Capcom has unveiled a captivating traditional Japanese theater performance to celebrate the launch of their new game, Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess. This unique event not only marks the game's debut but also showcases Japan's rich cultural heritage to a global audience. The performance, rooted in the traditional art of Bunraku, highlights the deep Japanese inspiration behind the game.
Capcom Celebrates Launch of Kunitsu-Gami with Traditional Japanese Theater Performance
Hopes to Highlight Kunitsu-Gami's Cultural Appeal Through Traditional Arts
Capcom is celebrating the launch of Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess on July 19th with a special Bunraku theater performance. This action strategy game, inspired by Japanese folklore, is being honored by the National Bunraku Theater in Osaka, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.
Bunraku, a traditional form of puppet theater, features large puppets accompanied by the music of the samisen, a three-stringed Japanese lute. The performance, titled "Ceremony of the Deity: The Maiden's Destiny," brings to life the game's protagonists, Soh and the Maiden, through specially crafted puppets. Master Puppeteer Kanjuro Kiritake, using traditional Bunraku techniques, has masterfully animated these characters.
"Bunraku is an art form that was born and raised in Osaka, just like how Capcom has continued to nurture this same land," said Miritake. "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 Bunraku performance serves as a prequel to the events of Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess. Capcom describes this theatrical event as a "new form of Bunraku," blending tradition with modern technology, using computer-generated (CG) backdrops to enhance the storytelling.
In a statement released on July 18, Capcom expressed their intention to bring the enchanting world of Bunraku to a global audience, leveraging their reach to premiere this significant performance. The company aims to underscore the Japanese cultural elements of the game through this traditional art form.
Kunitsu Gami is heavily inspired by Bunraku
Producer Tairoku Nozoe shared in an interview with Xbox that the concept for Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess was deeply influenced by Bunraku. Game director Shuichi Kawata's passion for this art form played a significant role in shaping the game's development.
Nozoe revealed that the team drew heavy inspiration from the movements and direction of "Ningyo Joruri Bunraku," a form of Japanese puppet theater. Even before the collaboration was discussed, Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess was already infused with Bunraku elements.
"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 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 corrupted by a dark substance known as the "defilement." Players must purify the villages during the day and prepare to protect the revered Maiden at night, using the land's remaining sacred masks imbued with power to restore peace.
The game officially releases on July 19 for PC, PlayStation, and Xbox consoles, and will be available at no additional cost for Xbox Game Pass subscribers at launch. A free demo of Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess is also available across all platforms.
