Japanese Blockbuster ‘Kokuhō’ Heads to Korea
You know a film’s got serious momentum when it pulls Ryo Yoshizawa into Busan unannounced. At the 30th Busan International Film Festival, Japanese mega-hit ‘Kokuhō’ (“National Treasure”) made a formal gala presentation, setting the stage for its Korean theatrical release on November 19.
The film, which attracted over 10 million viewers in Japan and raked in more than ¥14.2 billion (~$90 million USD), isn’t your typical manga adaptation or pop drama. Directed by third-generation Korean-Japanese filmmaker Lee Sang-il, ‘Kokuhō’ dives deep into the storied world of kabuki, Japan’s traditional theatrical art, through the life of a boy born into a yakuza family but adopted into a lineage of kabuki performers.
Identity, Tradition, and Talent Clash Onscreen
At the Busan Open Talk, director Lee expressed both pride and surprise at the film’s success. “It’s not something based on a drama or hit manga—it’s about traditional culture. That made its reception in Japan all the more powerful,” he shared. He also touched on the film’s deeper theme: the tension between bloodline and talent, and the complex dance between personal identity and artistic destiny.
“Even those with talent suffer. Sometimes, it’s about accepting your inherited fate,” Lee explained. “In the arts, finding your craft means also confronting who you are as a person.”
Ryo Yoshizawa’s Transformative Role
This role wasn’t just a job for Ryo Yoshizawa—it was a full-on commitment. “I trained for a year and a half before filming even started,” he revealed. “You rarely get that kind of time in film.” Known for his range, Yoshizawa plays Kikuno, a kabuki onnagata—a male performer playing female roles—imbuing the film with vulnerability, power, and pure dedication.
“There were moments I thought the director’s demands were impossible,” Yoshizawa laughed. “But Lee Sang-il made us feel like we could overcome anything. That trust pushed me through.”
Youthful Passion on Display
Stealing hearts was also Soya Kurokawa, who plays young Kikuno. Asked whether he shared his character’s passion, he answered with a grin: “Actually—yes, I love acting so much it makes sleeping feel like a waste. But don’t worry, I still get my rest.” Fan points: secured.
Kabuki Meets Global Lens
To bring kabuki to life for a global audience, Lee enlisted Sofian El Fani, the cinematographer behind award-winning film Blue Is the Warmest Color. Lee explained: “Sometimes, someone unfamiliar with the tradition can capture it in a fresh, unexpected way. I wanted to explore kabuki from that angle—something new, not just nostalgic.”
Why Korean Audiences Should Tune In
As the festival crowd buzzed with excitement over Yoshizawa’s appearance, he sent a heartfelt message to viewers. “Kabuki may be traditional Japanese performance, but this film is really about human experience. I hope Korean audiences connect with it.” Likewise, Kurokawa added, “It’s an honor to be part of a piece that might inspire interest in kabuki beyond Japan.”
Director Lee wrapped the event with a warm promise: “I look forward to meeting Korean audiences again when the movie premieres here.”
One Film, Many Layers
‘Kokuhō’ is more than a cultural piece—it’s a story of identity, legacy, and fighting for your place in a world that expects more than performance. With its international lens and breakout performances, it may just redefine how traditional Asian arts are seen and felt globally.
