This 2026 Japanese animated musical film reimagines the ancient folktale 'The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter' with a modern twist, featuring a girl from the Moon and a high school student competing in a virtual streamer tournament. What is the film's title?

"Cosmic Princess Kaguya!" is the 2026 Japanese animated musical film that perfectly matches the description, offering a vibrant and modern reimagining of the classic folktale 'The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter'. Directed by Shingo Yamashita, the movie centers on a high school student named Iroha Sakayori whose life takes an unexpected turn when she finds a mysterious baby inside a glowing utility pole. This baby rapidly grows into a young girl who claims to be from the Moon and is named Kaguya, after the legendary princess.

The film skillfully blends ancient mythology with contemporary themes, notably by featuring Iroha and Kaguya competing in a virtual streamer tournament within a metaverse called Tsukuyomi. This digital realm serves as a major setting for the film's plot, allowing for imaginative visuals and musical performances. The narrative explores Kaguya's desire to achieve a "happy ending" for herself, contrasting with the somewhat melancholic conclusion of the traditional tale where Princess Kaguya must return to her lunar home.

'The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter', also known as 'The Tale of Princess Kaguya', is considered the oldest surviving work in the monogatari form of Japanese literature, dating back to the late 9th or early 10th century. It tells the story of a mysterious girl discovered as a baby inside a glowing bamboo stalk by an old bamboo cutter. She quickly grows into a beautiful woman, attracting many suitors, including the Emperor, before ultimately revealing her celestial origins and returning to the Moon. "Cosmic Princess Kaguya!" honors this rich cultural heritage while injecting it with the energy of modern youth culture, virtual reality, and musical elements, creating an engaging and fresh interpretation for a new generation.