Cosmic Princess Kaguya!, an original anime film, comes to Netflix on January 22. This film marks Shingo Yamashita‘s debut in feature-length directing, following his acclaimed work on the opening sequences for Jujutsu Kaisen Season 1, Chainsaw Man, and Urusei Yatsura. Inspired by The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, the film reimagines Japan’s oldest folktale with a modern touch by integrating music, fantasy, and contemporary animation. 

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. The voice cast includes Yuko Natsuyoshi as Kaguya, Anna Nagase as Iroha, and Saori Hayami as Yachiyo. 

The soundtrack features the music of prominent producers from the Vocaloid scene, including ryo (supercell) – creator of the Hatsune Miku hit “Melt” – kz (livetune), 40mP, HoneyWorks, Aqu3ra, and yuigot. 

The animation is produced by Studio Colorido (Penguin Highway, A Whisker Away) in collaboration with Yamashita’s Studio Chromato. Character designs are by Hechima (The Idolmaster Gakuen) and Akihiro Nagae (Drifting Home). 

“This is my first full-length original animated film,” Yamashita tells Netflix. “I poured into it everything I’ve learned about visual expression, my love for unique characters, and my deep affection for the internet culture that’s continued since the 1990s. It’s a bright, fun film –  so please sit back, relax, and enjoy it!”