Capcom Showcases Kunitsu-Gami Prequel in Traditional Bunraku Performance

Capcom has unveiled a unique Japanese theater production to mark the launch of Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess, highlighting Japan’s rich cultural heritage while introducing the game’s folklore-inspired world to global audiences.

Capcom Marks Kunitsu-Gami Launch with Bunraku Theater Performance

Showcasing Kunitsu-Gami’s Cultural Roots Through Traditional Art

Capcom celebrated the July 19 release of Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess, its folklore-inspired action-strategy game, with a captivating Bunraku theater performance. The National Bunraku Theatre in Osaka, marking its 40th anniversary, presented a special video showcasing this traditional art form.

Bunraku, a centuries-old Japanese puppet theater, features large puppets animated to a narrative accompanied by the samisen, a three-stringed lute. This performance honored Kunitsu-Gami by bringing its protagonists, Soh and the Maiden, to life through custom-crafted puppets. Master Puppeteer Kanjuro Kiritake used time-honored techniques to stage a new play, "Ceremony of the Deity: The Maiden’s Destiny."

“Bunraku, born in Osaka like Capcom, reflects a shared commitment to our roots,” said Kiritake. “This collaboration allows us to share this cherished art form with the world.”

National Bunraku Theatre Presents Kunitsu-Gami Prequel

The Bunraku performance serves as a prequel to Kunitsu-Gami’s storyline, blending tradition with innovation by incorporating computer-generated backdrops of the game’s world. Capcom described this as a “modern evolution of Bunraku,” merging classic artistry with cutting-edge technology.

In a July 18 statement, Capcom expressed its goal to captivate global audiences with Bunraku’s charm, using the performance to underscore the game’s deep ties to Japanese culture.

Kunitsu-Gami Draws Inspiration from Bunraku

In a recent Xbox interview, producer Tairoku Nozoe revealed that game director Shuichi Kawata’s passion for Bunraku shaped Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess from its inception.

Nozoe noted that the team drew heavily from the movements and direction of Ningyo Joruri Bunraku. “Even before this collaboration, the game was steeped in Bunraku’s essence,” he said.

“Kawata’s love for Bunraku inspired us to attend a performance together,” Nozoe added. “Its timeless artistry moved us, leading to this partnership with the National Bunraku Theatre.”

Set on Mt. Kafuku, Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess unfolds in a once-pristine land now tainted by a dark “defilement.” Players purify villages by day and defend the sacred Maiden by night, wielding enchanted masks to restore balance.

The game launched on July 19 for PC, PlayStation, and Xbox, with immediate access for Xbox Game Pass subscribers. A free demo is available across all platforms.