Picture Credit: Netflix
An anime musical film that reimagines one of Japan’s most beloved folktales through the lens of virtual reality is coming to Netflix in January 2026. Cosmic Princess Kaguya marks the feature directorial debut of Shingo Yamashita and will feature music from top artists in the “vocaloid scene.” Here’s everything we know about Cosmic Princess Kaguya on Netflix as of January 2026 just ahead of its premiere.
Cosmic Princess Kaguya is an upcoming Japanese Netflix Original musical directed by Shingo Yamashita, acclaimed for his opening direction on prominent anime titles such as Jujutsu Kaisen Season 1, Chainsaw Man, and Urusei Yatsura.
The film is produced by Studio Colorido (known for Penguin Highway and A Whisker Away) in collaboration with Yamashita’s new Studio Chromato. The project has already generated massive anticipation in Japan; a previously unveiled special trailer topped YouTube’s “Trending Movie Trailers” chart and amassed over 15 million views by late 2025.
Director Yamashita shared the following statement with Netflix:
“This is my first full-length original animated film. I poured into it everything I’ve learned about visual expression, my love for unique characters, and my deep affection for the internet culture that’s continued since the 1990s. It’s a bright, fun film — so please sit back, relax, and enjoy it!”
The Music of Cosmic Princess Kaguya
Music is central to the film’s identity. Soundtracks from the Vocaloid scene (Vocaloid singing synthesizer software) will be featured, with production by top producers including ryo (supercell), kz (livetune), 40mP, HoneyWorks, Aqu3ra, and yuigot.
The film’s main theme song is titled “Ex-Otogibanashi,” performed by the character Yachiyo Runami (voiced by Saori Hayami).
When is Cosmic Princess Kaguya coming to Netflix?
Netflix has confirmed that Cosmic Princess Kaguya will stream exclusively on January 22, 2026.
Here’s the latest trailer:
Ahead of the launch, Netflix has released a final pre-launch trailer and new alternative artwork, showcasing the breathtaking animations and the “high-sense” visuals that define Yamashita’s work.
What is the plot of Cosmic Princess Kaguya?
While the film is a reimagining of Japan’s oldest folk tale, The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, it adds a distinct modern twist involving streaming culture and virtual reality.
The story is set in Tsukuyomi, a dreamlike virtual realm where hopes and dreams come together. The protagonist is Iroha Sakayori, a 17-year-old high school student in Tokyo who balances a busy life of academics and part-time work. She finds peace in Tsukuyomi, supporting a popular streamer named Yachiyo Runami and playing battle games to earn extra money.
The classic folklore takes a modern turn when, on her way home, Iroha finds a telephone pole shining with iridescent hues—rather than a bamboo stalk. To her surprise, an adorable baby emerges from the pole. Unable to abandon it, Iroha takes the infant home, where she rapidly grows into a girl her own age who asks, “Are you Princess Kaguya?”
The grown-up Kaguya develops a self-indulgent personality and fervently requests to start streaming in Tsukuyomi. A partnership forms with Iroha acting as the producer and songwriter, and Kaguya as the streamer and singer. However, ominous forces lie in wait, eager to take Kaguya back to the moon.
Picture: Cosmic Princess Kaguya – Netflix
Who are the cast members of Cosmic Princess Kaguya?
Netflix has revealed the full voice cast for both the original Japanese version and the English dub.
Yuuko Natsuyoshi plays Princess Kaguya (English Dub: Jeannie Tirado). Natsuyoshi is well-known for her roles as Sasha Necron in The Misfit of Demon King Academy and Tsubaki in In the Heart of Kunoichi Tsubaki.
Picture: Yuuko Natsuyoshi (left) plays the voice of Princess Kaguya (right)
Anna Nagase plays Iroha Sakayori (English Dub: Dawn Bennett). Nagase previously played Riko Amanai in Jujutsu Kaisen and Harley Quinn in Isekai Suicide Squad.
Picture: Anna Nagase (left) plays the voice of Iroha Sakayori (right)
Saori Hayami plays Runami Yachiyo (English Dub: Ryan Bartley / Singing: Frankie Kevich). Hayami is best known for her roles as Yor Forger in Spy x Family and Shinobu Kochou in Demon Slayer.
Picture: Saori Hayami (left) plays the voice of Runami Yachiyo (right)
Additional Cast Members:
- Akira Mikado: Miyu Irino (JP) / Max Mittelman (EN)
- Rai Komazawa: Yuma Uchida (JP)
- Noi Komazawa: Yoshitsugu Matsuoka (JP) / Casey Mongillo (EN)
- Roka Ayatsumugi: Yoshino Aoyama (JP) / Cassandra Lee Morris (EN)
- Mami Isayama: Konomi Kohara (JP)
- FUSHI: Rie Kugimiya (JP)
- Otako the Loyal Dog: Fairouz Ai (JP) / Anairis Quinones (EN)
- Koto Okotteru: Natsuki Hanae (JP) / Kieran Regan (EN)
Production Staff:
- Director: Shingo Yamashita
- Screenplay: Saeri Natsuo & Shingo Yamashita
- Tsukuyomi Character Design: Hechima
- Reality Character Design: Nagae Akihiro
- Music: Conisch
Are you looking forward to watching Cosmic Princess Kaguya on Netflix? Let us know in the comments below!
