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 the company celebrated with a unique twist: a traditional Japanese Bunraku puppet theater performance. This event aimed to introduce the game's deeply rooted Japanese folklore influences to a global audience.

Capcom Showcases Kunitsu-Gami with a Bunraku Theater Production

Showcasing Japanese Culture Through Traditional Arts

The National Bunraku Theater of Osaka, celebrating its 40th anniversary, created a special Bunraku performance for the game's launch. Bunraku, known for its large puppets and samisen accompaniment, perfectly complemented the game's aesthetic. Custom puppets representing the game's protagonists, Soh and the Maiden, were crafted for a new play, "Ceremony of the Deity: The Maiden's Destiny," brought to life by Master Puppeteer Kanjuro Kiritake.

Kiritake highlighted the synergy between Capcom and the Bunraku tradition, stating, "Bunraku is an art form born and raised in Osaka, much like Capcom. Sharing our efforts beyond Osaka, to the world, felt like a natural connection."

A Bunraku Prequel to Kunitsu-Gami

The Bunraku performance serves as a prequel to the game's storyline. Capcom described the production as a "new form of Bunraku," blending traditional techniques with modern CG backdrops from the game itself. This innovative approach aimed to introduce the captivating world of Bunraku to a wider, international audience.

Capcom's statement emphasized its goal of showcasing the game's cultural appeal through this collaboration with traditional Japanese arts.

Bunraku's Influence on Kunitsu-Gami's Development

Producer Tairoku Nozoe explained that game director Shuichi Kawata's passion for Bunraku, specifically the movement and direction of "Ningyo Joruri Bunraku," significantly impacted the game's development. Nozoe revealed that Kunitsu-Gami was already imbued with Bunraku elements even before the collaboration with the National Bunraku Theater was conceived.

"Kawata's enthusiasm led us to experience a Bunraku performance together. We were deeply moved, realizing the enduring power of this art form," Nozoe shared. "This inspired our outreach to the National Bunraku Theater."

Set on Mt. Kafuku, a mountain corrupted by a dark "defilement," Kunitsu-Gami tasks players with purifying villages and protecting the Maiden. Using sacred masks, players restore peace to the land.

Available now on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox consoles (including Xbox Game Pass), Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess also offers a free demo across all platforms.