Kunitsu-Gami's Prequel Shown Through Traditional Japanese Bunraku Theater

Capcom's new action strategy game, Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess, launched July 19th, celebrated its release with a unique collaboration: a traditional Japanese Bunraku puppet theater performance. This event showcased both the game's deeply Japanese-inspired aesthetic and the rich cultural heritage of Japan to a global audience.

Capcom Showcases Kunitsu-Gami with a Bunraku Theater Production

Bridging Tradition and Gameplay: A Cultural Fusion

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 using large puppets manipulated by skilled puppeteers to a samisen (three-stringed lute) accompaniment, provided a captivating backdrop for the game's narrative. Custom puppets representing Soh and the Maiden, the game's protagonists, were crafted, brought to life by Master Puppeteer Kanjuro Kiritake in a new play, "Ceremony of the Deity: The Maiden's Destiny."

Kiritake commented on the collaboration, stating the strong connection between Osaka's Bunraku tradition and Capcom's roots in the same region, expressing a desire to share this art form globally.

A Bunraku Prequel: Unveiling the Kunitsu-Gami Story

The Bunraku performance serves as a prequel to the game's events, described by Capcom as a "new form of Bunraku," blending traditional techniques with cutting-edge CG backdrops from the game itself. Capcom aimed to use its platform to introduce the captivating world of Bunraku to a wider international audience, emphasizing the game's strong Japanese cultural influences.

Bunraku's Influence on Kunitsu-Gami's Design

Producer Tairoku Nozoe revealed in an Xbox interview that director Shuichi Kawata's passion for Bunraku significantly impacted the game's development. The team drew inspiration from the movements and direction of Ningyo Joruri Bunraku, with Nozoe stating that Kunitsu-Gami already incorporated many Bunraku elements even before the collaboration began. The shared experience of attending a Bunraku performance solidified their decision to partner with the National Bunraku Theater.

Set on the defiled Mount Kafuku, Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess tasks players with purifying villages and protecting the Maiden, utilizing sacred masks to restore balance. The game is available on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox consoles, with Xbox Game Pass subscribers gaining access at launch. A free demo is also available across all platforms.