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 showcase the game's deep Japanese cultural roots to a global audience.

Capcom Showcases Kunitsu-Gami with a Bunraku Theater Production

Blending Tradition and Technology to Highlight Cultural Influences

Kiritake commented on the collaboration, stating a strong connection between Osaka's Bunraku tradition and Capcom's heritage in the region, expressing a desire to share this art form globally.

A Bunraku Prequel Unveiled

The Bunraku performance serves as a prequel to the game's events. Capcom describes this as a "new form of Bunraku," merging traditional techniques with modern CG backdrops from the game, creating a visually stunning experience. The company aimed to leverage its reach to introduce the captivating world of Bunraku to a wider international audience and highlight the game's Japanese cultural essence.

Bunraku's Profound Influence on Kunitsu-Gami

Producer Tairoku Nozoe explained in an Xbox interview that director Shuichi Kawata's passion for Bunraku significantly influenced the game's development. Even before the collaboration, Kunitsu-Gami already incorporated many Bunraku elements, drawing inspiration from the puppets' movements and direction. The team's shared experience of a Bunraku performance solidified their desire to collaborate with the National Bunraku Theater.

Set on the defiled Mount Kafuku, Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess tasks players with purifying villages by day and protecting the Maiden at night, utilizing sacred masks to restore peace. The game is available on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox consoles, including Xbox Game Pass at launch, with a free demo available across all platforms.