Netflix and Twin Engine have officially announced “Cosmic Princess Kaguya!” (Chō Kaguya-hime!), a new music entertainment-themed anime feature film slated for a worldwide release on January 22, 2026. The highly anticipated project marks the feature-length directorial debut of Shingo Yamashita, an acclaimed animation creator known for his dynamic work on opening sequences for major anime titles such as Jujutsu Kaisen Season 1 and Chainsaw Man.
A Modern Reimagining of a Classic Japanese Folktale
“Cosmic Princess Kaguya!” draws inspiration from “The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter,” Japan’s oldest known folktale, and reimagines it with a contemporary twist. The film is described as a “new-generation music animation project” that blends the classic narrative with renowned Vocaloid producers and modern animation techniques. The story is set in a virtual realm called Tsukuyomi, where it will explore the bonds between two girls connected through song. Netflix teases a narrative rich in “dazzling visual splendor” and a “fateful stage” for the protagonists.
The Original “Tale of the Bamboo Cutter”
“The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter,” also known as “The Tale of Princess Kaguya,” tells the story of Kaguya-hime, a princess from the Moon discovered as a baby inside a glowing bamboo stalk by an old bamboo cutter. She quickly grows into a woman of extraordinary beauty, attracting numerous suitors and even the Emperor of Japan. Despite earthly attachments, Kaguya-hime eventually reveals her celestial origins and returns to the Moon. The original tale explores themes of destiny, love, and the struggles with tradition.
Shingo Yamashita’s Feature-Length Directorial Debut
Shingo Yamashita takes the helm as director for “Cosmic Princess Kaguya!,” his first full-length feature film. Yamashita has a distinguished career in anime, primarily recognized for his exceptional work as an opening and ending animation director and storyboard artist. His previous credits include the visually striking opening animations for Chainsaw Man, Jujutsu Kaisen Season 1, Urusei Yatsura (2022), and Ranking of Kings. He also served as chief director for Pokétoon (Pokémon: Twilight Wings). Yamashita expressed that he has “poured into it everything I’ve learned about visual expression, my love for unique characters,” into this film.
Animation and Production Details
The animation production is a collaboration between Studio Colorido, known for its charming character designs and dynamic visual direction in works like Penguin Highway, and Studio Chromato. Studio Chromato is a Yamashita-led studio whose establishment was announced by Twin Engine in 2024.
Character designs for “Cosmic Princess Kaguya!” are handled by illustrator hechima and Akihiro Nagae (Drifting Home).
Voice Cast and Musical Talent
The film boasts a talented voice cast, with Yuko Natsuyoshi lending her voice to Kaguya. Other main cast members include Anna Nagase as Iroha Sakayori, a character depicted with animal ears and a tail, and Saori Hayami as Yachiyo Tsukimi, the twin-tailed administrator of Tsukuyomi.
A significant aspect of “Cosmic Princess Kaguya!” is its musical foundation, featuring prominent producers from the Vocaloid scene. Contributions are expected from artists such as ryo (supercell) – creator of the Hatsune Miku hit “World is Mine” – kz (livetune), 40mP, HoneyWorks, Aqu3ra, and yuigot. The teaser trailer itself included ryo’s Hatsune Miku song “World is Mine,” giving a preview of the film’s musical style.
Release on Netflix
“Cosmic Princess Kaguya!” is scheduled for an exclusive worldwide streaming release on Netflix on January 22, 2026. The announcement has generated considerable excitement among anime fans, eager to witness Yamashita’s unique visual style applied to a full-length feature, coupled with a captivating musical landscape.
