Cosmic Princess Kaguya! (2026): Cast, Ratings & Box Office
Cosmic Princess Kaguya! is a 2026 animated drama directed by Gavin Harrison and Shingo Yamashita, starring Jeannie Tirado as Kaguya, Saori Hayami and Anna Nagase. It runs 2 hours 23 minutes and earned $20.2 million worldwide. Critics gave it 80% on Rotten Tomatoes.
- Released
- Runtime
- 2h 23m (143 min)
- Directors
- Gavin Harrison and Shingo Yamashita
- Original language
-
Japanese
- Studio
- Chromadog Studios
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Cosmic Princess Kaguya! About?
The premise of Cosmic Princess Kaguya! without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.
Iroha Sakayori, a 17‑year‑old high‑school student in Tokyo, juggles a demanding schedule of classes and part‑time work. To unwind she regularly watches Yachiyo Runami, a popular streamer who runs the immersive virtual world Tsukuyomi. One evening, on her way home, Iroha notices a telephone pole glowing strangely, a sight that draws her into an unexpected adventure.
Cosmic Princess Kaguya! Cast & Characters
Jeannie Tirado leads the cast as Kaguya, with Saori Hayami as Yachiyo Runami and Anna Nagase as Iroha Sakayori. Directed by Gavin Harrison and Shingo Yamashita; 13 actors are credited in all.
- Co-director Gavin Harrison
- Co-director Shingo Yamashita
- Jeannie Tirado as Kaguya
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Saori Hayami as Yachiyo Runami - Anna Nagase as Iroha Sakayori
- Max Mittelman as Akira Mikado
Also Starring in Cosmic Princess Kaguya!
· 9 more- Rie Kugimiya Fushi
- Anairis Quinones Otako the Loyal Dog
- Cassandra Lee Morris Roka Ayatsumugi
- Casey Mongillo Noi Komazawa
- Kieran Regan Koto Okotteru
- Ryan Bartley Yachiyo Runami
- Yuko Natsuyoshi Kaguya
- Dawn M. Bennett Iroha Sakayori
- Frankie Kevich Yachiyo Runami
Cosmic Princess Kaguya! Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave Cosmic Princess Kaguya! 80% on Rotten Tomatoes. Our Echo Score gives it 78/100, strongest in sensory experience (85) and weakest in story & flow (58).
Cosmic Princess Kaguya! Echo Score Breakdown
Cosmic Princess Kaguya! delivers a visually striking experience complemented by a resonant soundtrack and heartfelt moments, but its narrative structure falters in pacing and cohesion. The animation and color palette are consistently praised, creating an immersive sensory world, while the music reinforces emotional beats throughout. However, the plot's rapid shifts and reliance on familiar tropes generate uneven engagement, leaving the story feeling both ambitious and under‑cooked. Overall, the film succeeds in style and sentiment, yet its storytelling weaknesses temper its lasting impact.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 84
In terms of art and craft, the film excels with vibrant settings, fluid animation, and meticulous character designs. Critics and users alike note the stability and polish of the visual execution, describing it as top‑tier and gorgeous. Directional missteps are mentioned, yet they do not significantly diminish the overall production quality. The visual mastery establishes a strong artistic foundation that stands out among contemporary releases.
- Character & Emotion 78
When evaluating character and emotion, the leads exhibit a warm rapport and the ensemble offers distinct personalities that connect with viewers. Many reviewers highlight the loveable and emotionally resonant portrayals, noting moments of genuine heart. Some criticism points to forced development in later scenes, but the overall impression of nuanced performances remains positive. Character dynamics contribute meaningfully to the film’s emotional core.
- Story & Flow 58
The story and flow present a mixed picture, blending an inventive modern retelling with pacing that some find dizzying. Reviewers acknowledge the originality of adapting the classic tale, yet cite rapid plot shifts, clichéd beats, and a contrived conclusion that weaken narrative impact. While the early sections engage and convey heartfelt themes, the latter half’s rushed execution hampers coherence and reduces overall storytelling effectiveness.
- Sensory Experience 85
Sensory experience is a standout strength, with a compelling soundtrack that intertwines vocaloid tracks and thematic scores. The audio design reinforces emotional arcs, and the visual style remains cohesive and striking throughout. Both critics and audiences praise the music’s ability to elevate scenes and the overall sound‑visual harmony. This sensory alignment amplifies the film’s immersive quality and contributes to its memorable atmosphere.
- Rewatch Factor 72
Rewatch factor is moderate to strong, as the film’s visual splendor and emotive moments encourage repeat viewings. Several viewers mention nostalgic resonance and lasting appeal, particularly regarding the music and thematic closure. Conversely, narrative shortcomings and uneven pacing may limit repeat engagement for some audiences. Overall, the blend of aesthetic appeal and emotional hooks provides enough incentive for viewers to return, though not uniformly for all.
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Rotten Tomatoes 80% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 89%
See on Rotten Tomatoes
Cosmic Princess Kaguya! Plot Summary & Ending Explained
What happens in Cosmic Princess Kaguya! from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 4-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
Iroha Sakayori [Anna Nagase] is a high school student who lives apart from her family after her father’s death, juggling classes, tuition, and a part‑time job while spending long hours in the immersive virtual realm of Tsukuyomi. One late night, a glowing pole seems to hum with energy, and inside it she finds a baby. She brings the infant home, and over the course of just a few days the child rapidly grows into a teenage girl who proclaims she’s from the Moon. She names herself Kaguya, a nod to the ancient folktale, and she is determined to craft a happier ending than the melancholy story.
Full summary
The whole story of Cosmic Princess Kaguya!, scene by scene, with the ending explained
Cosmic Princess Kaguya! Box Office
Cosmic Princess Kaguya! grossed $20.2 million worldwide.
Worldwide gross
$20.2M
- International
- $20.2M
How Well Do You Know Cosmic Princess Kaguya!?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
What is the name of the immersive virtual realm that Iroha spends long hours in?
Seen Cosmic Princess Kaguya!?
Articles About Cosmic Princess Kaguya!
Our article about Cosmic Princess Kaguya!: “Cosmic Princess Kaguya! (2026) – Critics Review, Fan Opinions, and Reception Overview”.
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Opinions
Cosmic Princess Kaguya! FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, post-credit scenes and language of Cosmic Princess Kaguya!, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Cosmic Princess Kaguya!?
Cosmic Princess Kaguya! runs 2 hours 23 minutes (143 minutes).
When was Cosmic Princess Kaguya! released?
Cosmic Princess Kaguya! was released on January 22, 2026.
Who directed Cosmic Princess Kaguya!?
Cosmic Princess Kaguya! was directed by Gavin Harrison and Shingo Yamashita.
More films by Gavin Harrison Who is in the cast of Cosmic Princess Kaguya!?
Cosmic Princess Kaguya! stars Jeannie Tirado as Kaguya, Saori Hayami as Yachiyo Runami and Anna Nagase as Iroha Sakayori, among 13 credited actors.
How much did Cosmic Princess Kaguya! make at the box office?
Cosmic Princess Kaguya! grossed $20.2 million worldwide.
How is Cosmic Princess Kaguya! rated?
Cosmic Princess Kaguya! has 80% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Does Cosmic Princess Kaguya! have a post-credit scene?
No. Cosmic Princess Kaguya! has no extra scene during or after the credits.
What language is Cosmic Princess Kaguya! in?
The original language of Cosmic Princess Kaguya! is Japanese.
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