Director Lee Sang Il, a Zainichi Korean filmmaker, has rewritten Japanese box office history. His latest film “Kokuhō (National Treasure)” has officially become the highest grossing live action film in Japanese cinema history, surpassing a record that held for more than 20 years.
A Historic Breakthrough at the Japanese Box Office
On November 25, distributor Toho announced that as of November 24, Kokuhō recorded 12.31 million cumulative admissions, with a total box office revenue of 17.37 billion yen (approximately 163 billion KRW). This achievement pushes the film past the long-standing record of “Bayside Shakedown 2” (2003), which previously held the No.1 live-action spot with 17.3 billion yen. With this milestone, Kokuhō now stands at the very top of Japan’s live-action box office rankings.
A Story Rooted in Art, Violence, and Legacy
Kokuhō is adapted from the bestselling novel by renowned writer Shuichi Yoshida. The story follows a kabuki actor born into a yakuza family, tracing his rise to becoming a “national treasure” of Japanese performing arts. Directed by Lee Sang Il known for his sharp storytelling and emotional depth the film blends intense character drama, cultural tradition, and a compelling exploration of identity.
Despite its unconventional subject matter and an unusually long 3-hour runtime, the film resonated strongly with Japanese audiences. It surpassed 10 million admissions on its 102nd day of release, a rare feat for a serious drama and further evidence of its extraordinary staying power.
Korean Release Begins
Kokuhō debuted in Korean theaters on November 19. As of November 24, the film recorded 64,971 domestic admissions, gradually building momentum among moviegoers curious about the Japanese phenomenon that dominated an entire season.
With its groundbreaking box-office performance and acclaimed direction, Kokuhō stands as both a cultural achievement in Japan and a major career landmark for Lee Sang Il.