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, and to celebrate, they presented a unique Bunraku puppet theater performance. This collaboration showcases both the game's Japanese-inspired aesthetic and the rich cultural heritage of Japan to a global audience.

Capcom Showcases Kunitsu-Gami with a Traditional Japanese Theater Production

A Cultural Fusion: Traditional Arts Meet Modern Gaming

The National Bunraku Theater, a renowned Osaka-based troupe celebrating its 40th anniversary, created a special Bunraku show for the game's launch. Bunraku, a form of Japanese puppet theater using large puppets and a three-stringed samisen, provided a captivating backdrop for the game's narrative. Custom puppets depicting Soh and the Maiden, the game's protagonists, were crafted for the production, titled "Ceremony of the Deity: The Maiden's Destiny," masterfully brought to life by puppeteer Kanjuro Kiritake.

"Bunraku's origins are in Osaka, much like Capcom's," Kiritake commented. "This collaboration felt like a natural extension, a chance to share our art with the world."

A Bunraku Prequel: Unveiling the Story Before the Game

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's July 18th statement highlighted their aim to introduce the captivating world of Bunraku to a global audience, using this premiere performance to emphasize the game's deeply rooted Japanese cultural influences.

Bunraku's Influence: From Inspiration to Collaboration

Producer Tairoku Nozoe explained in an Xbox interview that director Shuichi Kawata's passion for Bunraku heavily influenced the game's development. Even before the collaboration, Kunitsu-Gami already incorporated Bunraku elements. A shared experience of a Bunraku performance solidified their decision to collaborate with the National Bunraku Theater.

"Kawata's enthusiasm was infectious," Nozoe shared. "Witnessing the performance together, we were both captivated by this timeless art form."

Set on Mt. Kafuku, a mountain corrupted by a dark force, Kunitsu-Gami tasks players with purifying villages and protecting the Maiden. The game utilizes sacred masks to restore balance. Available on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox consoles (including Xbox Game Pass), a free demo is also available.