Ryoma Yoshizawa’s Award-Winning Film Heads to Korea
After making waves in Japan, the critically acclaimed film ‘Kokuhou’ (translated as ‘National Treasure‘) is making its way to Korea. Slated for release on November 19, the movie stars Ryoma Yoshizawa as a gifted kabuki actor battling tradition, rivalry, and his own limits in the pursuit of artistic greatness.
A Story of Art, Identity—and Intense Rivalries
Kokuhou tells the story of Kikukiyo, a boy born into a yakuza family who gets taken in by a prestigious kabuki household. Though raised as a female-role performer—or onnagata—his journey with rival-turned-brother figure Shunsuke (played by Ryusei Yokohama) forms the emotional core of the film. It’s a slow burn of breathtaking costumes, generational tension, and soaring dramatics.
A Visual Treat Backed by an A-List Production Team
The film sports an all-star cast with Kazunari Watanabe in a gritty mentoring role and young actor Soya Kurokawa turning heads with his breakout performance. Behind the scenes, the film is directed by Lee Sang-il, a third-generation Korean-Japanese filmmaker, known for blending social realism with cinematic grace. He’s working off a bestselling novel by acclaimed Japanese author Shuichi Yoshida.
If the visuals look jaw-droppingly rich, it’s because they are. The crew includes talents from films like Kill Bill and Blue Is the Warmest Color, making it a stylish feast for both art-house fans and mainstream viewers.
Over 10 Million Tickets Sold (And That’s Just in Japan)
Kokuhou smashed Japanese box office expectations, pulling in over 10 million viewers within 102 days. That makes it Japan’s second-highest-grossing live-action film of all time, right behind 2003’s Bayside Shakedown 2.
The viral teaser poster features Yoshizawa in full kabuki attire, with the dramatic tagline: “To become a one-of-a-kind existence”. Perfect balm for anyone missing the sweeping emotion of classic Japanese drama—or simply searching for a new cultural obsession.
Will Korea Embrace the Kabuki Epic?
With its mix of traditional Japanese culture, breakout performances, and universal themes of ambition and rivalry, Kokuhou could strike a chord with Korean audiences. Whether you’re a cinephile, a kabuki newbie, or just here for Ryoma Yoshizawa’s jawline, mark your calendars: November 19 just became the most cultured Sunday of the year.
