Kokuho Shines Bright in a Challenging Year for Film
Amid the ongoing struggles faced by the film industry, one of the few bright spots for 2025 emerged unexpectedly through the Japanese period drama *Kokuho*. Spanning nearly three hours, this epic showcases the intricate world of traditional kabuki theater, exceeding all expectations as both a critical success and the highest-grossing live-action film in Japan’s history. The film debuted to modest praise in the Directors’ Fortnight section at Cannes in May, quickly gaining traction in Japan through word-of-mouth and amassing over $112 million in revenue. Following a limited awards-qualifying release in Los Angeles and New York this autumn, which set the stage for a broader U.S. release anticipated in early 2026, *Kokuho* is now viewed as a formidable contender for the Academy Award for Best International Feature.
Director Lee Sang-il’s Vision
Directed by Lee Sang-il, *Kokuho*, translating to “national treasure,” is adapted from an extensive two-volume novel penned by the esteemed author Shuichi Yoshida. Yoshida dedicated years to studying kabuki theater from behind the scenes, which greatly influenced the narrative. The film intricately chronicles the intertwined lives of two kabuki performers over fifty years: an orphaned onnagata prodigy, a male actor who specializes in female roles, and a scion of a prestigious theatrical family. Their bond is complicated by themes of obsession, rivalry, and ultimately, transcendence. As noted in *THR’s* review, Lee delivers a “transporting and operatic saga” that interweaves backstage drama, themes of inheritance, and the journey of an artist into a profound exploration of ambition and sacrifice.
Lee’s Journey in Filmmaking
Born in Niigata in 1974 to a Korean-Japanese family, Lee’s path through Japan’s challenging independent film landscape culminated in his breakout film, *Hula Girls* (2006), which garnered multiple Japan Academy Prizes and established his knack for merging accessible storytelling with insightful social commentary. His subsequent works, such as the intense crime drama *Villain* (2010) and the ensemble tragedy *Rage* (2016), often drawn from Yoshida’s narratives, showcased darker, morally complex themes. Lee recently embraced the high production values of prestige television, directing episodes of Apple TV+’s *Pachinko*. However, *Kokuho* stands as his most personal project yet, a labor of love that involved nearly two years of rigorous kabuki training for stars Ryō Yoshizawa and Ryusei Yokohama, guided by master actor Nakamura Ganjirō IV. Their performances, marked by contrasting emotional depth, are pivotal to the film’s impact, further enhanced by Ken Watanabe’s authoritative presence as the patriarch shaping their journey, and the haunting performance of dancer-actor Min Tanaka, who embodies an elder onnagata, infusing the film with a spiritual resonance.
Reviving Interest in Kabuki
Filmed within three months yet shaped by years of preparation, *Kokuho* features captivating kabuki sequences, captured in stunning close-ups by cinematographer Sofian El Fani, known for *Blue Is the Warmest Color*. These sequences have not only revitalized Japan’s box office but also sparked renewed interest in kabuki, with major theaters reporting increased attendance, particularly among younger audiences. After a successful run at various international festivals, *Kokuho* is set to screen at this week’s Red Sea International Film Festival in Saudi Arabia.
Exploring Kabuki’s Depths
In a recent conversation via Zoom, Lee discussed his long-standing fascination with onnagata performers and the artistic vision behind *Kokuho*. He initially became intrigued by the legendary onnagata Utaemon Nakamura, revered as the greatest of his time. Lee’s interest deepened after collaborating with Yoshida on the film *Villain*, which led to the development of *Kokuho*. In Yoshida’s novel, the character representing Utaemon is Mangiku, portrayed by Tanaka. While Lee and Yoshida didn’t frequently converse during the novel’s creation, Lee believes his enthusiasm for kabuki planted the seeds for the story.
Making Kabuki Accessible
Addressing the challenge of making kabuki accessible to a broader audience, Lee pointed to the themes present in Yoshida’s writing, particularly the tension between preserving traditional kabuki bloodlines and the limited opportunities for outsiders. This conflict, along with the kabuki artist’s relentless pursuit of beauty, serves as the emotional core of *Kokuho*. The film, while embodying the intricacies of kabuki, also tells a universal story of an artist striving for greatness, often at a personal cost.
Immersive Cinematic Experience
Lee’s approach to integrating kabuki performances within the film was to ensure that they complemented the characters’ personal narratives, rather than serving as mere introductions to the art form. He aimed to create an immersive experience where the audience could feel a deep emotional connection beyond the makeup and costumes. This idea is reflected in a poignant scene where Kikuo’s performance parallels his internal struggles, mirroring the character’s journey toward self-discovery.
Visual Authenticity in Period Drama
Creating a visually authentic period drama posed its own challenges, especially given the drastic evolution of contemporary Japanese cities. Lee’s strategy involved ensuring that both the kabuki aspects and the historical settings felt genuine. Instead of relying on typical visual markers to indicate changes in time, he collaborated with the production designer to subtly reflect these shifts through the characters’ environments, costumes, and hair, enhancing the film’s continuity.
Choosing the Right Actors
Lee expressed that Ryō Yoshizawa was the sole actor he considered for the role of Kikuo due to his striking beauty and an internal depth that conveys openness and passion. This combination of qualities allowed Yoshizawa to embody the complex emotions of the character effectively. In contrast, Ryusei Yokohama brought a relatable, nurturing presence to Shunsuke, complementing Kikuo’s more intense nature.
Balancing Realism and Artistic Liberty
Throughout the filmmaking process, Lee conducted extensive research to ensure that any liberties taken with the portrayal of kabuki were intentional. While the cast were not professional kabuki actors, they underwent rigorous training, guided by an advisor to ensure authenticity. However, Lee allowed for moments of emotional expression that would diverge from traditional kabuki practices, enhancing the film’s emotional resonance.
Embodiment of Onnagata’s Ethereal Beauty
Discussing the concept of onnagata, Lee described them as embodying an ethereal beauty that transcends gender. This elusive quality is difficult to articulate, yet it manifests powerfully through the actors’ performances. Min Tanaka, in particular, was noted for his ability to express this duality through movement, showcasing the depth of his character’s experience.
Kikuo’s Artistic Vision and Sacrifice
The film also explores Kikuo’s artistic vision, which is symbolized by ethereal images of stars or falling snow. This imagery represents his pursuit of beauty, intertwined with themes of brutality and sacrifice. Lee conveyed that Kikuo’s journey highlights the complex relationship between artistic greatness and personal loss, raising questions about the cost of pursuing excellence in art.
The Impact of Kokuho on Japanese Audiences
Reflecting on the film’s success, Lee described the experience as overwhelming, comparing it to being tossed in a washing machine. He attributed the film’s resonance with audiences to its exploration of the human sacrifices made by kabuki actors and the universal themes of beauty and connection. Lee aimed to capture the essence of humanity within the narrative, which likely contributed to its profound impact.
Future Possibilities for Kokuho’s Story
Finally, when asked about the potential for a limited-series adaptation of *Kokuho*, Lee expressed reservations. The unique preparation and training required for the film would make it challenging to replicate the same experience. Instead, he encouraged viewers to engage with Yoshida’s original, expansive novel, which offers further insights into the story and characters.
