Another US Trailer for ‘Kokuho’ Japanese Film About Kabuki Actors

by Alex Billington
October 31, 2025
Source: YouTube

“What a beautiful face… But be careful. Your beautiful face might consume you.” Definitely. GKids has revealed a second trailer for the acclaimed Japanese drama titled Kokuho, made by filmmaker Sang-il Lee. The title Kokuho means “national treasure” and is inspired by a true story. This first premiered at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival in Directors’ Fortnight and opens in limited theaters in November. Tickets for viewings in NY & LA are on sale now. Already announced as Japan’s entry for Best International Feature at the Academy Awards, the smash-hit live action feature is directed by Sang-il Lee (of “Pachinko” Season 2, Hula Girls, Rage), and stars Ryo Yoshizawa, Ryusei Yokohama, and Ken Watanabe. With a breakthrough performance for lead actor Ryo Yoshizawa, who trained 18 months in the art and history of Kabuki theater, to embody the role of Kikuo, an actor pursuing greatness at all costs, in a story of glory and heartbreak that spans decades. In post-war Japan’s economic boom, gangster family-born Kikuo finds himself adopted by a kabuki actor. He develops into a gifted performer. This looks truly stunning and so deeply soulful & moving.

Here’s the second US trailer (+ poster) for Sang-il Lee’s drama Kokuho, direct from GKids’ YouTube:

You can rewatch the first US trailer for Sang-il Lee’s Kokuho film right here to view even more footage.

Nagasaki, 1964. After the death of his father, leader of a yakuza gang, 14-year-old Kikuo is taken under the wing of a famous Kabuki actor. Alongside Shunsuke, the actor’s only son, Kikuo decides to dedicate himself to this traditional form of theatre. Across decades, the two young men grow and evolve together – from acting school to the grandest stages – amid scandals and glory, brotherhood and betrayals, as each pushes to become the greatest living Kabuki master. Kokuho (which means “national treasure”) is a film of awe-inspiring scope & sumptuous beauty, and a monument to the artists who would sacrifice everything in the pursuit of the ultimate performance. Kokuho is directed by prolific Japanese filmmaker Sang-il Lee, director of the films Chong, Border Line, 69, Hula Girls, Villain, Unforgiven, Rage, The Blue Hearts, The Wandering Moon, and “Pachinko” series previously. The screenplay is written by Satoko Okudera; adapted from the novel by Shûichi Yoshida. Produced by Aniplex Inc. and Myriagon Studio. This initially premiered at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival in the Directors’ Fortnight sidebar. GKids will debut Sang-il Lee’s Kokuho in select US theaters starting November 14th, 2025. For more info, visit the film’s official site. Intrigued?

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