by The Netflix animated film Super Kaguyahime!, which premiered on January 22, has quickly become a major hit both in Japan and overseas. While many viewers initially approached the film out of curiosity for its strong ties to Vocaloid culture, it has proven to be much more than a nostalgic tribute.
With music produced by renowned Vocaloid creators such as ryo (supercell), kz (livetune), 40mP, HoneyWorks, Aqu3ra, and yuigot, Super Kaguyahime! blends internet-era music culture with emotional storytelling. However, what makes the film truly powerful is not just its soundtrack—it is the way it uses Vocaloid music as a storytelling device.
This article explores how Super Kaguyahime! transcends nostalgia to become a must-watch anime for modern fans.
Story Overview: A Girl, a Mystery, and a Virtual World
The protagonist, Aya Sakayori, is a hardworking high school girl balancing school, part-time work, and her activities as an aspiring idol. Her life changes dramatically when she discovers a mysterious baby emerging from a rainbow-colored telephone pole.
The child grows at an unnatural speed and becomes deeply fascinated with an online virtual platform called Tsukuyomi, a digital space where livestreamers and performers connect with audiences. Aya soon finds herself involved in this virtual world, helping with live performances and online broadcasts.
As the story unfolds, themes of identity, connection, loneliness, and self-expression begin to surface—turning what seems like a fantasy adventure into something far more intimate and emotional.
A Love Letter to Vocaloid Culture
One of the film’s biggest draws is its connection to Vocaloid culture, particularly the early Nico Nico Douga era.
Iconic songs such as:
- “Happy Synthesizer”
- “World is Mine”
are performed within the Tsukuyomi live scenes by characters like Kaguya and Tsukimi Yachiyo. These performances are not random references—they are carefully crafted homages to the golden age of Vocaloid music.
For example, during the performance of “World is Mine,” Kaguya collapses to the floor while singing passionately, hand pressed against her chest. This scene appears to pay tribute to the original Nico Nico Douga music video directed by ryo, a moment instantly recognizable to long-time fans.
The film also features original tracks written specifically by famous Vocaloid producers, and the characters even upload “cover videos” to YouTube within the story, mirroring real online creator culture.
Rather than simply borrowing aesthetics, Super Kaguyahime! respectfully recreates the atmosphere of early internet music communities.
Why It’s More Than Just Nostalgia
If the film had only relied on nostalgia, it likely would have attracted a niche audience of Vocaloid fans—but not the explosive popularity it currently enjoys.
The true innovation of Super Kaguyahime! lies in its narrative structure.
Instead of using songs as background decoration, the story is told through Vocaloid music. The emotional turning points align with performances. Lyrics reflect internal conflicts. Concert scenes reveal character psychology.
This approach transforms familiar songs into emotional storytelling tools.
For new viewers unfamiliar with Vocaloid culture, the music still works because it carries the emotional weight of the characters’ journeys.
For long-time fans, it becomes something deeper: a reinterpretation of the culture that shaped their youth.
Virtual Divas and Subverted Expectations
At first glance, Kaguya and Yachiyo—powerful performers within the Tsukuyomi virtual world—may remind viewers of “virtual diva” stories such as:
- Belle (directed by Mamoru Hosoda)
Like those works, Super Kaguyahime! explores online personas and digital performance. However, the film intentionally sets up this expectation—only to gently subvert it.
Without revealing spoilers, the emotional core of the story evolves into something far more grounded and intimate. Beneath the virtual performances lies a deeply personal narrative centered on connection, vulnerability, and a nuanced exploration of yuri (girls’ love) themes.
Rather than sensationalizing the relationship, the film treats it with sincerity and emotional maturity.
The Music as Emotional Language
The soundtrack deserves special recognition. Producers from different eras of Vocaloid culture bring unique styles:
- Electronic pop nostalgia
- Emotional ballads
- High-energy performance tracks
- Intimate acoustic pieces
Together, they create a layered soundscape that mirrors the emotional complexity of the characters.
The music is not simply catchy—it functions as emotional dialogue.
For modern anime fans accustomed to strong musical storytelling (such as in idol anime or musical dramas), Super Kaguyahime! feels both familiar and refreshingly new.
Global Appeal Beyond Japan
The film’s success overseas highlights how internet culture has erased geographical boundaries. Vocaloid, once a niche Japanese online subculture, has become a global phenomenon.
Streaming platforms like Netflix have introduced Super Kaguyahime! to:
- North American audiences
- Southeast Asian fans
- European anime communities
Its themes of online identity and digital self-expression resonate strongly with Gen Z and younger millennials.
Final Thoughts: A Masterpiece for the Digital Generation
Super Kaguyahime! succeeds because it does three things exceptionally well:
- Honors Vocaloid culture without reducing it to nostalgia.
- Uses music as a narrative engine rather than decoration.
- Tells a deeply emotional story about connection in the digital age.
For older fans, it feels like revisiting a treasured era of internet creativity.
For younger viewers, it feels like a bold and modern anime about identity and belonging.
Ultimately, Super Kaguyahime! is not just a “Vocaloid anime.” It is a heartfelt coming-of-age story that understands how music, the internet, and human emotion intertwine in today’s world.
If you’re looking for an anime film that blends technology, music, and sincere emotional storytelling, this is one you shouldn’t miss.
