KOKUHO

The lobby and lounge of the fictional “Hinomoto-za” in KOKUHO were filmed at the Osaka Prefecture University Nakamozu Campus.Its majestic auditorium and subtle play of light perfectly capture the film’s central theme of “tradition and innovation.”This campus breathes life into the moment when a place of learning transforms into a stage of art.

The Akenobe Mine of Hyogo Prefecture, featured in the film “KOKUHO,” is a place where memory and time intertwine. Decades after its closure, the air that fills its tunnels still holds the essence of those who once lived and worked here. Within its silence lies Kikuo’s emotional origin—a crossroads where fiction meets reality, inviting visitors to confront the meaning of existence itself.

The National Bunraku Theatre, Japan’s sanctuary of traditional performing arts, breathed real life into the story of Kokuhō. Its architecture, lighting, and sound design intertwined to express the tension and passion of those devoted to their craft. The atmosphere of this theater itself represents the authentic power that no film set could replicate.

In the final moments of “Kokuho”, the silence of Shunsuke’s gentle smile fills the hospital room with grace. Filmed at Kita Osaka Housenka Hospital, this scene merges reality with cinema, expressing the sanctity of life and the timeless power of art through delicate light and stillness.

Based on Shuichi Yoshida’s acclaimed novel, “KOKUHO” unfolds as a human drama that transcends cultural boundaries. It explores the pride of ninkyō, the devotion to art, and the journey toward forgiveness and rebirth. Within its world of harsh beauty, the film asks a timeless question: Why do humans pursue art, even amid suffering?

Within silence breathes beauty. In KOKUHO, many unforgettable scenes were filmed inside The Westin Miyako Kyoto, one of Kyoto’s most historic hotels. The soft light pouring into the West Wing’s spiral staircase and guest rooms mirrors the inner emotions of the characters, embodying the city’s signature elegance and spiritual depth.

Behind the vivid depiction of regional touring theaters in the film KOKUHO lies the real-life inspiration of Kanamaruza in Kagawa Prefecture. This hand-built, human-powered stage perfectly captures the sanctity of performance portrayed in the film. The scent of wood, the closeness of the audience, and the living breath of tradition all contributed to giving life and authenticity to the cinematic world of KOKUHO.

The Yachiyoza Theater in Kumamoto Prefecture is more than an architectural treasure—it is the spiritual heart of the film “KOKUHO.” Here, the essence of traditional Japanese performance meets the modern sensibility of cinema. Yachiyoza resonates with timeless human passion and creative energy, reminding visitors that true art transcends both era and medium.

In KOKUHO, Kyoto is not portrayed as a city of temples and tradition but as a realm of outcasts and dreamers. The DX Toji Theater becomes a symbol of freedom and defiance, where Shunsuke’s dance blurs the line between reality and illusion, creating a space where raw humanity unfolds beneath the flickering lights.

Amid the stillness of Kyoto lies a place where countless stories are born. Toei Kyoto Studio is a miraculous space that continues to shape the visual beauty of Japan. Here, the past and future, tradition and innovation converge, giving form to the power of KOKUHO cinema recognized around the world.