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

Capcom Showcases Kunitsu-Gami with a Bunraku Theater Production

Bridging Tradition and Gameplay: A Cultural Fusion

The Osaka-based National Bunraku Theater, 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 a prequel story featuring Soh and the Maiden, Kunitsu-Gami's protagonists. Master Puppeteer Kanjuro Kiritake brought these characters to life in a new play, "Ceremony of the Deity: The Maiden's Destiny."

"Bunraku, like Capcom, has deep roots in Osaka," Kiritake commented. "This collaboration allows us to share our art form with the world."

A Prequel Unveiled: Bunraku Meets Modern Technology

Capcom describes the performance as a "new form of Bunraku," blending traditional puppetry with cutting-edge CG backdrops from the game itself. This fusion of old and new aimed to introduce the captivating world of Bunraku to a wider audience.

In a July 18th statement, Capcom emphasized its goal of using this collaboration to highlight the game's rich Japanese cultural heritage.

Bunraku's Influence: From Inspiration to Collaboration

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

"We were both deeply moved," Nozoe shared, "and it inspired us to reach out."

Set on the defiled Mt. Kafuku, Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess tasks players with purifying villages and protecting the Maiden. The game is available now on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox consoles, including Xbox Game Pass. A free demo is also available.