Japanese Bunraku Unveils Ancient Origins of Kunitsu-Gami Myth

Capcom's new action strategy game, Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess, launched July 19th, and to celebrate, they commissioned a unique Bunraku puppet theater performance. This collaboration showcases both the game's deep Japanese roots and the artistry of Japan's cultural heritage to a global audience.

Capcom Showcases Kunitsu-Gami with a Traditional Bunraku Performance

A Cultural Fusion: Traditional Arts Meet Modern Gaming

The Osaka-based National Bunraku Theater, celebrating its 40th anniversary, created a special Bunraku performance for the game's launch. Bunraku, a form of Japanese puppet theater featuring large puppets and a three-stringed samisen, provided a captivating backdrop for a prequel story featuring Soh and the Maiden, the game's protagonists. Master Puppeteer Kanjuro Kiritake brought these characters to life in a piece titled "Ceremony of the Deity: The Maiden's Destiny."

"Bunraku's origins are in Osaka, much like Capcom's," Kiritake commented. "This collaboration allows us to share our art with the world."

A Bunraku Prequel: Unveiling the Story Before the Game

The Bunraku performance serves as a prequel, offering a glimpse into the events leading up to the game. Capcom describes this as a "new form of Bunraku," blending tradition with modern CG backdrops from the game itself. Capcom aimed to share the captivating world of Bunraku with a global audience, highlighting the game's cultural depth.

Bunraku's Influence: From Inspiration to Collaboration

Producer Tairoku Nozoe explained that director Shuichi Kawata's passion for Bunraku significantly influenced Kunitsu-Gami's development. The game's design was already heavily inspired by Bunraku's movements and direction, even before the collaboration was conceived. A shared experience of a Bunraku performance solidified their decision to partner with the National Bunraku Theater.

In Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess, players purify villages by day and protect the Maiden by night on the defiled Mount Kafuku, utilizing sacred masks to restore balance. The game is available now on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox consoles, including Xbox Game Pass. A free demo is also available on all platforms.