TOKYO — The creative team behind Kokuho, a live-action Japanese film that has achieved an unprecedented box office gross of 17.3 billion yen (approximately $118 million USD), reunited in Tokyo’s Shibuya district today for a special screening event. Director Lee Sang-il joined lead actors Ryo Yoshizawa and Ryusei Yokohama, marking their first joint public appearance since the film’s June premiere six months ago, drawing an enthusiastic crowd of fans and media.
The cinematic adaptation, which focuses on intense drama and is now the highest-grossing live-action Japanese film in history, celebrated its continued success in the heart of the capital. The reunion was particularly significant as Yokohama had been deeply engaged in filming the NHK Taiga historical drama, Gokai Nante Nai (The Story of Tsutaju Hana Yume), following Kokuho’s theatrical release. This commitment had often left Yoshizawa and Director Lee to handle much of the film’s promotion.
Cast and Director Share Production Insights
Addressing Yokohama’s demanding schedule, Yoshizawa offered a warm welcome, saying, “We’ve been waiting for you, Yokohama. Thank you for your hard work on the Taiga drama.” Yokohama, appearing slightly fatigued yet visibly pleased, expressed his excitement at finally being able to share the success of Kokuho directly with the audience.
Yoshizawa also shed light on the intense collaboration process with Director Lee Sang-il, whom he playfully described as a “demon” on set due to his exacting standards. Yoshizawa recounted facing numerous retakes for single scenes, noting, “We often repeated shots many times, and sometimes I didn’t even understand why we were repeating them. I just knew we had to go again, hoping to meet his expectations.” This anecdote underscores the rigorous attention to detail that contributed to the film’s critical and commercial triumph.
No Director’s Cut Planned Despite Audience Demand
A highlight of the event was the director’s response to a question regarding the potential release of an extended director’s cut of Kokuho. The suggestion was met with immediate, roaring applause from the audience, with both Yoshizawa and Yokohama publicly endorsing the idea.
However, Director Lee politely but firmly dismissed the possibility. While acknowledging that a significant amount of footage, particularly concerning the film’s Kabuki performance sequences, remains unseen, he stated, “I have no desire to edit the film further.” This definitive refusal suggests a strong conviction in the final theatrical version and an unwillingness to revisit the demanding production process.
Kokuho’s sustained performance six months after its release reflects its deep resonance with the Japanese public. The film’s ability to combine commercial appeal with narrative complexity establishes a new benchmark for live-action cinema in Japan, confirming its status as a cultural phenomenon and a testament to the cast and crew’s dedication despite the demanding production climate.
