‘KOKUHO’ the latest feature from director Lee Sang-il, has ascended to the top of Japan’s all-time live-action box office, marking a historic milestone for the local industry.
The drama has drawn more than 12.3 million admissions across Japan, an exceptional trajectory for a live-action release in a market where animated titles typically dominate the upper tiers of the box-office charts. As of Nov. 24, the film has grossed approximately ¥17.37 billion (about $113 million), surpassing the previous live-action record of ¥17.35 billion set by the 2003 blockbuster ‘Bayside Shakedown 2.’
Adapted from the novel of the same name by author Shuichi Yoshida, ‘KOKUHO’ is set within the world of traditional kabuki theater. The story follows a protagonist from a yakuza lineage who pursues the demanding path of becoming a kabuki actor, navigating fierce artistic rivalry and the weight of inherited identity.
The film’s achievement carries added significance within the Japanese market: a kabuki-centered narrative, a nearly three-hour runtime, and its status as a live-action production breaking a record long held in an era dominated by animated hits. Industry observers note the film’s crossover appeal and cultural resonance as key factors in its sustained performance.
‘KOKUHO’ is also showing steady momentum in South Korea, where it recently crossed the 100,000-admission mark, maintaining a quiet but consistent commercial run.
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