Kabuki drama “Kokuho” has made box office history, becoming the highest-grossing Japanese live-action film of all time in its home market. It surpassed the 22-year-old record set by “Bayside Shakedown 2” in 2003.
The film has generated JPY17.4 billion ($111 million) in local revenue and sold more than 12.3 million tickets as of Nov. 24, according to Kogyo Tsushinsha, Japan’s leading box office reporting service. After 172 days in theaters since its June 6 opening, the film now ranks No. 11 overall in Japanese box office history across all genres.
Directed by Sang-il Lee and starring Ryo Yoshizawa, Ryusei Yokohama and Ken Watanabe, “Kokuho” is Japan’s submission for best international feature at the 98th Academy Awards. Set in Nagasaki in 1964, the film follows 14-year-old Kikuo, who after his yakuza leader father’s death, trains in kabuki theater alongside the son of a famous kabuki actor. The story spans decades as the two navigate their careers from acting school to major stages. The screenplay is written by Satoko Okudera, based on Shuichi Yoshida’s novel, with music by Marihiko Hara.
The film is produced by Aniplex Inc. in association with Myriagon Studio, Amuse Inc., Toho Co Ltd., Lawson Inc. and Credeus.
North American distributor GKIDS launched one-week qualifying runs in Los Angeles and New York on Nov. 14 and 21, respectively, generating sold-out screenings and an estimated cumulative gross exceeding $60,000 across both venues. Lee and Yoshizawa attended the screenings for Q&As on both coasts. GKIDS plans a wider North American theatrical release in early 2026.
“The historic box office success in Japan demonstrates that the film is a must-see theatrical event, with many Japanese audiences returning to cinemas multiple times to experience its immersive beauty,” said GKIDS president Dave Jesteadt.
AloJapan.com