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
Highlighting Cultural Resonance Through Traditional Arts
The National Bunraku Theater of Osaka, celebrating its 40th anniversary, created a special Bunraku performance for the game's launch. Bunraku, a form of Japanese puppet theater using large puppets and a three-stringed samisen, provided a fitting medium for the game's folklore-inspired narrative. 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, is deeply rooted 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 the production as a "new form of Bunraku," blending traditional techniques with modern CG backdrops from the game. The company aims to introduce the captivating world of Bunraku to a wider audience, emphasizing the game's cultural depth.
Bunraku's Influence on Kunitsu-Gami
Producer Tairoku Nozoe explained that director Shuichi Kawata's passion for Bunraku significantly influenced the game's development. Even before the collaboration, Kunitsu-Gami incorporated Bunraku's style and movement. The team's shared experience of a Bunraku performance solidified their decision to partner with the National Bunraku Theater.
Set on Mt. Kafuku, a land corrupted by "defilement," Kunitsu-Gami 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.
