by ECI Released : 2026-02-21
Kokuho is directed by Lee Sand-il and stars Ryo Yoshizawa, Ryeusei Yokohama, and Ken Watanabe as Kikuo Tachibana, Shunsuke Ogaki, and Hanai Hanjiro II. The film follows Kikuo, the son of a yakuza leader whose life changes after tragedy pushes him away from the criminal world and into the demanding, tradition-bound world of kabuki theatre. Taken in as an apprentice by the legendary Hanai Hanjiro II, Kikuo begins a lifelong journey to master the art form while trying to overcome the stigma of his past.
Set across decades within Japan’s traditional kabuki scene, the story explores Kikuo’s complicated relationship with Shunsuke, the biological heir to the Tanba-ya kabuki house. Raised and trained together, the two develop a bond defined by rivalry, loyalty, and artistic ambition as they attempt to reach the highest levels of their craft.
I loved the performances, pacing, and especially the sweeping scope of the story. Yoshizawa delivers an exceptional performance as Kikuo, capturing both the passion and inner struggle of a man devoted to a demanding art form. Yokohama provides a strong counterbalance as Shunsuke, while Watanabe brings authority and gravitas as the legendary mentor guiding the next generation.
One minor flaw comes in the final act, where some of the aging makeup falls slightly below the standard expected from a film that is otherwise a strong contender for Best Makeup and Hairstyling at the Academy Awards. Even so, it’s a small issue in an otherwise beautifully crafted film.
Kokuho will go down as one of the year’s best and is absolutely worth seeing at a drive-in near you.
