Kunitsu-Gami Prequel Unveiled in Bunraku Theater

Capcom has celebrated the launch of its new game, *Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess*, with a unique showcase of traditional Japanese Bunraku theater. This event not only marks the game's release but also highlights Japan's rich cultural heritage, blending it seamlessly with the game's deeply Japanese-inspired themes to engage a global audience.

Capcom Celebrates Launch of Kunitsu-Gami with Traditional Japanese Theater Performance

Hopes to Highlight Kunitsu-Gami's Cultural Appeal Through Traditional Arts

Capcom marked the July 19th launch of *Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess*, an action strategy game steeped in Japanese folklore, with a special Bunraku theater performance. Collaborating with the National Bunraku Theater in Osaka, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary, Capcom released a video of this cultural spectacle.

Bunraku, a revered form of traditional puppet theater, features large puppets accompanied by the music of the samisen, a three-stringed Japanese lute. This performance, titled "Ceremony of the Deity: The Maiden's Destiny," was a tribute to *Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess*. It introduced specially crafted puppets of the game's protagonists, Soh and the Maiden, brought to life by the skilled hands of Master Puppeteer Kanjuro Kiritake.

"Bunraku is an art form that was born and raised in Osaka, just like how Capcom has continued to nurture this same land," Miritake, a key figure in the production, stated. "I felt a strong connection with the idea of sharing and spreading our efforts further, beyond Osaka, to the rest of the world."

National Bunraku Theater Performs Kunitsu Gami's Prequel Program

The Bunraku performance serves as a prequel to the game's narrative, innovatively blending traditional art with modern technology. Set against computer-generated backdrops from the game world, this performance was described by Capcom as a "new form of Bunraku," aiming to fuse tradition with new technology.

In a statement released on July 18, Capcom expressed its intention to bring the enchanting world of Bunraku to a global audience, leveraging its reach to premiere this significant theatrical performance. The company aims to underscore the Japanese cultural essence of *Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess* through such traditional arts.

Kunitsu Gami is Heavily Inspired by Bunraku

Producer Tairoku Nozoe shared in an interview with Xbox that the concept of *Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess* was deeply influenced by Bunraku. Game director Shuichi Kawata's passion for this art form played a significant role in its development.

Nozoe revealed that the game was "already heavily infused with elements of Bunraku" even before the collaboration was considered. "Kawata is a fervent fan of Bunraku, and his enthusiasm led us to attend a performance together. We were both deeply moved by the performance, and it made us realize that such fascinating art form existed out there, convincingly withstanding the test of time," Nozoe said. This realization inspired them to collaborate with the National Bunraku Theatre.

Set on the mystical Mt. Kafuku, once blessed by nature but now tainted by a dark "defilement," *Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess* challenges players to purify villages during the day and protect the revered Maiden at night. Utilizing sacred masks with residual power, players must restore peace to the land.

The game is set to launch on July 19 across PC, PlayStation, and Xbox consoles, and will be available at no extra cost for Xbox Game Pass subscribers at launch. Additionally, a free demo is accessible on all platforms, allowing players to experience the game's unique blend of strategy and cultural homage.