KYÛSAKU SHIMADA

KOKUHO (2025)

Starring Keitatsu Koshiyama, Soya Kurokawa, Ai Mikami, Takahiro Miura, Emma Miyazawa, Nana Mori, Masatoshi Nagase, Kyûsaku Shimada, Mitsuki Takahata and Min Tanaka. Directed by Sang-Il Lee.

Nagasaki, 1964. After the death of his father, the leader of a yakuza gang, gifted 14-year-old Kikuo is taken under the wing of famed Kabuki actor Hanjiro Hanai. Alongside the great performer’s only son, Shunsuke, he dedicates his life to the art form – a centuries-old Japanese theatrical tradition known for its costumes, elaborate makeup and innovative stagecraft.

Over the ensuing decades, against the backdrop of stunning stagings of classic Kabuki tales, the destiny of the two young disciples entwines and twists - from acting school to the most prestigious stages - and their hearts suffer as much yearning, scandal and glory as their on-stage alter-egos. Only one of them will become the master of the art.