Entertainment

Ken Watanabe and Lee Sang-il on ‘Kokuho,’ the Kabuki Gamble That Became Japan’s Top Live-Action Film and an Oscars Contender: ‘This Film Is About Pursuing Beauty’

January 15, 2026

Jan 15, 2026 3:41am PT Ken Watanabe and Lee Sang-il on ‘Kokuho,’ the Kabuki Gamble That Became Japan’s Top Live-Action Film and an Oscars Contender: ‘This Film Is About Pursuing Beauty’ By Naman Ramachandran Plus Icon Naman Ramachandran Latest Ken Watanabe and Lee Sang-il on ‘Kokuho,’ the Kabuki Gamble That Became Japan’s Top Live-Action Film and an Oscars Contender: ‘This Film Is About Pursuing Beauty’ 13 minutes ago X Implements New Grok AI Restrictions Following U. K. Investigation, Global Pressure 2 hours ago Berlin-Bound Indonesian Horror ‘Sleep No More,’ From Locarno Winner Edwin, Unveils First Trailer (EXCLUSIVE) 2 hours ago See All Courtesy of Aniplex Inc A nearly three-hour film about Kabuki was never supposed to be a box office juggernaut, but “Kokuho” has defied expectations to become Japan’s top live-action hit — and an Oscars international feature shortlister. Directed by Lee Sang-il and starring Ken Watanabe, the drama centers on Kabuki, a traditional art form long viewed as commercially challenging, yet has struck a deep chord with Japanese audiences while also gaining traction overseas.

A still image from "Kokuho."

Credit: Variety

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Blige Extends Partnership With Lifetime for Three New Films, Including 'Be Happy' Starring Tisha Campbell and Mekhi Phifer Set initially in 1964 Nagasaki, the film follows 14-year-old Kikuo (Ryō Yoshizawa) who, after his yakuza father’s death, finds himself taken under the wing of a famous Kabuki actor Hanjiro (Watanabe).
Alongside the actor’s son Shunsuke (Ryusei Yokohama), Kikuo dedicates himself to the centuries-old theatrical tradition, with their relationship evolving through decades of performances – from acting school to prestigious stages – against a backdrop of scandals and glory, brotherhood and betrayals.
Popular on Variety Lee says the recognition carries weight well beyond awards momentum.
“This is a film that deals with traditional Japanese performing arts — Kabuki — and it’s also a work that has received enormous support from Japanese audiences,” he says.

Asia Global News Oscars Ken Watanabe Kokuho Lee Sang-il

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Ken Watanabe and Lee Sang-il on ‘Kokuho,’ the Kabuki Gamble That Became Japan’s Top Live-Action Film and an Oscars Contender: ‘This Film Is About Pursuing Beauty’

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Ken Watanabe and Lee Sang-il on ‘Kokuho,’ the Kabuki Gamble That Became Japan’s Top Live-Action Film and an Oscars Contender: ‘This Film Is About Pursuing Beauty’

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