Introduction
The Japanese film Kokuhō (“National Treasure”) has been selected as Japan’s official entry for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film. This decision positions it among the most prestigious candidates representing Japan on the global stage. What is Kokuhō about, and why did it clinch this honor? Let’s dive in! 🎬✨
What Is Kokuhō?
Kokuhō is a sweeping saga adapted from the highly acclaimed novel by Yoshida Shūichi, written after years of backstage immersion in the kabuki theatre.
The film, directed by Lee Sang-il—known for his earlier success with Hula Girls, which also represented Japan at the Oscars—is nothing short of epic. It chronicles the life of protagonist Kikuo, who was raised by a kabuki actor and dedicates his life to the performing arts, spanning fifty years of devotion and rivalry.
The star-studded cast includes:
- Ryo Yoshizawa as Kikuo, the film’s lead
- Ryūsei Yokohama as his lifelong rival, Shunsuke
- Ken Watanabe as the kabuki actor Hanjirō who takes Kikuo in
- Shinobu Terajima as Hanjirō’s wife, Sachiko
- Mitsuki Takahata as Kikuo’s love interest, Harue
Beyond its artistic merits, Kokuhō has also become a box-office sensation in Japan, surpassing ¥11 billion in revenue. It is now the second-highest-grossing live-action Japanese film of all time.
Why Was Kokuhō Selected?
1. Artistic Depth and Cultural Resonance
Kokuhō resonates deeply with Japanese cultural heritage, weaving together kabuki traditions, lifelong artistic dedication, and personal sacrifice. Its authenticity, rooted in lived backstage experience, elevates the narrative beyond a simple drama.
2. Stellar Creative Team
- Lee Sang-il, acclaimed for Hula Girls, brings proven directorial pedigree.
- Sadoji Okudera handles the screenplay, known for emotional depth in human stories.
- Sofiane El Fanis, celebrated for his cinematography in Cannes-winning works, adds a visually stunning perspective.
3. Box Office Success
Its immense popularity at home, surpassing ¥11 billion, demonstrates strong domestic support—something that enhances its credibility abroad.
4. Rigorous Selection Process
The film was chosen from nine submissions by a committee of film professionals, reflecting wide industry confidence in its international appeal.
What’s Next in the Awards Journey?
Now that Kokuhō is Japan’s official submission, it has been formally entered with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS). The film will undergo a multi-stage evaluation:
- A shortlist of 15 films will be announced.
- A final 5 nominees will be selected.
- The winners will be revealed at the 98th Academy Awards ceremony in March 2026.
A Fresh Perspective
What makes Kokuhō unique isn’t just its production value or star-studded cast—it’s the way it elevates kabuki from a traditional art into a deeply human story of identity, legacy, and artistry. Through Kikuo’s journey, audiences experience how cultural traditions can shape and be shaped by the individuals who devote their lives to them.
This is not only cinema—it’s a meditation on heritage, perseverance, and the emotional cost of greatness. Such depth may explain why the film has the potential to resonate far beyond Japan.
Final Thoughts
Kokuhō embodies a rare synergy: a culturally rich narrative, award-winning creative talent, and commercial triumph. Its selection as Japan’s Oscar entry feels both natural and symbolic of the strength of Japanese cinema today.
As it moves through the awards circuit, Kokuhō could become a film that bridges Japan’s traditional artistry with global cinematic recognition. Whether or not it takes home the Oscar, it has already cemented its place as a modern classic. 🌏✨
