GKids has released the trailer for Kokuho, Japan’s official Oscar entry and a massive box office sensation that’s captivated audiences across the country.
The coming-of-age Kabuki drama stars Ryo Yoshizawa, Ken Watanabe, and Ryusei Yokohama, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most talked-about international films of the year.
Kokuho has already made history in Japan. It’s now the second highest-grossing local live-action film of all time, pulling in over $104 million since its June premiere, and ranking as the 15th highest-grossing movie ever at the Japanese box office.
Yoshizawa reportedly spent 18 months training in the art and history of Kabuki theater, fully immersing himself in the craft to bring authenticity and emotional depth to his role.
The story unfolds in Nagasaki, 1964, and follows Kikuo, a 14-year-old boy whose life changes after his father, a yakuza gang leader, dies. The film’s logline reads:
“Nagasaki, 1964. After the death of his father, the leader of a yakuza gang, 14-year-old Kikuo is taken under the wing of a famous Kabuki actor. Alongside Shunsuke, the actor’s only son, Kikuo (Yoshizawa) decides to dedicate himself to this traditional form of theatre.
“Across decades, the two young men grow and evolve together – from acting school to the grandest stages – amid scandals and glory, brotherhood and betrayals, as each pushes to become the greatest living Kabuki master.”
The movie was directed by Sang-il Lee (Pachinko), and it premiered in North America last month at the Toronto International Film Festival, earning strong early acclaim.
This release marks a major milestone for GKids, which is best known for distributing acclaimed animated films like Spirited Away and The Boy and the Heron. Kokuho represents their first-ever live-action contemporary film.
