Cosmic Princess Kaguya!

Cosmic Princess Kaguya! Episode 1: A Neon-Drenched Fantasy That Hits Different

Let’s cut straight to the chase: Cosmic Princess Kaguya! isn’t your grandma’s Tale of the Bamboo Cutter. Studio Colorido and Studio Chromato took that classic Japanese folktale, threw it into a blender with Vocaloid bops, neon-lit virtual worlds, and a relatable teen protagonist, and hit “blend.” The result? A first episode that feels like if Your Name and Vocaloid Concert had a love child—chaotic, colorful, and weirdly heartfelt.

First off, let’s talk about Iroha Sakayori, our 17-year-old lead. She’s a Tokyo high schooler juggling part-time shifts at a café and cramming for exams, which is basically every teen’s worst nightmare. But then Kaguya crashes into her life—literally. This cosmic princess from the virtual realm Tsukuyomi is on the run from… well, we don’t get all the details yet, but she’s got that “I’m here to shake things up” energy. And shake things up she does. The moment Kaguya drags Iroha into Tsukuyomi? My eyes were glued to the screen. The visuals are insane—think Cyberpunk: Edgerunners but with pastels and floating cherry blossoms. Every frame feels like a piece of art, and you can tell the animators poured their souls into making Tsukuyomi feel both magical and overwhelming.

Now, the music. Oh, the music. The film’s powered by Vocaloid tracks, and let me tell you—they slap. The opening number, “Stardust Melody,” is stuck in my head three days later. It’s upbeat, catchy, and perfectly captures Iroha’s mix of excitement and confusion as she navigates this new world. Even the quieter moments have these soft, piano-driven tunes that make you feel for Iroha when she’s missing her old life. But here’s the thing: it’s not just about the bops. The music ties into the story too. Kaguya uses her songs to manipulate Tsukuyomi’s environment—like when she sings to make a bridge of light appear or to distract a group of “data guardians.” It’s creative, and it adds this layer of whimsy that keeps the episode from feeling too dark.

But what do fans think? Let’s dive into the MyAnimeList comments (because, let’s be real, that’s where the tea is). One user called it “a grand first episode” with “astounding direction,” and I couldn’t agree more. The pacing is tight—we get introduced to Iroha’s struggles, meet Kaguya, and dive into Tsukuyomi all in 24 minutes. No filler, no fluff—just straight-up fun. Another fan loved the “read receipts segment” (wait, yes! The part where Iroha panics over Kaguya seeing she left her on read? Relatable content only). And let’s not forget the arm-wrestling scene—Chika’s cheating was so obvious, but I laughed so hard I snort-laughed. Classic Chika move.

But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Some fans thought it was “too boring” or “not their vibe,” which is fair. If you’re into slow-burn dramas, this might not be for you. The humor is over-the-top, and the plot moves fast—like, KonoSuba fast. But if you’re here for a good time, you’ll love it. One comment even said it’s “equal to KonoSuba and 10 levels below Gintama,” which is high praise in my book.

What I love most about this episode is how it balances chaos with heart. Iroha’s journey isn’t just about saving Kaguya—it’s about finding her own voice. She’s been so busy taking care of everyone else (her little sister, her boss, her grades) that she’s forgotten to dream. But Kaguya? She’s all about chasing dreams. Their dynamic is adorable—Kaguya is the chaotic extrovert to Iroha’s anxious introvert, and watching them bounce off each other is pure joy.

The ending leaves us on a cliffhanger, of course. Kaguya reveals she needs Iroha’s help to find a “Star Fragment” that can save Tsukuyomi, and Iroha has to decide if she’s willing to risk everything to help a princess she just met. It’s a classic “call to adventure,” but the way it’s framed—with Iroha looking up at the neon sky, holding Kaguya’s hand—feels fresh. You can tell this is going to be a story about friendship, courage, and learning to let go of your fears.

Is Cosmic Princess Kaguya! perfect? No. The plot is a bit vague in places, and some of the jokes land better than others. But does it matter? Not really. This episode is all about having fun, and it delivers that in spades. The animation is stunning, the music is infectious, and the characters are instantly likable. If you’re a fan of fantasy, music, or just need a pick-me-up, this is the show for you.

So, to sum it up: Cosmic Princess Kaguya! Episode 1 is a wild ride that leaves you wanting more. It’s not just an anime—it’s an experience. And honestly? I can’t wait to see where Iroha and Kaguya’s journey takes them next. If the rest of the series is half as good as this episode, we’re in for a treat.

Final thought: If you haven’t watched it yet, do yourself a favor and check it out. Just make sure you have your volume up—those Vocaloid tracks deserve to be played loud.

Rating: 8/10 — A neon-drenched fantasy that’s equal parts fun and heart. Perfect for anyone who loves music, magic, and relatable teen chaos.

P.S. The Discord reference? Chef’s kiss. Who knew anime characters used the same app we do to spam memes? Relatable queen behavior.