Kabuki Makeup Masters Earn Oscar Nod

The film Kokuho, a cinematic exploration spanning five decades, has garnered an Oscar nomination for its exceptional makeup artistry. Makeup department head Kyoko Toyokawa and specialist Naomi Hibino were recognized for their work on the movie, which features traditional Kabuki theater.

Toyokawa aimed to capture the characters' daily experiences and emotions through makeup, while Hibino adapted her skills from traditional Japanese dance. A significant challenge involved translating Kabuki makeup, typically viewed from a distance, for film's intimate close-ups. Hibino noted that Kabuki actors usually apply their own makeup, making her role unique.

The creative process included subtle, gradual transformations in characters' appearances over the 50-year narrative. A standout moment for Hibino was the Heron Maiden Kabuki sequence, enhanced with special effects, which she found mystical and a poignant expression of the film's story.

The film follows Kikuo Tachibana, a character born into a gangster family and later adopted by a renowned Kabuki actor. The dedication of the makeup team was crucial in bringing this epic story to life visually.