• Drama

Kokuho 2025

Directed by Sang-il Lee and based on the acclaimed novel by Shuichi Yoshida, Kokuho (2025) is a sweeping epic that follows the turbulent life of Kikuo Tachibana (Ryo Yoshizawa), the son of a slain yakuza boss who is taken in by the legendary kabuki master Hanai Hanjiro II (Ken Watanabe) in 1964. Spanning over five decades, the film captures Kikuo’s transformation from a scarred outsider into a master performer as he trains alongside Hanjiro’s biological son and heir, Shunsuke Ogaki (Ryusei Yokohama). Their relationship evolves from a childhood bond into a fierce, lifelong rivalry for the title of "Living National Treasure" (Kokuho), set against a backdrop of family scandals, the strict traditions of the onnagata (male actors playing female roles), and the personal sacrifices required to achieve artistic perfection. The star-studded cast also features Mitsuki Takahata as Harue, Shinobu Terajima as the matriarch Sachiko, Nana Mori as Akiko, and veteran Min Tanaka as the retired master Mangiku. Since its Japanese release on June 6, 2025, the film has become a historic phenomenon, grossing over ¥18.47 billion (approximately $123 million USD), making it the highest-grossing live-action film in Japanese history. It was selected as Japan's official entry for the 98th Academy Awards for Best International Feature Film. Internationally, the film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and TIFF to critical acclaim. As of January 2026, Kokuho is completing its global theatrical rollout—with a wide North American release scheduled for February 2026 via GKIDS. Read More

• 2025
• 2 h : 54 min
• 248 views
• 7.614
• PG12