Anime Review: Cosmic Princess Kaguya! (2026)

When I heard about this Netflix exclusive anime movie, I knew I had to check it out. The story is a modern day reimagining of the famous Japanese folktale, “The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter.” It is always fascinating to see how classic folklore can be translated into a contemporary setting.

The plot kicks off when Iroha Sakayori is walking home and spots a telephone pole glowing with an otherworldly light, from which a child, Kaguya, suddenly appears. Her initial reaction is to ignore the absurdity and head home, but she quickly realizes she cannot leave an unprotected child on the street at night. The weirdness only escalates from there, especially when the child begins to age at an alarming rate, reaching Iroha age in just a few days.

Kaguya immediately turns Iroha’s peaceful life upside down. Driven by a desire to experience life to the fullest, Kaguya becomes obsessed with the virtual reality world humans have created. It is a place where people live like characters in a video game, complete with intense battles, celebrity players, and stunning visuals. The animation within this virtual realm is breathtaking, offering a glimpse into the kind of immersive technology we might one day experience.

Through their shared ambition, the duo quickly rises to fame within this VR landscape. The story is full with exciting battles and amazing music.

Kaguya’s presence fundamentally changes Iroha, helping her grow as a person and opening new paths for her future. It’s a reminder that sometimes you need the right person to enter your life to spark fast, meaningful growth.

I’ll stop here to avoid spoilers. In short, if you are looking for an anime with beautiful aesthetics and an equally moving soundtrack, this is a solid choice. While it didn't quite make my all time favorites list, it is definitely a worthwhile watch.