Live-Action Film ‘Kokuho’ Defies Anime Dominance in Japan

In a surprising turn in Japan’s cinematic landscape, the live-action film “Kokuho” is making waves amidst a sea of animated blockbusters. With a runtime of nearly three hours, the film explores the intricate lives of two “onnagata,” male actors portraying female roles in kabuki theatre. Directed by Lee Sang-il and shot by Sofian El Fan, “Kokuho” tells the story of a son from a murdered yakuza family and a boy from a kabuki lineage, highlighting themes of friendship and rivalry.

The film resonated with audiences, including Shizue Kato, who expressed her preference for “Kokuho” over the latest anime sensation, “Demon Slayer.” “Many of our friends already watched the film, and they were amazed we hadn’t yet,” Kato remarked after a recent screening in Tokyo. Her husband, Kuni Kato, added, “I read the original novel,” indicating a deeper connection to the film’s narrative.

Despite its slower pacing compared to the high-octane “Demon Slayer,” which has shattered box office records, “Kokuho” has achieved remarkable success. It is the fastest domestic live-action film to surpass 10 billion yen (approximately $67 million) in revenue since “Bayside Shakedown 2” in 2003. The film has captivated audiences, driven partly by the popularity of its lead actors, Ryo Yoshizawa and Ryusei Yokohama, both of whom have a strong fan following in Japan.

Anime Still Dominates, But ‘Kokuho’ Stands Out

Anime continues to reign supreme in Japan’s film industry, with only three of the top ten films being live-action. The other two are “Titanic” and the first “Harry Potter.” This trend is mirrored globally, as seen with the Chinese animated feature “Ne Zha II,” which topped box office charts in 2025. Streaming services also reflect this dominance, with Netflix claiming its most-watched film is the animated “KPop Demon Hunters,” and reporting over a billion views of anime content in 2024.

Yet, “Kokuho” has sparked renewed interest in kabuki theatre, according to Shochiku, the company managing the renowned Kabuki-za theatre in Tokyo’s Ginza district. Its distribution by Toho, the production company famous for the “Godzilla” franchise, has played a significant role in its success. Following a premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in May, the film’s popularity soared, leading Toho to implement marketing strategies similar to those used for their anime hits, including “Demon Slayer.”

The film’s theatrical run has been extended due to strong word-of-mouth recommendations, with many viewers returning for additional screenings. According to Parrot Analytics, the demand for “Kokuho” was reported to be 25 times higher than that of an average film in Japan.

Industry Insights and Implications

Douglas Montgomery, former Warner Bros executive and current CEO of Global Connects Media, highlighted the challenges live-action films face in a landscape dominated by anime. He noted that animated films provide a “more consistent return” for studios, particularly through merchandising opportunities. “The film functions as a marketing lead to the intellectual property, where the real money is made later,” Montgomery explained.

He emphasized that the success of “Kokuho” offers valuable insights for the Japanese film industry, suggesting that it can be beneficial to take risks on unique projects. However, he cautioned that replicating such a “rare gem” may prove to be a significant challenge.

As “Kokuho” continues to make its mark in a predominantly animated film market, it serves as a reminder of the diverse storytelling possibilities within cinema. The film not only highlights the potential for live-action narratives in Japan but also reflects changing audience preferences in an evolving entertainment landscape.