In 2025, one Japanese film has taken the box office by storm: KOKUHŌ (国宝), meaning “National Treasure.” Directed by Sang-il Lee and starring Ryō Yoshizawa and Ryusei Yokohama, this powerful drama blends traditional Japanese culture with modern storytelling—and it’s resonating deeply with audiences across Japan.
🎭 A Modern Take on Kabuki Culture
At its heart, KOKUHŌ is a story set in the world of Kabuki, a classical form of Japanese theater known for its stylized performances and dramatic make-up. But this film isn’t just for Kabuki fans—it’s a moving human drama that captures the passion, pressure, and pride of those who carry on this centuries-old tradition.
🌍 Global Recognition at Cannes
The buzz started internationally when KOKUHŌ was featured in the Director’s Fortnight section at the Cannes Film Festival. It received a standing ovation lasting over six minutes, setting the stage for a phenomenal domestic debut. In its opening week, the film shattered box office expectations, quickly surpassing 3.5 billion yen in revenue.
📈 Powered by Word-of-Mouth
What makes KOKUHŌ truly unique is how deeply it resonates with viewers. Long-form reviews and emotional reactions on Japanese social media have fueled a second wave of theatergoers. As a result, its popularity only grew in the second week, with a rare 143% increase in ticket sales.
🎬 Authentic Performances, No Stunt Doubles
To portray Kabuki performers authentically, Yoshizawa and Yokohama trained in Kabuki for over a year. Their dedication shows—many scenes feature live, unrehearsed performances with no body doubles. The result? A visually stunning and emotionally intense film experience.
🏯 Tradition Meets Innovation
Interestingly, although the film is rooted in Kabuki, it’s distributed by Toho, not the traditional Kabuki powerhouse Shochiku. This outsider perspective helped present the culture in a fresh light, attracting new audiences, especially younger generations unfamiliar with Kabuki.
🇯🇵 Why It Matters
KOKUHŌ isn’t just a hit film—it’s a cultural event. It makes traditional Japanese performing arts feel urgent, emotional, and incredibly human. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Japanese cinema or just discovering it, KOKUHŌ is a must-watch.
🎟️ Still showing in theaters across Japan. Don’t miss it if you have the chance!
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