Japan’s Kokuho Becomes Box Office Phenomenon and Oscar Contender

TLDR: The widely acclaimed Japanese period drama Kokuho became a box office phenomenon, earning more than USD 112 million.

An Unexpected Box Office Triumph for Kokuho

In a challenging year for cinemas, the Japanese period drama Kokuho has emerged as one of the country’s biggest success stories. The nearly three-hour epic has become Japan’s highest-grossing live-action film of all time, earning more than USD 112 million at the box office.

Following its acclaimed premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, the film is now considered a strong contender for the Academy Award for Best International Feature.

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A 15-Year Passion Project

Director Lee Sang-il spent 15 years bringing Kokuho to the screen, adapting Shuichi Yoshida’s acclaimed 800-page novel.

The story follows two kabuki performers whose friendship gradually transforms into rivalry and obsession over the course of five decades, exploring themes of ambition, artistry, and sacrifice.

Lead actors Ryō Yoshizawa and Ryusei Yokohama underwent nearly two years of intensive kabuki training under master performer Nakamura Ganjirō IV.

Their performances are supported by acclaimed actors Ken Watanabe and Min Tanaka, with the film’s elaborate stage sequences beautifully captured by cinematographer Sofian El Fani.

Rather than creating a traditional introduction to kabuki theatre, Lee Sang-il focused on telling a deeply human story. The performances within the film reflect the characters’ emotional journeys, exploring universal themes such as beauty, personal sacrifice, artistic obsession, and the blurred line between life on stage and life beyond it.

A Carefully Chosen Cast Paired with Engrossing Themes

Lee praised Ryō Yoshizawa for bringing both elegance and emotional depth to the role of Kikuo, while describing Ryusei Yokohama’s Shunsuke as the perfect emotional counterpart. Together, the two actors create a compelling dynamic that drives the film’s central relationship.

The director also explored the relationship between beauty and brutality through Kikuo’s artistic vision. According to Lee, moments of great beauty often contain an element of darkness, shaping the protagonist’s lifelong pursuit of artistic perfection following the tragic loss of his father.

A Possible Revival in the Traditional Kabuki Theatre

Beyond its remarkable box office performance, Kokuho has sparked renewed public interest in traditional kabuki theatre across Japan.

Major theatres have reported increased attendance, particularly among younger audiences, while sales of Shuichi Yoshida’s original novel have surged several times over since the film’s release.