A Blockbuster Captures Japan’s Identity Crisis
Foreign Policy
by Nina Li CoomesFebruary 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Japan is grappling with an identity crisis, marked by rising far-right influence, anti-immigrant sentiment, and a demographic shift that has left the elderly working indefinitely while disenfranchising the young. This cultural conundrum is elegantly reflected in *Kokuho*, a critically acclaimed period drama directed by Lee Sang-il and based on Shuichi Yoshida’s 2018 novel. Set against the backdrop of Kabuki theater, *Kokuho* tells the story of two young men navigating their roles as insiders and outsiders within a traditional yet rapidly evolving society. The film explores themes of legacy, identity, and change, resonating deeply with audiences across generations.
The plot follows Kikuo, heir to a Nagasaki yakuza clan, who loses everything after his father’s murder and finds himself under the wing of Hanjiro Hanai, a prominent Kabuki actor. As Kikuo trains to become an actor alongside Hanjiro’s biological son Shunsuke, the film unfolds a decades-long narrative of rivalry and succession. This tension between insider (Shunsuke) and outsider (Kikuo) mirrors Japan’s broader societal debates about tradition versus progress. While *Kokuho* is visually stunning and emotionally resonant, its true strength lies in its nuanced portrayal of both characters’ flaws and aspirations.
The film’s refusal to simplify the insider-outsider dynamic sets it apart from typical narratives that pit one against the other. Instead, it offers a balanced exploration of how tradition can both constrain and inspire individuals. This
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Originally published on Foreign Policy on 2/20/2026