Tender Japanese Film About Kabuki Titled ‘Kokuho’ Official US Trailer
by Alex Billington
October 10, 2025
Source: YouTube
“All you have to fight your detractors is the art of Kabuki.” GKids has unveiled the official US trailer for an acclaimed Japanese film titled Kokuho, made by filmmaker Sang-il Lee. The title Kokuho means “national treasure” and is inspired by a true story. This first premiered at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival in Directors’ Fortnight, and it next plays at AFI Fest in LA this fall before opening in limited US theaters in November. Previously announced as Japan’s entry for Best International Feature at the Academy Awards, the smash-hit live action feature is directed by Sang-il Lee (of “Pachinko” Season 2, Hula Girls, Rage), and stars Ryo Yoshizawa, Ryusei Yokohama, and Ken Watanabe. The film marks a breakthrough performance for lead actor Ryo Yoshizawa, who trained 18 months in the art and history of Kabuki theater, to embody the role of Kikuo, an actor pursuing greatness at all costs, in a story of glory and heartbreak that spans decades. In post-war Japan’s economic boom, gangster family-born Kikuo finds himself adopted by a kabuki actor. Despite life’s challenges, he develops into a gifted performer. Featuring awe-inspiring scope and beauty, it’s a monument to the artists who would sacrifice everything in the pursuit of the ultimate performance. Enjoy.
Here’s the official US trailer (+ poster) for Sang-il Lee’s film Kokuho, direct from GKids’ YouTube:
Nagasaki, 1964. After the death of his father, 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 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. Kokuho (which means “national treasure”) is a film of awe-inspiring scope & sumptuous beauty, and a monument to the artists who would sacrifice everything in the pursuit of the ultimate performance. Kokuho is directed by prolific Japanese filmmaker Sang-il Lee, director of the films Chong, Border Line, 69, Hula Girls, Villain, Unforgiven, Rage, The Blue Hearts, The Wandering Moon, and “Pachinko” series previously. The screenplay is written by Satoko Okudera; adapted from the novel by Shûichi Yoshida. Produced by Aniplex Inc. and Myriagon Studio. This initially premiered at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival in the Directors’ Fortnight sidebar. GKids will debut Sang-il Lee’s Kokuho in select US theaters starting November 14th, 2025. For more info, visit the film’s official site. Intrigued?
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