High schooler Iroha Sakayori navigates the divide between her routine Tokyo existence and the boundless virtual realm of Tsukuyomi, where avatars unleash unbridled creativity. Her equilibrium shatters upon discovering a luminous utility pole that births an enigmatic infant, who accelerates into a peer in mere moments. This unforeseen arrival compels Iroha to confront a fantastical query: does this stranger embody the reincarnated Princess Kaguya from ancient lore? The unfolding mystery merges everyday adolescence with cosmic whimsy, probing the boundaries of reality and digital escape.

Directed by Shingo Yamashita in his inaugural feature-length effort, ‘Cosmic Princess Kaguya!’ emerges from the collaborative animation prowess of Studio Colorido and Studio Chromato, under Colorido Twin Engine Partners’ production banner. Yamashita, acclaimed for crafting the kinetic opening sequences of ‘Jujutsu Kaisen’, ‘Chainsaw Man’, and ‘Urusei Yatsura’, infuses the project with vibrant dynamism. Character designs stem from Hechima and Akihiro Nagae, emphasizing fluid expressions that bridge mundane and mythical spheres. The film marks a fusion of folklore and futuristic interfacing, tailored for global streaming.

The freshly unveiled character trailer, clocking in at under a minute, spotlights protagonists Iroha and Kaguya in their tangible forms, eschewing virtual guises for raw interpersonal interplay. Expressive comedy punctuates the footage, with Kaguya’s rapid maturation visualized through bursts of ethereal light and exaggerated growth spurts. Energetic animation sequences depict Iroha’s initial bewilderment, her school uniform clashing against Kaguya’s otherworldly aura amid urban backdrops. High-tempo electronic score underscores the duo’s tentative alliance, hinting at escalating perils from Kaguya’s celestial origins.

Yūko Natsuyoshi lends her voice to Kaguya, capturing the entity’s wide-eyed curiosity laced with latent power, while Anna Nagase embodies Iroha’s grounded pragmatism tinged with reluctant wonder. Saori Hayami rounds out key support as Yachiyo, Iroha’s confidante whose skepticism grounds the narrative’s flights of fancy. Natsuyoshi’s prior roles in ensemble anime underscore her adeptness at multifaceted innocence, whereas Nagase’s delivery evokes the quiet resolve of everyday heroines. Hayami’s versatile timbre adds layers to the trio’s evolving camaraderie.

Set for exclusive worldwide premiere on Netflix January 22, 2026, the film spans 90 minutes, blending 2D hand-drawn aesthetics with subtle CGI enhancements for virtual world transitions. Production spanned 18 months, incorporating motion-capture for avatar interactions to heighten immersion. Early concept art revealed in October 2025 showcased Tsukuyomi’s neon-drenched landscapes, contrasting starkly with Iroha’s grayscale suburbia. The trailer’s release coincides with heightened anticipation for Yamashita’s pivot from episodic flair to sustained storytelling.

This adaptation reimagines ‘The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter’ through a contemporary lens, where Kaguya’s earthly exile manifests via interdimensional anomaly rather than imperial decree. Iroha’s arc explores identity fragmentation in an avatar-saturated era, with Tsukuyomi serving as metaphor for suppressed aspirations. Secondary characters, including Yachiyo’s tech-savvy sibling, introduce subplots on digital ethics and familial bonds. The narrative culminates in a convergence of realms, demanding Iroha safeguard Kaguya from shadowy pursuers tied to ancient celestial mandates.

Studio Colorido’s track record with emotionally resonant fare like ‘A Whisker Away’ informs the film’s tonal balance, prioritizing relational depth over spectacle. Chromato’s involvement ensures meticulous environmental detailing, from utility pole glows to Tsukuyomi’s fractal architectures. Voice recording sessions concluded in late November 2025, allowing post-production refinements ahead of the tight Netflix slate. International subtitles will feature region-specific cultural annotations for folklore references, broadening accessibility.

As the trailer circulates, it garners praise for its seamless genre hybridization, positioning ‘Cosmic Princess Kaguya!’ as a bridge between traditional anime reverence and modern streaming innovation. Yamashita’s vision underscores themes of belonging in fragmented worlds, resonant for audiences grappling with virtual versus visceral lives. The ensemble cast’s synergy promises nuanced performances, elevating the film’s exploration of myth reborn in the digital age.