The Tale of the Princess Kaguya｜Anime

The Tale of the Princess Kaguya is a Japanese animated film produced by Studio Ghibli. The film was released in 2013 and was directed by Isao Takahata. The film was based on the Japanese classic “Taketori Monogatari” (The Tale of the Bamboo-Cutter) and drew much attention for its unique watercolor-style animation. Director Takahata’s sensitive direction and beautiful visuals are highly regarded in Japanese animation culture.

Synopsisa

The story begins with the raising of Kaguya (Princess Kaguya), a little girl found in the bamboo by the Taketori no O (Master Taketori). She grows at an astonishing rate and becomes a beautiful princess. Soon her beauty becomes known throughout the court, and many noblemen court her in marriage, but Kaguya turns them down one by one. As the true reason for her arrival on earth is revealed, the story reaches a poignant and epic conclusion.

The Tale of the Princess Kaguya | Recommendations

The most appealing aspect of The Tale of the Princess Kaguya is its visually stunning animation. Studio Ghibli’s distinctive hand-drawn, delicate style incorporates traditional Japanese art styles, immersing the viewer in the sensation of viewing an emaki (picture scroll). Moreover, the story’s themes delve deeply into human joys and sorrows and the fragility of life, and viewers will strongly identify with Kaguya’s choices and the emotions she experiences.

The film is also based on the Japanese classic “Taketori Monogatari” (The Tale of the Bamboo-Cutter), making it very appealing to international viewers interested in Japan’s traditional culture and history. This animated film is also a highly acclaimed Japanese Anime, and its poetic and moving story demonstrates the diversity and depth of Japanese Anime.

© 2013 Hatake Office / GNDHDDTK