Kabuki Drama Shatters Box Office Records in Japan

Lee Sang-il's Kokuho, a nearly three-hour period drama centered on traditional kabuki theater, has achieved an unprecedented box office triumph in Japan. The film has grossed over ¥17.37 billion ($111 million) since its release in June, breaking the 22-year record previously held by Bayside Shakedown 2. This artistic achievement has drawn over 12 million admissions, a remarkable feat for such a demanding work.

Praised for its visual poetry and immersive depiction of kabuki's rarefied traditions, Kokuho has garnered effusive reviews since its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival. The film, which adapts Shuichi Yoshida's novel, chronicles five decades in the lives of two kabuki actors, exploring themes of ambition, artistry, and sacrifice. Japan has selected Kokuho as its official submission for the 2026 Oscars in the best international feature category.

Analysts believe Kokuho's success highlights the lasting appeal of prestige storytelling and distinctly Japanese narratives. The film's popularity has also spurred a significant surge in attendance at real-world kabuki theaters across Japan, attracting younger audiences and new patrons. Kokuho recently made its North American debut and is slated for a wider U.S. release in early 2026.