KOKUHO: A POWERFUL PORTRAIT OF ARTISTRY, AMBITION & SACRIFICE

Directed by Lee Sang-il, Kokuho is a sweeping, decades-spanning epic that brings to life the rarefied and demanding world of kabuki theatre through a story of rivalry, devotion and transformation.

Starring Ryo Yoshizawa, Ryusei Yokohama and Ken Watanabe, the Japanese film was released in UK cinemas on 8th May 2026.

The newly released trailer offers a striking first glimpse into the film’s visual and emotional scale — opening with moments of quiet discipline before unfolding into a series of arresting stage performances, intricate costume work and charged exchanges between its central characters. Blending the intensity of backstage rivalry with the spectacle of kabuki, the trailer hints at a story shaped as much by ambition and jealousy as it is by artistry and tradition.

The film follows Kikuo, a young boy from a turbulent background who is taken under the wing of a legendary kabuki master. Immersed in a centuries-old art form defined by discipline and precision, he trains alongside the master’s son, Shunsuke. What begins as brotherhood soon evolves into an intense rivalry, as both strive for excellence in a world where legacy, talent and sacrifice collide.

Set against an evolving cultural landscape, Kokuho charts their journey across decades — from early promise to artistic greatness — capturing the emotional and physical toll of pursuing perfection. At its heart lies the intricate craft of onnagata performance, where male actors embody female roles with extraordinary precision, blurring the boundaries between identity and artistry.

Visually rich and emotionally resonant, the film weaves together stunning kabuki performances with an intimate exploration of ambition, jealousy and the cost of legacy. It is as much a celebration of tradition as it is a meditation on the sacrifices demanded by greatness.

Kokuho stands as a compelling tribute to the enduring power of performance — and the lives shaped and sometimes broken in its pursuit. Watch the trailer here.

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