Cosmic Princess Kaguya! Voice Actresses Hit THE FIRST TAKE to Sing BUMP OF CHICKEN's "ray"

《超時空輝耀姬！》聲優登THE FIRST TAKE！演唱BUMP OF CHICKEN經典〈ray〉

Global Netflix Hit: Cosmic Princess Kaguya! Takes the World by Storm

Released on Netflix in early 2026, the original anime film Cosmic Princess Kaguya! has sparked widespread conversation across social media thanks to its distinctive worldbuilding and stunning visual artistry. The title has held the top spot on Japan's daily film chart and ranked highly in multiple international markets, proving its universal appeal.

Directed by Shingo Yamashita and co-produced by Studio Colorido and Studio Chromato, the film weaves Japan's classical tale The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter together with a sci-fi virtual realm called "Tsukuyomi." As the film's popularity continues to surge, the official team announced on May 1 that two of its key voice performers would make their debut on the acclaimed music channel THE FIRST TAKE.

Episode 661: Yuuko Natsuyoshi × Saori Hayami Take on the One-Take Challenge

For THE FIRST TAKE's 661st installment, Yuuko Natsuyoshi—who voices the protagonist Kaguya—and Saori Hayami—who voices Yachiyo Runami—will step up to deliver a live one-take performance with no second chances.

The two will perform "ray — Cosmic Princess Kaguya! Version", the film's ending theme. The song's original recording was released by Japanese rock band BUMP OF CHICKEN in 2014 and gained widespread recognition through a landmark collaboration with virtual singer Hatsune Miku, cementing its status as a cross-generational favorite.

This new arrangement was crafted by producer TAKU INOUE, who preserves the original's spirit of embracing life and connection while layering in a digital texture and emotional depth that complement the film's atmosphere—breathing fresh life into a beloved classic over a decade after its debut.

Exclusive Highlight: An In-Character Monologue from Kaguya Herself

The THE FIRST TAKE version features a special touch: mirroring the style of the official music video, Yuuko Natsuyoshi will deliver an exclusive opening monologue as Kaguya before the song begins. This narrative addition transforms the performance into a uniquely immersive experience distinct from the standard CD release.

Both voice actresses shared their thoughts on the recording session:

Yuuko Natsuyoshi: "'ray' had already been treasured by so many people long before Cosmic Princess Kaguya! came to life, so I won't pretend I didn't feel the pressure. But what moved me was how perfectly every single lyric aligned with the world of this story—as if the song had always been waiting for it."
Saori Hayami: "While recording, I found myself revisiting the inner lives of the characters all over again. It was a truly extraordinary feeling that's hard to put into words."

Broadcast Details

Premiere Date & Time: May 1, 2026, at 10:00 PM JST
Song Performed: "ray — Cosmic Princess Kaguya! Version"
Performers: Yuuko Natsuyoshi, Saori Hayami

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is Cosmic Princess Kaguya!?

Cosmic Princess Kaguya! is a Netflix original anime film directed by Shingo Yamashita. It reimagines the classic Japanese tale The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter through a science-fiction lens, incorporating the virtual world of Tsukuyomi. Since its early 2026 release, the film has earned enthusiastic responses from audiences worldwide.

Q2: Who originally performed "ray"?

"ray" was originally recorded by Japanese rock band BUMP OF CHICKEN and released in 2014. The version featuring a collaboration with virtual singer Hatsune Miku brought the track to a massive audience. The Cosmic Princess Kaguya! version features new arrangements by TAKU INOUE.

Q3: What makes the THE FIRST TAKE performance special?

Beyond the inherent tension of a one-take recording, Yuuko Natsuyoshi performs an exclusive in-character monologue as Kaguya at the start of the song, adding a storytelling dimension not found in the standard release.