Japan has officially chosen Kokuho (“National Treasure”), directed by Lee Sang-il and starring Ryo Yoshizawa, as its entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards. The film, based on Shuichi Yoshida’s acclaimed novel, has been a major box office hit in Japan and explores the world of Kabuki through the life of a fictional onnagata (a male actor specializing in female roles).
This decision drew attention not only because of the film’s domestic success but also due to the unique cultural theme it highlights. Onnagata has no direct equivalent in Western performing arts, making the film both distinctive and potentially challenging for international audiences.
Overseas Reactions
“Hmm solid choice but it probably won’t make the shortlist. No new films from the prestige Academy-friendly Japanese directors in 2025 so they went with box office hit Kokuho. Other options were Scarlet, Sham, Yakushima’s Illusion, A Pale View of Hills and the Locarno winner Two Seasons Two Strangers.”
“I think it will make the shortlist.”
“It could. Reception has been pretty great.”
“It had a great reception in Japan, but a 3-hour biopic about a fictional Kabuki actor sounds a bit too specific to get international acclaim. I think other films might be more accessible and generate more buzz. There’s limited space on the shortlist and there are already lots of great submissions this year.”
“Reception for hundreds of international features has been great in 2025. It’s stacked this year. It could make it, but if I had to guess it won’t make the shortlist.”
“In Japan yes, but at Cannes reception was pretty muted.”
“It didn’t really receive any attention at Cannes, probably because it premiered in Directors’ Fortnight. But it has a good Letterboxd score.”
“Well yeah but even the reviews from Cannes weren’t anything to write home about.”
“The President’s Cake was in Directors’ Fortnight and it has a very good chance of being nominated. Kokuho mostly resonates with Japanese audiences. Japan gets a lot of their films in, but I think voters will pass on Kokuho. There are much stronger films.”
“Scarlet could’ve had a shot, if it’s any good at least.”
“Not surprised because this was a huge hit in Japan, especially for a live-action movie. I doubt it will get nominated though.”
Context for International Readers
Most of the discussion around Kokuho centers on whether it can resonate beyond Japan. While the film has achieved significant success domestically, international exposure remains limited. The Cannes reception was modest, and broader overseas release is still ahead. Current opinions are therefore based mainly on festival screenings and reports from Japan.
It is important to remember that the Academy Awards have occasionally highlighted films that seemed unlikely contenders at first. With its striking visuals, strong performances, and exploration of onnagata—a form of gendered performance unique to Japan—Kokuho still has potential to intrigue voters once it reaches wider audiences abroad.
👉 For a deeper dive into the cultural and gender significance of onnagata, and what Kokuho represents in Japan’s global cultural diplomacy, see the full analysis here:
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