Introduction
Few stories in Japan are as old as The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, the folktale of a mysterious girl found inside glowing bamboo. Cosmic Princess Kaguya! (Japanese: Chō Kaguya-hime!) takes that story and drops it into a neon-lit virtual world full of streamers, music and online fame. It is a Netflix original anime film that premiered on January 22, 2026. If you want to know what the anime is about, who the main and side characters are, and why fans are talking about it, this guide covers it all, without heavy spoilers.
What Is Cosmic Princess Kaguya!?
Cosmic Princess Kaguya! is a music-driven sci-fi fantasy film made by Studio Colorido and Studio Chromato, with Twin Engine as a production partner. It is Shingo Yamashita’s first feature as director. He is best known for energetic opening animations for shows like Jujutsu Kaisen and Chainsaw Man. He also wrote the script.
The story is set largely in Tsukuyomi, a virtual realm. The name nods to the moon in Japanese mythology, which connects neatly to Kaguya’s lunar origins. Character designs are split in two: Hechima designed the Tsukuyomi avatars, while Akihiro Nagae (Drifting Home) designed the real-world characters.
The Story of Cosmic Princess Kaguya!
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The story follows Iroha Sakayori, a teenage student whose ordinary life changes when she finds a baby emerging from a glowing telephone pole. The baby is Kaguya, a modern version of the legendary moon princess. She grows up quickly and develops a bold, self-indulgent personality, nothing like the quiet princess of the old tale.
Kaguya wants to become a streamer in Tsukuyomi and begs Iroha to help. Iroha becomes her producer and songwriter, while Kaguya becomes the face and singing voice. As they work together, the two grow much closer.
But the old legend still hangs over them. Mysterious forces want to take Kaguya back to the moon, as in the original folktale. The film asks whether this version of Kaguya can have the happier ending the old story never gave her. The film’s heart is the friendship between the two leads, built around music, creativity and trust.
Main Characters
Kaguya is the heart of the film. She is chaotic, funny, dramatic and full of confidence, with a streamer’s love of attention. Behind the gremlin energy is a girl tied to a destiny she did not choose. She is voiced by Yūko Natsuyoshi in Japanese and Jeannie Tirado in English.
Iroha Sakayori is the grounded, talented teenager who finds Kaguya. As producer and songwriter she is the creative engine behind Kaguya’s streams, and her loyalty is what drives the emotional core of the story. Anna Nagase voices her in Japanese and Dawn Bennett in English.
Yachiyo is a major supporting figure, voiced by Saori Hayami in Japanese and Ryan Bartley in English, with Frankie Kevich providing the English singing voice. Hayami is well known for roles such as Shinobu Kochou in Demon Slayer and Yor Forger in Spy x Family.
Important Side Characters
The supporting cast gives Tsukuyomi its personality:
- Akira Mikado, voiced by Miyu Irino (Haku in Spirited Away).
- Rai Komazawa, voiced by Yūma Uchida.
- Noi Komazawa, voiced by Yoshitsugu Matsuoka.
- Roka Ayatsumugi, voiced by Yoshino Aoyama.
- Mami Isayama, voiced by Konomi Kohara.
- Koto Okkotteru, voiced by Natsuki Hanae.
- Otako the Loyal Dog, voiced by Fairouz Ai, a comic but affectionate presence.
Together they show the wider world of streamers, fans and virtual personalities that Kaguya and Iroha move through.
Music and Visuals
Music is central to the film. The soundtrack includes songs by well-known Vocaloid and J-pop creators: Ryo (supercell), kz (livetune), 40mP, HoneyWorks, Aqu3ra and yuigot. Fans of Vocaloid and internet music culture will feel at home.
Visually, the film contrasts a more realistic real world with the bright, stylized look of Tsukuyomi. Yamashita has said the film reflects his love of visual expression and internet culture, and the trailers highlight glowing shooting stars, fast movement and comedic faces.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Title: Cosmic Princess Kaguya! (Chō Kaguya-hime!)
- Release: January 22, 2026, on Netflix, with a limited theatrical run at Laemmle Glendale in California
- Director and writer: Shingo Yamashita
- Studios: Studio Colorido and Studio Chromato
- Genre: Sci-fi fantasy, music, comedy and drama
- Based on: The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter
- Setting: The virtual realm of Tsukuyomi
- Dubs: Japanese and English
Conclusion
Cosmic Princess Kaguya! proves an ancient folktale can feel fresh when it is told with new ideas. A loud, lovable princess, a talented songwriter, a virtual world and a soundtrack full of famous creators make it a standout Netflix anime film. It works for newcomers and long-time fans of Japanese folklore alike. If you want a colorful story about friendship, music and choosing your own ending, add it to your watchlist.
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