Following a very successful release in Japan – where it earned over $100 million and became the second highest-grossing live-action film there – Kokuho is coming to the United States. GKIDS, the acclaimed producer and distributor, will first show the film for one week in Los Angeles and New York City. This gives audiences a chance to see Japan’s official submission for Best International Feature at the 98th Academy Awards before it’s released nationwide.
Sang-il Lee, the director known in the US for his work on Pachinko season 2, brings us a film starring Ryo Yoshizawa, a beloved actor from Kamen Rider. Yoshizawa underwent 18 months of Kabuki training to transform into Kikuo, a performer striving for artistic perfection.
Set in 1964 Nagasaki, Kokuho tells the story of Kikuo, a young boy raised by a Kabuki actor (played by Ken Watanabe) after his father passes away. Over many years, Kikuo and the actor’s son, Shunsuke (Ryusei Yokohama, known for his role in the Japanese version of Nevertheless), motivate each other to excel in the art of Kabuki.
The trailer reveals Kikuo has a difficult past – his father was a leader in the Yakuza, a Japanese crime syndicate. This makes his journey to succeed in the competitive world of theater even harder. Despite facing criticism, Hanjiro, played by Watanabe, is committed to nurturing Kikuo alongside his own son, and this drives him to push Kikuo to be his best.
This unique connection deeply unites the boys, but also sparks jealousy and ultimately leads to heartbreak and betrayal as they chase their ambitions. Despite the pain, the film is filled with a breathtaking beauty thanks to its focus on art, theater, and performance.
The film Kokuho has been highly praised at several film festivals, including Cannes, Shanghai, Toronto, and AFI Fest. Now, GKIDS, the distributor of Hayao Miyazaki’s Oscar-winning The Boy and the Heron (2024), plans to release Kokuho in U.S. cinemas, bringing the art of Kabuki to a wider audience.
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2025-10-30 21:58