Story perspectives

Lee Sang-il’s ‘Kokuho’ Becomes Japan’s Top Live-Action Film

5/8/2026

Summary

Story summary

Lee Sang-il (director) sees his film Kokuho become Japan’s highest-grossing live-action movie.
Ryo Yoshizawa (actor) portrays Kikuo, who trains under Ken Watanabe (actor) and competes with Ryusei Yokohama (actor) for the kokuho title.
Sofian El Fani (cinematographer) captures kabuki costumes and rapid hikinuki changes, featuring Min Tanaka (butoh dancer) as Mangiku.
The dance portrays Kikuo as a solitary heron, suggesting his trauma creates beauty for audiences to interpret.

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Story summary

Lee Sang-il (director) sees his film Kokuho become Japan’s highest-grossing live-action movie.
Ryo Yoshizawa (actor) portrays Kikuo, who trains under Ken Watanabe (actor) and competes with Ryusei Yokohama (actor) for the kokuho title.
Sofian El Fani (cinematographer) captures kabuki costumes and rapid hikinuki changes, featuring Min Tanaka (butoh dancer) as Mangiku.
The dance portrays Kikuo as a solitary heron, suggesting his trauma creates beauty for audiences to interpret.