Japan's most talked-about movie of the year, Kokuho, is set to make its Malaysian cinema debut on 23 July.
Kokuho ('National Treasure' in English) is a 2025 Japanese historical drama film directed by Sang-il Lee and written by Satoko Okudera, based on the 2018 novel Kokuho by Shuichi Yoshida. It stars Ryo Yoshizawa, Ryusei Yokohama, Mitsuki Takahata, Shinobu Terajima, Min Tanaka, and Ken Watanabe.
Kokuho premiered in the Directors' Fortnight section of the 78th Cannes Film Festival on 18 May 2025 and was theatrically released in Japan on 6 June, by Toho. It received positive reviews, particularly for the acting, directing, cinematography and makeup and hairstyling.
It grossed US$128 million in Japan, becoming the all-time highest-grossing Japanese live-action film. It was selected as the Japanese entry for Best International Feature Film, making the December shortlist, and was nominated for Best Makeup and Hairstyling at the 98th Academy Awards.
Ahead of its theatrical release in Malaysia, 8TV joined forces with Primeworks Studios and hosted an exclusive media screening on 21 July, welcoming more than 200 guests, including members of the media, movie enthusiasts, content creators and local celebrities for a first look at one of Japan's most acclaimed films in recent years.
Since its release in Japan, Kokuho has captivated audiences and critics alike with its powerful storytelling and breathtaking performances. Set in the world of Kabuki, Kokuho brings to the big screen the intertwined 50-year journey of two aspiring performers and their pursuit of artistic excellence.
Adapted from Shuichi Yoshida's novel and directed by Lee Sang-il, the 175-minute film portrays their personal growth and dedication to the craft, while bringing Japan's treasured traditional performing art to life through stunning stage productions, meticulously crafted costumes and powerful performances.
The story follows Kikuo (Ryo Yoshizawa), the son of a yakuza family whose life takes an unexpected turn after tragedy leads him into the world of Kabuki. There, he meets Shunsuke (Ryusei Yokohama), the heir to a prestigious Kabuki family. Despite coming from vastly different backgrounds, the two pursue the same artistic path; one driven by exceptional natural talent, the other by the weight of family legacy. As rivalry gradually evolves into mutual respect and friendship, the stage becomes the backdrop to a deeply moving story of dreams, perseverance and artistic legacy.
To bring authenticity to their roles, both Yoshizawa and Yokohama underwent 18 months of intensive Kabuki training before filming began. Every movement, gesture and expression was meticulously refined, particularly for their demanding onnagata (female-role) performances. Their remarkable chemistry and unwavering dedication have been widely praised as among the film's greatest strengths.
Complementing its two leading stars, the film features an outstanding ensemble cast, including Mitsuki Takahata, Shinobu Terajima, Nana Mori, Takahiro Miura, Ai Mikami, Soya Kurokawa, Keitatsu Koshiyama, Masatoshi Nagase, Kyusaku Shimada, Emma Miyazawa, Ganjiro Nakamura, Min Tanaka and Ken Watanabe. Together, their performances bring remarkable emotional depth to the story, further establishing KOKUHO as one of the year's most acclaimed Japanese films.
Beyond the screening, guests were treated to a live performance of the film's theme song, "Luminance," adding a special highlight to the evening. Embracing the film's Japanese cultural theme, many attendees arrived dressed in Japanese-inspired attire and participated in the Best Dressed Contest, with the winner taking home RM500 in cash and exclusive gifts from SENKA by FineToday.
With Primeworks Studios as the official distributor and marketing partner in Malaysia, Kokuho will be released in selected cinemas nationwide from Thursday (July 23).
