Capcom celebrated the launch of its new game, Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess, with a unique and culturally rich event: a traditional Japanese Bunraku theater performance. This showcased not only the game's deeply Japanese-inspired world, but also highlighted Japan's rich cultural heritage to a global audience.

Capcom Celebrates Kunitsu-Gami Launch with Traditional Japanese Theater

Showcasing Kunitsu-Gami's Cultural Heart Through Traditional Arts

To mark the July 19th release of *Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess*, a captivating action strategy game steeped in Japanese folklore, Capcom commissioned a special Bunraku performance by the National Bunraku Theater of Osaka. This prestigious company, celebrating its 40th anniversary, created a mesmerizing show featuring specially crafted puppets representing Soh and the Maiden, the game's protagonists. Master Puppeteer Kanjuro Kiritake brought these characters to life in a new play, "Ceremony of the Deity: The Maiden's Destiny," using traditional Bunraku techniques. The performance beautifully blends the intricate movements of large puppets with the haunting melodies of the samisen, a three-stringed Japanese lute.

"Bunraku is an art form born and raised in Osaka, just like Capcom," Kiritake noted. "Sharing this with the world felt like a natural extension of our shared heritage."

A Bunraku Prequel to Kunitsu-Gami

The Bunraku performance serves as a prequel to the game's story, offering a unique perspective on the events that unfold within Kunitsu-Gami. Capcom describes this collaboration as a "new form of Bunraku," cleverly blending tradition with modern technology by using computer-generated (CG) backdrops of the game world. Through this innovative approach, Capcom aimed to share the captivating world of Bunraku with a global audience, emphasizing the game's cultural depth and appeal.

Kunitsu-Gami's Deep Bunraku Inspiration

Producer Tairoku Nozoe explained in a recent Xbox interview that the game's director, Shuichi Kawata's, passion for Bunraku significantly influenced the game's development. Nozoe revealed that the team was deeply inspired by the movement and direction of Ningyo Joruri Bunraku puppet theater. Even before the collaboration with the National Bunraku Theater, Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess already incorporated many Bunraku elements.

"Kawata's enthusiasm led us to experience Bunraku firsthand," Nozoe shared. "The performance deeply moved us, showcasing the enduring power of this art form. It inspired us to reach out to the National Bunraku Theatre."

Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess transports players to Mt. Kafuku, a once-sacred mountain now corrupted by a dark "defilement." Players purify villages during the day and protect the revered Maiden at night, utilizing sacred masks to restore peace.

The game launched July 19th for PC, PlayStation, and Xbox consoles, and is available via Xbox Game Pass. A free demo is also available on all platforms.