The highly anticipated Netflix original anime film Cosmic Princess Kaguya! (Japanese title: Chō Kaguya-hime!) has released a new trailer and alternative promotional artwork as it approaches its global streaming debut. This musical fantasy, marking the feature-length directorial debut of Shingo Yamashita—known for his stunning opening sequences in series like Jujutsu Kaisen, Chainsaw Man, and Urusei Yatsura—reimagines the ancient Japanese folktale The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter through a contemporary lens of virtual reality, online streaming culture, and vibrant original music.
The latest trailer showcases breathtaking animation, blending high-energy musical performances with intense action sequences and heartfelt moments of friendship. It teases the film's soundtrack, featuring contributions from renowned Vocaloid producers including ryo (supercell), HoneyWorks, 40mP, yuigot, Aqu3ra, and kz (livetune). The accompanying alternative artwork portrays the protagonists in a grounded real-world setting, highlighting the stark contrast between everyday Tokyo life and the fantastical virtual realm of Tsukuyomi.
New supporting cast members for the Japanese version have been announced:
Miyu Irino as Akira Mikado
Yuma Uchida as Rai Komazawa
Yoshitsugu Matsuoka as Noi Komazawa
Yoshino Aoyama as Roka Ayatsumugi
Konomi Kohara as Mami Isayama
These join the previously announced leads: Yūko Natsuyoshi as Kaguya, Anna Nagase as Iroha Sakayori, and Saori Hayami as Yachiyo Runami, along with Rie Kugimiya as Fushi, Fairouz Ai as Otako the Loyal Dog, and Natsuki Hanae as Koto Okotteru.
Netflix has also revealed the English dub cast, ensuring accessibility for international audiences:
Jeannie Tirado as Kaguya
Dawn Bennett as Iroha Sakayori
Ryan Bartley as Yachiyo Runami (with Frankie Kevich providing singing vocals)
Max Mittelman as Akira Mikado
Casey Mongillo as Noi Komazawa
Cassandra Lee Morris as Roka Ayatsumugi
Anairis Quiñones as Otako the Loyal Dog
Kieran Regan as Koto Okotteru
Produced by Studio Colorido in collaboration with Yamashita's Studio Chromato, the film boasts dual character designs: Akihiro Nagae for the real-world sequences and illustrator Hechima for the virtual Tsukuyomi world.
Key staff members include:
Director: Shingo Yamashita
Screenplay: Shingo Yamashita and Saeri Natsuo
Musical Performance Director: Naoya Nakayama
CG Director: Masaya Machida
Art Director: Taichi Shishido
Score Composer: Conisch
Real-World Character Design: Akihiro Nagae
Tsukuyomi Character Design: Hechima
The production emphasizes Yamashita's signature style of dynamic visuals, emotive storytelling, and seamless integration of music, promising a fresh and energetic take on a timeless story. With its blend of modern internet culture, heartfelt character relationships, and cosmic fantasy elements, Cosmic Princess Kaguya! aims to captivate a new generation while honoring its folkloric roots.
The film is set to premiere exclusively on Netflix on January 22, 2026.
What is Cosmic Princess Kaguya! about?
The story centers on Iroha Sakayori, a 17-year-old high school student in Tokyo who juggles demanding schoolwork and part-time jobs. Her only escape comes from watching Yachiyo Runami, a beloved streamer who runs Tsukuyomi, a vibrant virtual world. Iroha often visits the platform, where people freely explore their creativity and compete in battle games.
One day, everything changes when Iroha spots a telephone pole glowing with shimmering, rainbow-like colors. To her astonishment, a baby emerges from it. Unable to leave the infant behind, she takes her home—only to watch in disbelief as the child grows rapidly into a teenage girl the same age as herself.
Now fully grown and sporting a rather spoiled, self-centered personality, the girl—revealed to be Kaguya—convinces Iroha to help her become a streamer in Tsukuyomi. Iroha takes on the roles of producer and songwriter, while Kaguya shines as the performer and vocalist. As they collaborate, the two develop a deep friendship, completely oblivious to the dark forces lurking in the shadows, determined to reclaim Kaguya and bring her back to the moon.
Here is the official story description of Cosmic Princess Kaguya!:
Tsukuyomi is a virtual realm where hopes and dreams come together. Iroha Sakayori, a 17-year-old high school student in Tokyo, leads an extremely busy life trying to balance part-time work and academics. She finds peace by watching a popular streamer named Yachiyo Runami, who is the administrator of an online virtual space called Tsukuyomi. Iroha frequents Tsukuyomi, where people can live different lives and freely pursue their creativity, and she passes the time by supporting Yachiyo and playing battle games to earn a little extra money. On her way home one day, Iroha finds a telephone pole shining with iridescent hues. To her surprise, an adorable baby emerges from the pole. Unable to abandon it, Iroha takes the infant home and watches her rapidly grow into a girl her own age. "Are you Princess Kaguya?" The grown-up Kaguya develops a self-indulgent personality. At Kaguya's fervent request, Iroha helps her start streaming in Tsukuyomi. With Iroha as producer and songwriter and Kaguya as streamer and singer, the two grow steadily closer. Little do they know that ominous forces lie in wait, eager to take Kaguya back to the moon. This is the tale of Princess Kaguya as never seen before.
Sources: Comic Natalie, Netflix Anime YouTube channel and Press Release
