KOKUHO

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.

Standing proudly in the heart of Tokyo’s Ginza, Kabuki-za represents the elegance and soul of Japanese tradition.In “KOKUHO”, it inspired the creation of the central theater “Hinomoto-za (ひのもとざ)”, portrayed as a symbol of artistic devotion and passion.This is a place where the timeless power of stage art connects the past and the present, capturing the essence of Japan’s cultural identity.

The hospital sequences in “KOKUHO” were filmed at Shiga Prefectural General Hospital, a place where tension and serenity coexist.Every detail—from the sterile light to the subtle sounds of machines—captures the fragility and preciousness of life.The result is a cinematic experience that feels as real as life itself.

Amid the rich cultural heart of Kyoto, the historic Minami-za Theater stands as a beacon of artistic legacy. In KOKUHO, its grand stage becomes the canvas for the protagonist’s ultimate performance—one that embodies both human fragility and artistic transcendence. With every step upon its aged floorboards, the film breathes life into the centuries of emotion that dwell within this sacred space.

For over a millennium, the legend of Anchin and Kiyohime has been passed down as one of Japan’s most poignant tales.At Dōjōji Temple in Wakayama, the setting of that legend, the film KOKUHO breathes new life into the story—a place where human passion and prayer merge into the timeless landscape of Japan’s soul.