Kokuhō Ascends to Box Office Glory, Becoming Japan’s Highest-Grossing Live-Action Film in Over Two Decades
A sweeping historical drama, Kokuhō, has captivated audiences across Japan, achieving a landmark victory at the domestic box office. The film surpassed Bayside Shakedown 2 to become the highest-grossing Japanese live-action movie in over 20 years, signaling a potential shift in cinematic preferences and a renewed appreciation for epic storytelling.
On November 25, Tōhō announced that Kokuhō had generated ¥17.38 billion in box office revenue as of the previous day. This narrowly exceeded the ¥17.35 billion earned by Bayside Shakedown 2 in 2003, establishing a new record for the domestic market. The film’s popularity is further underscored by attendance figures exceeding 12.3 million – a remarkable number representing roughly one in ten people in Japan.
Directed by Lee Sang-il and based on the novel by Yoshida Shūichi, Kokuhō tells the multi-generational story of Kikuo, portrayed by Yoshizawa Ryō, a man born into the world of the yakuza but raised within the esteemed traditions of kabuki. His journey intertwines with that of Shunsuke, played by Yokohama Ryūsei, the son of the kabuki actor who takes Kikuo in. The narrative spans 50 years, exploring the complex relationship between these two figures as they navigate their artistic ambitions and personal rivalries. The title, Kokuhō, translates to “national treasure,” a term reserved for the most revered kabuki performers.
“The film’s success speaks to a deep resonance with Japanese audiences,” noted one industry analyst. “It taps into themes of tradition, family, and the pursuit of artistic excellence, all while delivering a compelling and visually stunning cinematic experience.”
Kokuhō has also been selected as Japan’s entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the Academy Awards, raising its profile on the global stage. A North American release is planned for 2026, offering international audiences the opportunity to experience this critically acclaimed film.
Japan’s Highest-Grossing Films – A Comparative Look
While Kokuhō’s achievement is significant, it remains behind several animated features in the overall rankings. Data from Kōgyō Tsūshinsha, current as of November 24, 2025, reveals the following top performers:
- ★ Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Mugen Train (2020) – ¥40.8 billion
- ★ Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle (2025) – ¥38.2 billion
- ★ Spirited Away (2001) – ¥31.7 billion
- ★ Your Name (2016) – ¥25.2 billion
- ★ One Piece Film Red (2022) – ¥20.3 billion
- ★ Princess Mononoke (1997) – ¥20.2 billion
- ★ Howl’s Moving Castle (2004) – ¥19.6 billion
- Kokuhō (2025) – ¥17.4 billion
- Bayside Shakedown 2 (2003) – ¥17.4 billion
- ★ The First Slam Dunk (2022) – ¥16.7 billion
The dominance of animated films in the Japanese box office is a long-standing trend, reflecting the country’s rich animation culture and the broad appeal of these productions. However, Kokuhō’s success demonstrates that live-action films can still capture the imagination of Japanese audiences and achieve significant commercial success.
The film’s production committee has confirmed that all rights are held by Yoshida Shūichi/Asahi Shimbun Publications and © 2025 Kokuhō Production Committee.
