Japan’s Entry for the Oscars: A Kabuki-Themed Film
The Japan Motion Picture Producers Association has announced its selection for the Best International Feature Film at the upcoming Academy Awards. The chosen film is Kokuho, which delves into the intriguing world of traditional Japanese kabuki theater.
Out of nine Japanese films considered for the international category, Kokuho was selected.
The title Kokuho translates to “national treasure” and the film chronicles the journey of a kabuki artist.
Adapted from a 2018 novel by Yoshida Shuichi, the narrative centers on a young man born into a yakuza (organized crime) family who is subsequently adopted by a kabuki actor. Over the course of the film, he devotes his life to mastering the kabuki stage with the hope of being recognized as a living national treasure.
Directed by Lee Sang-il, the film features a stellar cast including Ryo Yoshizawa (known from the Japanese film Kingdom), Ken Watanabe (famous for The Last Samurai), Ryusei Yokohama (Your Eyes Tell), Mitsuki Takahata, Shinobu Terajima, and Min Tanaka.
Since its release in June, Kokuho has proven to be a massive commercial success in Japan, amassing over 10 billion yen (approximately $68 million) in ticket sales and becoming the second highest-grossing Japanese live-action film of all time.
The film also made a notable appearance in the Directors’ Fortnight section at this year’s Cannes Film Festival.
Last year, Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s Drive My Car brought the Oscar for Best International Feature Film home to Japan, marking a significant achievement in the country’s cinematic history.
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