🏆 Winner of Best Picture at the 2026 Japan Academy Film Prize and recipient of 10 Japan Academy Awards

Set against the breathtaking world of traditional Japanese kabuki theater, Kokuho is a sweeping epic of ambition, artistry, sacrifice, and identity. The story follows Kikuo, the son of a yakuza boss, who is taken in by a renowned kabuki master and trained alongside the master’s biological son. Bound by friendship, rivalry, and a shared devotion to their craft, the two spend decades pursuing excellence on the stage while navigating family expectations, personal sacrifice, and the demands of a centuries-old artistic tradition.

Winner of Japan’s highest film honor—Best Picture at the Japan Academy Film Prize—Kokuho also earned awards for Best Director, Best Actor, Best Screenplay, and seven additional categories, making it one of the most acclaimed Japanese films of the year.

Visually stunning and emotionally powerful, the film offers a rare glimpse into the beauty, discipline, and cultural significance of kabuki theater while exploring universal themes of belonging, perseverance, legacy, and the price of greatness. Whether you are familiar with Japanese culture or encountering kabuki for the first time, Kokuho is an unforgettable cinematic experience.

📅 Two nights: June 25 & 26
🕖 7:00 PM
📍 Lynwood Theater, Bainbridge Island

As BIJAEMA continues its work to preserve and share the history and culture of the Japanese American community, we are pleased to support opportunities that bring Japanese arts and culture to local audiences.

Learn more and watch the trailer:
https://youtu.be/WGfu5-cDqxA?si=xX_x176fW4j4EcEr