The Tale of Princess Kaguya, a Summary

The animation was based on famous Japanese folklore, the tale of the bamboo cutter. 

Birth of Princess Kaguya

          It describes the life of a woman named Princess Kaguya who was born from the shoot of a bamboo tree, raised by the bamboo cutter and his wife with generous love. When the bamboo cutter was blessed with fortune mysteriously taken from more bamboo trees to care for the bamboo child, he was certain that her happiness lies not in the rural but by living like princess of a noble house. Therefore, the bamboo cutter spent the fortunes to build himself and Princess Kaguya's name in the city to the point where every man in the city would fight for her hand, no matter the cost. 


          Princess Kaguya however does not enjoy the serene lady life her father thought she deserves. Princess Kaguya longed to return to the village where she grew up, and to once again play with her poor childhood friends. She forces her desire to be caged for her father's wants, and after an event that lead to a man's death, Princess Kaguya falls into depression. The news of Princess Kaguya extraordinary beauty eventually reaches the emperor, and he tries to woe her but like every other men, the emperor fails. The arrogant emperor then attempt to force himself on her, resulting with the terrified Princess Kaguya wishing from the bottom of her heart to be free of this world. 

Lonesome Princess Kaguya

          Her wishes was heard by the moon dwellers, the origin of Princess Kaguya being. The moon dwellers promises to take her back, a promise that Princess Kaguya cannot take back. Princess Kaguya's love for her parents made her regret the wish she had made but despite her begging, the moon dwellers will come for her on the next full moon. The bamboo cutter regrets his rash actions and called upon men to defend Princess Kaguya from being taken. On the promised day, the moon dwellers came. All attacks on them were easily deflected. 

          The moon dwellers assures her that her life will be free of impurities when she joins them. Still loving her earthly life, Princess Kaguya defends all that she had experienced as the treasure of life. The moon dwellers then drapes a robe that can erase her previous memory around Princess Kaguya. With a heavy heart, Princess Kaguya left earth, leaving the love she had for her distraught parents, her friends, and the life she had made.

---

Picture from: www.bfi.org.uk and allmults.org