The Kabuki drama “Kokuho” made its mark in box office history, recording the highest box office revenue ever for a Japanese live-action film in the domestic market. This surpassed the 22-year record set by Bayside Shakedown 2 in 2003.
The film generated 17.4 billion yen ($111 million) in local revenue and sold more than 12.3 million tickets as of Nov. 24, according to Kogyo Tsushinsha, Japan’s largest box office revenue reporting service. After 172 days in theaters since its release on June 6, the film currently ranks 11th overall across all genres in Japanese box office history.
“Kokuho,” directed by Lee Sang-il and starring Ryo Yoshizawa, Ryusei Yokohama, and Ken Watanabe, was submitted by Japan to the 98th Academy Awards for Best International Feature Film. Set in Nagasaki in 1964, the film follows 14-year-old Kikuo, who trains at a Kabuki theater with the son of a famous Kabuki actor after the death of his father, a Yakuza leader. The story spans several decades as the two work their way from acting school to the main stage. Sadoko Okudera wrote the script based on the novel by Shuichi Yoshida, and Marihiko Hara was in charge of the music.
The film is produced by Aniplex Inc. in association with Myriagon Studio, Amuse Inc., Toho Inc., Lawson Inc., and Credeus.
North American distributor GKIDS began a week of screenings in Los Angeles and New York on November 14th and 21st, respectively, with sold-out screenings and estimated cumulative box office grosses of over $60,000 at both venues. Mr. Lee and Mr. Yoshizawa attended question-and-answer screenings held on both coasts. GKIDS is scheduled for wide theatrical release in North America in early 2026.
“The historic box office success in Japan shows this film is a must-see theatrical event, with many Japanese audiences returning to theaters again and again to experience its immersive beauty,” said Dave Jested, president of GKIDS.
