Lee Sang-il’s gripping kabuki-themed epic “Kokuho” has smashed Japan’s box office records as the country’s highest-grossing domestic live-action film in more than two decades. The movie has garnered ¥17.38 billion, or $111 million, in revenue to date, surpassing a 22-year-old record held by the 2003 comedy “Bayside Shakedown 2” that earned ¥17.35 billion. A Sony and Aniplex production with Myriagon Studio, “Kokuho” has drawn in over 12 million viewers since June 2025, which is no small feat considering its nearly three-hour runtime and niche subject matter centered on traditional kabuki theatre.
The movie follows half a century in the lives of kabuki actors, capturing the fierce rivalries and artistic fervor within this centuries-old Japanese art form. Its release has not only enchanted cinema audiences nationwide but also reawakened interest in live kabuki performances across Japan, returning younger audiences to theaters. Distributed by Toho, “Kokuho” is also Japan’s official submission for the 2026 Oscars’ Best International Feature category, marking its rising global acclaim.
That’s all the more remarkable because the box office in recent years has been dominated by anime and franchise movies. Kokuho Rose succeeds due to a strong domestic appetite for rich storytelling with cultural resonance. Following its North American premiere at Toronto, it will expand into a wider U.S. release in 2026, promising to introduce global audiences to the dazzling world of kabuki through immersive storytelling and sumptuous visuals.
This record-breaking milestone speaks to the enduring appeal of Japanese live-action cinema and the commercial potential of high-quality, locally rooted stories in an era dominated by blockbuster franchises. “Kokuho” stands as testimony to the power of traditional Japanese art forms ringing in with contemporary audiences at home and abroad.
