- Kokuho set a new live-action record with ¥17.38 billion box office receipts and 12.3 million admissions.
- Its kabuki concept triggered a rekindled interest in Japanese classical theatre.
- The film’s Cannes premiere and Oscar submission have boosted its global popularity.
Kokuho, a three-hour historical drama based on kabuki traditions, has thrown off Japan's long-standing box office order. The film, directed by Lee Sang-il, is based on Shuichi Yoshida's novel, premiered in Japan on June 6, 2025. Kokuho has now overtaken all competitors to become the most successful Japanese live-action release on record.
Kokuho, Japan’s Highest-Grossing Live-Action, Surpasses Bayside Shakedown
According to Toho, Kokuho grossed ¥17.38 billion at the box office as of November 25. This surpasses the previous record of ¥17.35 billion set by Bayside Shakedown 2 in 2003. As per industry data, Kokuho grossed more than 12.3 million admissions throughout its 172-day theatrical run, accounting for about one in every 10 Japanese citizens.
The story spans five decades and follows two talented kabuki players, played by Ryo Yoshizawa and Ryusei Yokohama, as their friendship and competition develop within the rigid rituals of classical theatre. Additionally, Ken Watanabe's supporting performance provides depth to the movie.
Kokuho Challenges Japan’s Anime-Led Box-Office
Despite being the world's third-largest film market, Japan had a shortage of live-action hits for the past 22 years. This reveals how much anime dominates Japan's box office. Every seven out of the top ten films in the country are animated. The live-action sector lags behind huge animated hits like Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - Mugen Train and Spirited Away, as well as overseas live-action films like Titanic and Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.
Nevertheless, Kokuho’s departure from that norm implies that viewers are becoming more receptive to culturally oriented stories (in this case, a kabuki theatre-centric story). It presently leads in live-action grosses, standing 11th in Japan's all-time box office.
As reported by venue organizers, the Kabukiza Theatre in Tokyo received around 10,000 first-time visitors during July and October, marking nearly a 30% increase in visitor numbers over the previous year. Industry reports also suggest that Yoshida's source novel has sold 2 million units.
Kokuho Success: Cannes Premiere Boosts Oscar Prospects
Japan has selected Kokuho as its entry for Best International Feature Film at the upcoming Oscars (Academy Awards). The film’s screening during the Directors' Fortnight at the Cannes Film Festival in 2025 increased its artistic weight.
Last year, in 2024, Japan had significant Oscar success. Godzilla Minus One received Best Visual Effects, while Hayao Miyazaki's The Boy and the Heron won Best Animated Feature. Nevertheless, it remains a question if the domestic triumph will culminate into international awards and honors. However, its box office performance has already shifted norms for Japanese live action.
