A new film, 'Kokuho,' is drawing attention for its portrayal of the intricate world of kabuki theatre, focusing on themes of tradition, rivalry, and the challenges of succession within the art form. The movie, which has achieved significant box office success in Japan and is Japan's official entry for the Academy Awards, offers a look backstage at the rigorous demands and personal dramas that shape the lives of kabuki performers.
The film 'Kokuho' is set in the demanding and tradition-bound world of kabuki theatre. It tells the story of Kikuo, an orphaned son of a yakuza boss, who navigates his way into the highest levels of kabuki. The narrative explores his journey, his talent, and the deeply rooted customs of the art form, particularly concerning the designation of a successor. The film is also highlighted for its detailed depiction of authentic kabuki performances and backstage life, featuring elaborate production design and intricate costumes.
Read More: Redux Redux Film: Mother's Revenge Across Universes Changes Her Life
Plot and Character Dynamics
'Kokuho' centers on the protagonist Kikuo, whose natural talent is evident from his early audition, described as effortlessly surpassing both high and low bars of success. The film suggests his rise within kabuki is predestined by the dying grand master, Hanjiro, who sees Kikuo as his replacement.
Succession Conflict: A key element of the film's drama stems from Hanjiro's biological son, who is also trained in kabuki. This son, despite his training, reportedly lacks Kikuo's natural brilliance.
Rivalry and Friendship: The relationship between Kikuo and Shunsuke, the son of Kikuo's kabuki teacher and the technical heir to the legacy, is presented as a complex mix of deep friendship and underlying rivalry. This tension is a persistent theme, even as they achieve success performing together.
Personal and Professional Stakes: The film delves into the sacrifices and disciplined beauty of traditional kabuki arts, involving elements of death, illness, betrayal, romance, and deception.
Kabuki's Current Landscape
The film's success is viewed against the backdrop of kabuki's ongoing efforts to maintain its relevance and attract new audiences and practitioners.
Apprentice Shortage: Kabuki faces a challenge in attracting apprentices, which is the traditional route for aspiring performers. The National Theatre Training School, responsible for training a significant portion of current kabuki performers, has seen a low number of applicants for its courses.
Public Interest: Despite the challenges in recruitment, specific events related to kabuki can still generate substantial public interest. An appearance by Nakamura Ganjiro IV and director Lee Sang-il at the National Theatre saw 2,200 applications for only 100 available seats.
Film as a Bridge: 'Kokuho' is seen as a potential bridge, connecting ancient art with modern audiences and aiming to contribute to the revival of kabuki.
Filmmaking and Production
'Kokuho' is directed by Lee Sang-il and has been noted for its visual richness and immersive portrayal of the kabuki world.
Cast and Crew: The film stars Ryo Yoshizawa as Kikuo (in his adult years), Ryusei Yokohama as Shunsuke, and Ken Watanabe as Hanjiro. Other notable cast members include Shinobu Terajima, Mitsuki Takahata, Min Tanaka, and Soya Kurokawa.
Artistic Direction: The production design by Yohei Taneda and costumes by Kumiko Ogawa have been praised for bringing the world of kabuki to life with detailed and lush visuals. Cinematographer Sofian El Fani captures both the grandiosity of kabuki performances and the intimate backstage spaces.
Oscar Recognition: The film's selection as Japan's official entry for the Academy Awards indicates its critical reception and ambition on an international level.
Critical Reception and Box Office Performance
'Kokuho' has garnered significant attention for both its artistic merit and its commercial success.
Box Office Records: The film has achieved historical success at the Japanese box office, becoming Japan's highest-grossing live-action film. Its three-hour runtime has also defied expectations, with tickets selling out at some cinemas.
Artistic Accolades: Critics have described the film as a "propulsive, lavish drama" and an "absorbing three hours" that offers a window into kabuki theatre. It is recognized for its "brutal beauty" and the way it balances tradition with personal conflict.
Expert Perspectives
The film's exploration of tradition and succession within kabuki is a point of significant interest.
"That’s probably why you feel him so much when he’s on screen. He chases that feeling in his artistic life." - Director Lee Sang-il on an actor's portrayal.
The portrayal of the characters, particularly Kikuo, has been described as human and loving, with the actor Ryusei Yokohama noted for being hardworking, respectable, and honest about his desires. The film's focus on the internal world of kabuki performers, rather than just the external spectacle, has also been a key aspect of its critical analysis. The honorific 'kokuho' itself signifies national treasures and masters of their craft, underscoring the film's engagement with themes of mastery and legacy.
Read More: Bengaluru's Indian Cartoon Gallery Celebrates 159 Exhibitions of Art and History
Conclusion and Implications
'Kokuho' appears to be more than just a film; it serves as a significant cultural artifact reflecting on the state of traditional Japanese arts. Its box office triumph suggests a public appetite for stories that explore heritage and identity, even within the seemingly esoteric confines of kabuki.
Revitalizing an Art Form: The film's success raises questions about its potential to inspire a new generation of interest in kabuki, both as an art form to be appreciated and potentially pursued.
Thematic Resonance: The narrative's focus on lineage, rivalry, and the weight of tradition within a highly structured artistic community offers a compelling dramatic framework.
Future Outlook: While the film is celebrated for its depiction of kabuki's beauty and the personal struggles of its performers, the underlying challenges facing the art form, such as attracting new talent, remain a significant aspect of its contemporary context.
Sources Used:
wbgo.org: "KOKUHO: The latest Japanese film import is a Kabuki backstage bombshell" - Published 4 days ago.
CNN: "Kabuki film ‘Kokuho’ is aiming for the Oscars. It could help revive the artform itself" - Published Dec 8, 2025.
The Hollywood Reporter: "‘Kokuho’ Director Lee Sang-il on the Brutal Beauty Behind Japan’s Box Office Phenom" - Published Dec 8, 2025.
Screendaily: "‘Kokuho’ review: Lee Sang-il’s propulsive, lavish drama is a window into the Japanese art of kabuki theatre" - Published Oct 15, 2025.
Today Stage: "Kokuho: The Beauty of Kabuki Art amid the Dilemma of Yakuza Lineage" - Published Feb 9, 2026.
The Mainichi: "A movie about Kabuki theater is a surprise hit in soul-searching Japan" - Published Sep 9, 2025.
Link: https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20250908/p2g/00m/0et/035000c
Micropsia: "'Kokuho' Review: Tradition, Rivalry, and Tragedy on the Kabuki Stage" - Published Feb 7, 2026.
IndieWire: "‘Kokuho’ Review: Japan’s Oscar Entry and Box Office Achiever Is an Absorbing Three Hours of Kabuki and Conflicted Masculinity" - Published Nov 13, 2025.
Link: https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/movies/kokuho-review-japan-oscar-kabuki-1235160091/
