The Tale of the Princess Kaguya, an anime by Studio Ghibli, retells one of Japan’s oldest and most loved stories, The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter. It starts with a bamboo cutter named Sanuki no Miyatsuko finding a tiny girl inside a glowing bamboo shoot. Believing she is special, Miyatsuko and his wife raise her as their own, calling her Princess and later Kaguya. This anime captures the magic of the original story while adding deep emotions that touch the hearts of today’s viewers.
The Tale of the Princess Kaguya is a beautifully told story that explores themes of identity, freedom, and the fleeting nature of life. Studio Ghibli’s adaptation is visually stunning, with its watercolor-like animation giving a magical feel to Kaguya’s world. The emotions of the characters, especially Kaguya’s inner struggle and her parents’ love, are deeply moving. The film’s balance of magical elements and relatable human feelings makes it a timeless story.
Story Overview (Spoiler Alert)
The story begins with Kaguya growing quickly and being called Takenoko (Little Bamboo) by the village children. Her happy childhood, full of laughter and close friendships, especially with a boy named Sutemaru, ends suddenly when her father finds gold and fine cloth in the bamboo grove. Thinking these are signs of her royal status, he moves the family to the city to make her a proper princess. The difference between her joyful village life and the strict noble life is a big part of Kaguya’s struggle.
Kaguya’s journey is about finding herself and fighting against strict rules. Her forced transformation into a noblewoman, guided by a strict governess, shows how hard it is for her to adjust. Kaguya believes life should have laughter and challenges, showing her desire for real human experiences instead of fancy things.
As Kaguya grows, her beauty attracts many suitors, including five noblemen who compare her to magical treasures. Not wanting to marry any of them, she gives them impossible tasks to find these legendary items. Their failures and lies make her even sadder, leading to an encounter with the Emperor, who makes unwanted advances. To escape, Kaguya reveals she can disappear, showing her otherworldly origins and desperation to leave her restricted life.
Kaguya’s celestial origin is revealed: she was once from the Moon and chose to live on Earth, breaking Moon laws. When she prays to the Moon for help during the Emperor’s advances, she learns she must return. This brings a sense of loss for her, her adoptive parents, and her friends.
In a touching moment, Kaguya returns to her hometown and reunites with Sutemaru. Their brief, magical flight symbolizes her desire for freedom and connection. But as the Moon’s pull becomes too strong, she is taken away from Sutemaru, leaving him to wake up alone, thinking it was a dream. This bittersweet goodbye shows how short-lived human happiness and sorrow can be.
The story ends with celestial beings coming to take Kaguya back. Despite her resistance, an attendant puts a robe on her that erases her memories of Earth. Her final moments are heart-wrenching as she tearfully looks back at her life on Earth before going to the Moon. Miyatsuko and his wife are left heartbroken, showing the deep bonds formed during Kaguya’s time on Earth.
This anime is not just a retelling of an old story; it is a reflection on life. It reminds us of the beauty and pain in life’s short moments and the struggle between society’s rules and personal freedom. The Tale of the Princess Kaguya is a masterpiece that stays with you long after it ends, showing the power of myths and the magic of Studio Ghibli.
