The Tale of Princess Kaguya (Animation)

The Tale of Princess Kaguya (original title: Kaguya-hime no Monogatari) is a 2013 Japanese animated film directed by Isao Takahata and co-written with Riko Sakaguchi. Produced by Studio Ghibli, the film is based on the Japanese folk tale “The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter.” It was created using hand-drawn animation techniques and evokes the atmosphere of a classical fairy tale.

Plot

The film begins with an elderly bamboo cutter living in the countryside who discovers a tiny girl inside a glowing bamboo shoot. He and his wife raise the girl, who rapidly grows from a baby into a beautiful young woman. Kaguya’s extraordinary beauty attracts marriage proposals from five noble suitors. To reject them, she assigns each an almost impossible task. Later, the Emperor of Japan also proposes to her, but she refuses. Kaguya’s true identity is revealed to be that of a being from the Moon. When she realizes her time on Earth is ending, she is compelled—willingly or not—to return to her lunar life.

Themes

The film explores themes of belonging, freedom, societal expectations, and the relationship between nature and humanity. Kaguya’s inner conflicts reflect the tension between personal desires and the roles imposed by society. Her bond with nature stands in stark contrast to the oppressive structure of urban life. In the film’s conclusion, the erasure of memory underscores the fragility of identity and connection to the past.

Characters and Voice Cast

Kaguya

The central character of the film. She mysteriously emerges from within a bamboo stalk and rapidly matures into a beautiful young woman. In the Japanese version, she is voiced by Aki Asakura. In the English dub, she is voiced by Chloë Grace Moretz.

Sutemaru

The eldest boy in the village children’s group and Kaguya’s close childhood friend. When they reunite later, their past connection is rekindled. He is voiced in Japanese by Kengo Kôra.

Okina (The Bamboo Cutter)

The elderly man who finds Kaguya in the bamboo and raises her as his own daughter. In the Japanese version, he is voiced by Takeo Chii; in the English dub, by James Caan.

Ôna (The Bamboo Cutter’s Wife)

Kaguya’s kind and nurturing mother, who cares for her during her growth. Her Japanese voice is provided by Nobuko Miyamoto; her English voice by Mary Steenburgen.

Lady Sagami

The tutor who trains Kaguya to become a refined lady of the capital. Her Japanese voice is provided by Atsuko Takahata.

The Emperor (Mikado)

The highest-ranking suitor who seeks to marry Kaguya. His Japanese voice is provided by Shichinosuke Nakamura.

The Five Noble Suitors

Five high-status men who pursue Kaguya in marriage, each attempting to complete impossible tasks to win her. In the Japanese version, they are voiced by the following actors:

• Ishitsukuri no miko – Takaya Kamikawa
• Kuramochi no miko – Isao Hashizume
• Abe no udaijin – Hikaru Ijûin
• Ôtomo no dainagon – Ryûdô Uzaki
• Others are voiced by supporting cast members.

The moment Kaguya is found (IMDb)

Production

The film was produced in collaboration by Studio Ghibli, Dentsu, and Hakuhodo DY Media Partners. Isao Takahata served as director and co-wrote the screenplay with Riko Sakaguchi. The film was created using traditional hand-drawn animation rather than digital techniques, a deliberate choice to connect with traditional Japanese art and aesthetics. Details such as the layered ceremonial kimono known as “jūnihitoe” reflect the clothing of the period’s aristocracy. Color palettes, line quality, and design language are aligned with the characters’ social status and seasonal costume changes.

Box Office Performance

The film’s estimated production budget was approximately 5 billion Japanese yen. It earned a total of $974,913 in the United States and Canada. Its opening weekend (October 19, 2014) in the U.S.-Canada region generated $54,915. Globally, the film concluded its theatrical run with approximately $24,751,400 in box office revenue.

These figures indicate that the film’s international distribution was limited and its commercial success was primarily driven by domestic screenings in Japan.

Animation still of Kaguya (IMDB)

Awards and Nominations

The Tale of Princess Kaguya received an Oscar nomination for Best Animated Feature at the 87th Academy Awards (2015). This marked a significant moment of international recognition for Studio Ghibli following its previous successes.

• The film won a total of 13 awards and received 38 nominations across various platforms including international film festivals, critics’ associations, and animation awards.