Drama, Opening Film

Kokuhō

国宝

Directed by: Lee Sang-il
2025 / 174 minutes / M

On the road to greatness, the blessings and curses of lineage are laid bare.

Nagasaki, 1964. After the death of his father, the leader of a yakuza gang, gifted son Kikuo (rising star Ryō Yoshizawa) is taken under the wing of famed kabuki actor Hanjirō Hanai (played by the iconic Ken Watanabe, Memoirs of a Geisha, The Last Samurai). Alongside the great performer’s only son, Shunsuke (Ryūsei Yokohama), he dedicates his life to the artform—a centuries-old Japanese theatrical tradition known for its costumes, elaborate makeup and innovative stagecraft. 

Over the ensuing decades, against the backdrop of stunning stagings of classic kabuki tales, the destiny of the two young disciples entwines and twists—from acting school to the most prestigious stages—and their hearts suffer as much yearning, scandal and glory as their onstage alter egos. Only one of them will become the master of the art. 

Based on the best-selling novel by Shūichi Yoshida, Kokuhō (which translates as ‘National Treasure’) stormed the Japanese box office in mid-2025, with demand escalating for months on the back of word of mouth, becoming a true cultural phenomenon.