Kokuho

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.

The world of KOKUHO finds its embodiment in the Yabuki Residence, a timeless Japanese estate in Okayama.Amid the scent of wood, the interplay of light and shadow, and the enveloping stillness, dwell the essence of Japanese architecture and the spirit of performance art.Together with the story of the Hanai family, this residence continues to captivate audiences as a living stage of enduring tradition.

In KOKUHO, the story’s essence lies in the passion that hides within silence. The location that best captures this is Yoshihara Irie in Kyoto, where aged shrines and shadowed bridges visualize Kikuo’s grief and vengeance. It is a place where film and reality merge, offering a tangible connection to the story’s emotional core.

Amid the twilight glow and enveloping silence, Kikuo clenches his fists—a gesture that marks the intersection of grief, rage, and rebirth. At Minazuki Shrine, the boundaries between light and darkness, vengeance and redemption dissolve, creating a scene that defines the emotional essence of Kokuhou.

Hidden in the mountains of Kyoto lies Kitashirakawa Fudou Onsen, the symbolic stage where Kikuo in KOKUHO confronts his own soul. It is a place where silence holds warmth, and that quiet tension became the film’s beating heart.

The Hamburg Steak with Napolitan Pasta in KOKUHO was more than a meal— it was a symbol of connection and tenderness. At Restaurant Hyakkaen (14-1 Ikenokubi, Yawata City, Kyoto), the warmth of the movie still lingers, making it a living memory of KOKUHO’s emotional world.

The story of Harue and the cabaret in KOKUHO transcends glamour—it reflects the pride, sorrow, and resilience of women who lived through Japan’s Showa era. The film’s central setting, Grand Salon Juso, remains today as a living testament to cultural endurance, illuminating the enduring power of art and memory.