A luminous new trailer for Tomohisa Yamashita’s Cosmic Princess Kaguya! erupted online today, transforming Japan’s oldest folktale into a breathtaking virtual odyssey that already feels destined to redefine anime storytelling in 2026.
The announcement highlights the project's ambitious scope as a fusion of traditional Japanese narrative and modern digital artistry. The two-minute-plus trailer plunges viewers into the shimmering virtual realm of Tsukuyomi, where sweeping orchestral swells give way to the film’s original songs. The first half pulses with the upbeat, self-affirming Watashiha Watashinokotoga Suki (literally “I like who I am”), composed by HoneyWorks, while the latter portion unveils a haunting snippet of the main theme Ex-Otogibanashi (“Ex-Fairy Tale”), written by ryo of supercell and performed in-character by Yachiyo Runami, Tsukuyomi’s enigmatic administrator (voiced by Saori Hayami).
Watch the trailer for Cosmic Princess Kaguya! below:
A new key visual was also released for Cosmic Princess Kaguya!:
Production unites director Shingo Yamashita with Studio Colorido and his own newly established Studio Chromato for the latter’s debut feature. Best known for iconic anime openings (Jujutsu Kaisen, Ranking of Kings, Chainsaw Man), Yamashita makes his full-length directorial debut here. Character designs are split to reflect the story’s dual realities: Hechima (My Oni Girl) crafts the luminous, otherworldly looks of Tsukuyomi’s inhabitants, while Akihiro Nagae (Drifting Home) shapes the grounded, everyday appearances of characters in the real world. The soundtrack draws from an all-star Vocaloid producer lineup that includes ryo (supercell), kz (livetune), 40mP, HoneyWorks, Aqu3ra, and yuigot
Leading the voice cast are Yūko Natsuyoshi as Kaguya, Anna Nagase as Iroha Sakayori, Saori Hayami as Yachiyo Runami, and Rie Kugimiya as the fluffy sea slug FUSHI.
Here’s a glimpse at the live-action interpretations of Kaguya and Iroha:
This project draws inspiration from The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, a foundational work in Japanese literature dating back to the 10th century. Yamashita has described the adaptation as a "bold evolution," transporting the story's core motifs—such as unrequited love and the pull between earthly desires and cosmic origins—into a speculative digital landscape. The trailer's pacing masterfully alternates between serene, introspective moments and exhilarating action beats, demonstrating how 3D elements enhance the sense of vastness in Tsukuyomi's boundless skies. Visual effects, handled by a specialized team at the studio, incorporate particle simulations for starfields and holographic interfaces, pushing the boundaries of anime's visual language.
As anticipation builds in the industry, Cosmic Princess Kaguya! positions itself as a bridge between classic folklore and contemporary sci-fi, appealing to audiences craving both nostalgia and innovation. With its global streaming partnership already secured, the film is poised to captivate international viewers upon release.
What is Cosmic Princess Kaguya! about?
At its heart, Cosmic Princess Kaguya! reinterprets the legendary Taketori Monogatari through a lens of virtual reality and existential wonder. The narrative centers on Kaguya, a mysterious entity discovered within the simulated world of Tsukuyomi, whose arrival disrupts the lives of those who encounter her. As suitors from across digital domains vie for her affection, the story delves into questions of identity, authenticity, and the blurred lines between simulation and reality. Yamashita's direction infuses the tale with rhythmic emotional beats, where music serves not just as accompaniment but as a narrative force, guiding characters through trials of the heart and mind.
Set in the virtual realm of Tsukuyomi, the story unfolds as a live performance marrying original music with Yamashita’s signature style of polished visuals, emotive pacing, and dynamic 3D camerawork to boldly transform this classic tale for a new generation.
Cosmic Princess Kaguya! is scheduled to premiere exclusively on Netflix on January 22, 2026.
