Kokuhō Arrives on Prime Video for Exclusive Streaming
The streaming release marks the first time the record-breaking film, which surpassed "Bayside Shakedown 2" to become the top-grossing live-action Japanese film in over two decades, is available to a wide home audience outside of theaters.
Reporting from 3 sources: Eiga Natalie, KAI-YOU, Cinema Today.
The live-action film "Kokuhō" (National Treasure) will begin exclusive subscription streaming on Prime Video on June 6, 2026, exactly one year after its theatrical release. Digital purchase distribution started on May 20. Based on the novel by Shuichi Yoshida, the film is directed by Sang-il Lee and stars Ryo Yoshizawa as Kikuo Tachibana, a man born into a yakuza family who dedicates his life to kabuki. Ryusei Yokohama plays his rival Shunsuke Ogaki. The film earned over 20 billion yen at the Japanese box office and drew 14.15 million viewers, making it the highest-grossing live-action Japanese film in 22 years. It won 10 awards at the 49th Japan Academy Prize, including Best Picture and Best Actor, and was nominated for the Makeup and Hairstyling Award at the 98th Academy Awards. The cast also includes Ken Watanabe, Min Tanaka, and Mitsuki Takahata. The theme song is "Luminance" by Marihiko Hara featuring Satoshi Iguchi of King Gnu.
The film's screenplay is by Satoko Okudera, known for "The Eighth Day Cicada." Cinematography is by Sofian El Fani, a Cannes Palme d'Or winner. Art direction is by Yohei Taneda. Kabuki actor Ganjiro Nakamura IV served as kabuki supervisor and appears in the film.
The cast includes Ken Watanabe as Hanjiro Hanai, the head of a prestigious kabuki family. Other actors are Shinobu Terajima, Masatoshi Nagase, Nana Mori, Takahiro Miura, Ai Mikami, Soya Kurokawa, Keita Koshigaya, Kyusaku Shimada, Emma Miyazawa, and Min Tanaka.
Prime Video Japan Country Manager Oishi Keisuke said the company is "very honored to bring 'Kokuhō,' which has set a new milestone for Japanese cinema, to Prime Video customers." He added that "the passionate performances of the wonderful cast, including Yoshizawa Ryo, and the ultimate aesthetic depicted by director Lee Sang-il will move viewers' souls."
The film has been released in over 50 countries and regions, including North America. It screened at the Directors' Fortnight of the 78th Cannes Film Festival, as well as the Shanghai International, Toronto, and Busan film festivals. According to Kogyo Tsushinsha, the film's box office revenue has reached 20.79 billion yen, ranking 8th in all-time domestic box office rankings.
Synthesized by Yomimono from the 3 cited sources below, including Japanese-language reporting where cited, then editorially reviewed before publishing.
Sources
- Eiga Natalie 映画「国宝」ついにサブスク登場、6月からPrime Videoで見放題独占配信
- KAI-YOU 映画『国宝』がPrime Videoで見放題配信 日本映画の新たな金字塔を打ち立てた傑作
- Cinema Today 『国宝』Prime Videoで見放題配信決定｜シネマトゥデイ