Capcom's new action strategy game, Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess, launched July 19th, and to celebrate, they commissioned a unique Bunraku puppet theater performance. This collaboration showcases both the game's deep Japanese roots and the artistry of Japan's cultural heritage to a global audience.
Capcom Showcases Kunitsu-Gami with a Traditional Japanese Theater Production
A Fusion of Ancient Art and Modern Gaming
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 featuring large puppets manipulated to a samisen (three-stringed lute) soundtrack, provided a fitting tribute to the game's folklore-inspired setting. Master Puppeteer Kanjuro Kiritake brought the game's protagonists, Soh and the Maiden, to life in a new play, "Ceremony of the Deity: The Maiden's Destiny."
"Bunraku, like Capcom, has deep roots in Osaka," Kiritake commented. "This collaboration allows us to share our art with the world."
A Bunraku Prequel to Kunitsu-Gami
The Bunraku performance serves as a prequel to the game's story. Capcom describes this as a "new form of Bunraku," blending traditional techniques with modern CG backdrops from the game itself. The company aimed to use its platform to introduce the captivating world of Bunraku to a wider, international audience and highlight the game's cultural significance.
Bunraku's Influence on Kunitsu-Gami's Design
Producer Tairoku Nozoe explained that director Shuichi Kawata's passion for Bunraku heavily influenced the game's development. Even before the collaboration, Kunitsu-Gami incorporated Bunraku-inspired elements in its design and character movement. A shared experience of a Bunraku performance solidified their decision to partner with the National Bunraku Theater.
"Kawata's enthusiasm for Bunraku was infectious," Nozoe shared. "The performance deeply moved us, inspiring this collaboration."
Set on Mt. Kafuku, a mountain corrupted by a dark substance, Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess tasks players with purifying villages and protecting the Maiden. The game utilizes sacred masks to restore balance. Available now on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox consoles (including Xbox Game Pass), a free demo is also available.
