Netflix is gearing up to launch a visually ambitious new anime feature titled Cosmic Princess Kaguya!, set to premiere exclusively on January 22. The film marks the directorial debut of Shingo Yamashita, a name anime fans already know well for his striking opening sequences in Jujutsu Kaisen Season 1, Chainsaw Man, and Urusei Yatsura.
A brand-new trailer dropped alongside the announcement, offering a first proper look at a story that blends modern streaming culture, music, mythology, and cosmic fantasy.
What Is ‘Cosmic Princess Kaguya!’ About?
At the heart of the film is Iroha Sakayori, a 17-year-old Tokyo high school student juggling classes and a part-time job. Like many teens, she escapes daily stress by logging into Tsukuyomi, a virtual world where users create content, play competitive games, and build online personas. One of Iroha’s favourite figures on the platform is Yachiyo Runami, a hugely popular streamer who oversees Tsukuyomi.
Everything changes when Iroha encounters a mysterious telephone pole glowing with rainbow-like light. From it emerges a strange baby — who, shockingly, grows at an impossible speed into a girl Iroha’s age. The girl is Kaguya, and she quickly reveals a bold, self-centred personality.
Streaming Fame, Music, and a Dark Secret
Kaguya convinces Iroha to help her become a star inside Tsukuyomi. The two form a creative duo:
- Iroha acts as producer and songwriter
- Kaguya takes centre stage as a streamer and singer
As their bond deepens and Kaguya’s popularity explodes, neither realises that powerful forces are watching — entities determined to return Kaguya to her true origin: the moon.
The film weaves themes of online identity, creative connection, and friendship, all set against an increasingly ominous backdrop.
Voice Cast and Music Powerhouse
The Japanese voice cast includes Anna Nagase, Natsuyoshi Yuko, Saori Hayami, Miyu Irino, Yuma Uchida, Yoshitsugu Matsuoka, Rie Kugimiya, Fairouz Ai, and Natsuki Hanae, among others.
For global audiences, Netflix has assembled a strong English dub led by Jeannie Tirado, Dawn Bennett, Ryan Bartley, Max Mittelman, and Casey Mongillo, with dedicated singing performances incorporated into the dub.
Music plays a central role in the film. Songs are created by major Vocaloid and J-pop producers, including ryo (supercell), kz (livetune), HoneyWorks, 40mP, and Aqu3ra. The main theme song, “Ex-Otogibanashi,” is performed by Yachiyo Runami’s voice actor, Saori Hayami.
A New Visual Chapter for Studio Colorido
Cosmic Princess Kaguya! is produced by Studio Colorido, known for Penguin Highway and A Whisker Away, in collaboration with Yamashita’s newly launched Studio Chromato. The film blends stylised 3D action, music-driven storytelling, and dreamlike visuals — a signature approach fans have come to expect from Yamashita’s animation style.
Final Words
With its mix of streaming culture, music, mythology, and emotional storytelling, Cosmic Princess Kaguya! is shaping up to be one of Netflix’s most distinctive anime releases of early 2026. Between its high-profile creative team and its bold visual identity, the film is already drawing strong interest from anime fans worldwide.
