates the July 19th launch of Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess, its new Japanese folklore-inspired action strategy game, with a traditional Japanese "Bunraku" theatrical presentation. Capcom released a video performance by the National Bunraku Theater, an Osaka-based troupe celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.

Bunraku, a form of traditional puppet theater where large puppets enact a narrative to the accompaniment of a small samisen, a three-stringed Japanese lute. This presentation served as a tribute to the new game, which is deeply rooted in Japanese folklore. Special puppets were crafted to represent Soh and the Maiden, the protagonists of Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess. Using traditional techniques from Bunraku artisans, Master Puppeteer Kanjuro Kiritake brought these characters to life in a new play titled "Ceremony of the Deity: The Maiden's Destiny."

"Bunraku is an art form that was born and raised in Osaka, just like how Capcom has continued to cultivate this same land," Kiritake said. "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

The Kunitsu Gami Bunraku presentation serves as a prologue to the game's narrative. Capcom characterized this theatrical presentation as a "novel form of Bunraku," blending "tradition with modern technology," with performances displayed against computer-generated (CG) backdrops of the game's setting.

In a declaration issued on July 18, Capcom stated its aim to present the enthralling world of Bunraku to international audiences by utilizing its influence and showcasing a substantial theatrical presentation. The corporation aimed to emphasize the game's Japanese cultural allure through traditional artistic expressions.

Kunitsu Gami draws significant inspiration from Bunraku

Producer Tairoku Nozoe said in a recent interview with Xbox that it was during the development of the concept for Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess when game director Shuichi Kawata shared his enthusiasm for Bunraku with him.

Nozoe also revealed that the team was significantly inspired by the direction and movements of "Ningyo Joruri Bunraku" Japanese puppet theater. Even before discussing the collaboration, Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess was "already significantly infused with elements of Bunraku," the producer said.

"Kawata is a passionate 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 captivating art form existed, convincingly withstanding the test of time," Nozoe shared. "This inspired us to reach out to the National Bunraku Theatre."

Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess is set on Mt. Kafuku, a mountain once blessed by nature but now tainted by a dark substance known as the "defilement." Players must cleanse the villages during the day and prepare to safeguard the revered Maiden at night, using the land's remaining sacred masks imbued with residual power to restore peace.

The game officially launches on July 19 for the PC, PlayStation consoles, and Xbox consoles, and will be available at no extra cost for Xbox Game Pass subscribers at launch. A free demo of Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess is also available across all platforms.