Archive · 27 Nov 2025
Kokuho Sets New Record as Japan's Highest-Grossing Live-Action Film
Kokuho is a movie about a young boy named Kikuo who becomes a kabuki actor after his father dies.
The movie shows his journey from being a young student to becoming a famous kabuki master.
It stars Ken Watanabe and was directed by Lee Sang-il.
The movie has broken records in Japan by becoming the highest-grossing live-action film ever.
It has made over $111 million and sold more than 12.3 million tickets.
The movie is also Japan's entry for the International Feature Oscar.
It will be shown in more theaters in the U.S. early next year.
Kokuho, directed by Lee Sang-il and starring Ken Watanabe, has become Japan's highest-grossing live-action film with over $111 million in box office sales.
The film has sold over 12.3 million tickets and surpassed a 22-year-old record held by Bayside Shakedown 2.
Kokuho is Japan's entry for the International Feature Oscar and had qualifying runs in the U.S. in November 2024.
The movie is based on the novel by Shuichi Yoshida and features a story about a young boy's journey to becoming a kabuki master.
The film's success is attributed to its immersive beauty and emotional depth, with many audiences returning to cinemas multiple times.
- Who
- Director Lee Sang-il, lead actor Ken Watanabe, and actors Ryo Yoshizawa and Ryusei Yokohama
- What
- Kokuho, a kabuki drama film, has become Japan's highest-grossing live-action movie
- When
- The film was released in Japan on June 6, 2024, and had a qualifying run in the U.S. in November 2024
- Where
- Japan and the U.S. (Los Angeles and New York)
- Why
- The film's success is attributed to its immersive beauty and emotional depth, drawing audiences to cinemas multiple times
- Title
- Kokuho
- Director
- Lee Sang-il
- Lead Actor
- Ken Watanabe
- Tickets Sold
- 12.3 million
- Release Date (Japan)
- June 6, 2024
- Oscar Submission
- Japan's entry for International Feature Oscar
- U.S. Release
- November 14 (Los Angeles), November 21 (New York)