Mastodawn

Kabuki epic “Kokuho” had a huge night at Japan’s top film awards, taking 10 prizes including best picture and best director. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2026/03/14/entertainment-news/kokuho-academy-prize-winner/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #culture #entertainmentnews #awards #japanacademyfilmprize #kokuho #tokyotaxi #leesangil

‘Kokuho’ dominates Japan Academy Film Prize with 10 wins

Japan’s answer to the Oscars crowns Lee Sang-il’s kabuki drama after its historic box-office run.

The Japan Times

The Japan Times Feb 17

“Kokuho” has hit the ¥20 billion milestone in box office earnings in Japan, its distributor, Toho, says. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2026/02/17/film/kokuho-film-earning/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #culture #film #japanesefilm #kokuho #kabuki #records #leesangil

‘Kokuho’ earns ¥20 billion at Japan box office

The film now ranks 10th among all-time box office hits in Japan, including Western films and anime.

The Japan Times

Variety Feb 16

‘Kokuho,’ Japan’s Highest-Grossing Live-Action Film, Sets U.K., Ireland Release
#Variety #Asia #Global #News #KenWatanabe #Kokuho #LeeSangil #VueLumière

https://variety.com/2026/film/news/kokuho-uk-ireland-release-1236664829/

'Kokuho' Sets U.K., Ireland Release

Vue Lumière will release 'Kokuho,' the highest-grossing Japanese live-action film of all time in Japan, in U.K. and Ireland cinemas.

Variety

Variety Feb 16

‘Kokuho,’ Japan’s Highest-Grossing Live-Action Film, Sets U.K., Ireland Release

https://fed.brid.gy/r/https://variety.com/2026/film/news/kokuho-uk-ireland-release-1236664829/

The Japan Times Jan 22

Japan’s surprise box-office hit dominates the Japan Academy Awards — but at the Oscars, “Kokuho” comes away with just one nomination. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2026/01/23/entertainment-news/oscar-nominations-kokuho-academy/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #culture #entertainmentnews #japanesefilm #kokuho #kabuki #records #leesangil #awards #japanacademyfilmprize #academyawards

‘Kokuho’ leads Japan Academy Film Prize nominations but falls short at the Oscars

The hit kabuki drama had been on the shortlist for best international feature, but still received recognition for hair and makeup.

The Japan Times

Variety Jan 15

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’

https://fed.brid.gy/r/https://variety.com/2026/film/news/ken-watanabe-lee-sang-il-kokuho-oscars-box-office-1236632099/

Variety Jan 15

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’
#Variety #Asia #Global #News #KenWatanabe #Kokuho #LeeSangil #Oscars

https://variety.com/2026/film/news/ken-watanabe-lee-sang-il-kokuho-oscars-box-office-1236632099/

Ken Watanabe, Lee Sang-il on ‘Kokuho’ Oscars Run and Box Office

Ken Watanabe and director Lee Sang-il discuss Kabuki epic 'Kokuho,' Japan’s top live-action hit and an Oscars international feature shortlister.

Variety

Deadline Jan 12

‘Kokuho’ Director Lee Sang-il & Star Ken Watanabe On How Japan’s Oscar Entry Revived Moviegoing In The Country – Deadline Screening Series
#News #DeadlineScreeningSeries #GKIDS #Kenwatanabe #Kokuho #LeeSangil #Novid #Oscars

https://deadline.com/2026/01/kokuho-ken-watanabe-interview-1236681100/