Oscar entry ‘Kokuho’ breaks 22-year-old Japan box office record

[TOKYO] Surprise hit Kokuho grossed more than 17.37 billion yen (S$144 million), becoming the first movie in 22 years to break Japan’s box office record for a domestic live-action film.

Based on the novel of the same name by Shuichi Yoshida, director Lee Sang-il’s three-hour-long epic about kabuki theatre surpassed the 17.35 billion yen record set by Bayside Shakedown 2 in 2003.

Kokuho, or “national treasure”, has won over critics with its lush cinematography and portrayal of the little-known world of kabuki. Spanning 50 years, the film follows the life of Kikuo Tachibana, the son of a yakuza boss who is taken in by a kabuki star, and his deep friendship and blistering rivalry with his benefactor’s son.

Japan’s 2026 Oscar entry and its exploration of the sacrifices artists make to perfect their craft, and the suffering they cause their loved ones, has drawn more than 12.3 million viewers since its release in June.

Kokuho marks a coup for Sony Group’s bid to broaden its content offerings. Produced by unit Aniplex in association with Myriagon Studio and distributed by Toho, the film had its North American debut at the Toronto International Film Festival in September, followed by limited screenings in the US. A wider North American release is planned for early next year. BLOOMBERG