Archive · 13 Jan 2026
Kokuho Revives Japanese Moviegoing with Kabuki Drama
Kokuho is a movie about a young actor named Kikuo who wants to become a famous Kabuki performer.
The film is very long, but people love it because the characters are interesting and feel real.
It's like watching a story about family, ambition, and the arts.
The movie has been a huge hit in Japan, making over $120 million and becoming the most successful Japanese film in 22 years.
It's also been shortlisted for Oscars.
The film has brought people back to movie theaters in Japan after Covid.
The actors and director worked very hard to make the movie feel authentic, especially with the Kabuki performances.
It's coming to theaters in the U.S. and Canada soon.
Kokuho, a film about Kabuki theater, has become Japan's highest-grossing local title in 22 years, with over $120 million in box office revenue.
The film's success is attributed to its compelling characters and the revival of interest in Kabuki theater, a traditional Japanese dramatic art.
Director Lee Sang-il and actor Ken Watanabe emphasize the film's impact on bringing audiences back to movie theaters post-Covid.
Kokuho is shortlisted for Oscars in the Makeup & Hairstyling and International Feature Film categories.
The film will have a limited release in North America on February 6, 2024, with major expansion on February 20, 2024.
- Who
- Director Lee Sang-il, actor Ken Watanabe, and the cast and crew of Kokuho
- What
- The film Kokuho, a drama about Kabuki theater, has become a commercial and cultural success in Japan, reviving moviegoing post-Covid.
- When
- The film's success is noted post-Covid, with its North American release starting February 6, 2024.
- Where
- The film is a Japanese production that has gained international recognition, with upcoming releases in North America.
- Why
- The film's success is attributed to its compelling characters, the revival of interest in Kabuki theater, and its impact on the Japanese film industry.
- Director
- Lee Sang-il
- Lead Actor
- Ken Watanabe
- Box Office Gross in Japan
- $120 million
- Oscar Categories
- Makeup & Hairstyling, International Feature Film
- Release Date in North America
- February 6, 2024 (limited), February 20, 2024 (expansion)
- Distributor
- Gkids
- Training Period for Lead Actor
- 18 months in Kabuki theater
- Significance
- Highest-grossing local title in Japan in 22 years