Tom Cruise Hosts Exclusive Screening for Oscar-Contending Japanese Drama ‘Kokuho’

Tom Cruise steps into the spotlight as host for a private Los Angeles screening of ‘Kokuho’, Japan’s record-breaking live-action film vying for Best International Feature at the 2026 Oscars. The event underscores his affinity for boundary-pushing cinema, drawing parallels between the film’s raw performances and his own stunt-driven intensity. Director Sang-il Lee positions the drama as a testament to unfiltered artistry, amplifying its cross-cultural resonance.

‘Kokuho’, translating to “National Treasure”, chronicles the life of Kabuki master Kineya Rokube IV during the late Edo period. Directed by Lee, known for ‘Hwayi: A Monster Boy Tells His Story’ and ‘Phantom Detective’, the film spans 1847 to 1868, capturing Rokube’s evolution from apprentice to icon amid Japan’s seismic shifts. It grossed over 8.5 billion yen domestically, securing the top spot for live-action releases in 2024.

The narrative centers on Rokube’s mastery of the shamisen, a three-stringed instrument central to Kabuki theater. Lead actor Kento Yamazaki embodies Rokube, undergoing rigorous training to replicate 19th-century techniques without modern aids. Co-star Taiga Nakano portrays his mentor, infusing the story with themes of legacy and cultural preservation against feudal upheaval.

Lee’s production eschewed visual effects and automated dialogue replacement, demanding live recordings on practical sets replicating Edo-era stages. Yamazaki logged 12-hour daily sessions honing shamisen skills, while Nakano drew from historical texts for authenticity. The score integrates traditional Gagaku ensembles with subtle orchestral swells, composed by Taro Iwashiro.

Cruise’s involvement stems from a mutual admiration with Lee, who likened the cast’s commitment to Cruise’s practical action sequences in ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ and ‘Mission: Impossible’ films. “We didn’t use any VFX or ADR in this, so everything you hear is live. It’s like Tom Cruise doing his own action,” Lee stated in a recent interview. The screening, set for December 11, aims to rally Academy voters ahead of nominations.

GKIDS, the film’s North American distributor, announced a limited rollout starting February 6, 2026, in New York and Los Angeles. Expansion follows on February 20 to additional markets, positioning ‘Kokuho’ against contenders like France’s ‘The Room Next Door’. The studio highlights its 98% Rotten Tomatoes score from Japanese critics, praising the blend of historical fidelity and emotional depth.

Yamazaki, 30, rose through roles in ‘Death Note’ and ‘Kingdom’, earning Japan Academy Prize nods. His portrayal earned him Best Actor at the 2025 Blue Ribbon Awards. Nakano, a versatile performer from ‘The Top Secret: Murder in Mind’, complements with a grounded intensity, their chemistry driving the film’s 152-minute runtime.

The screening invites select industry figures, including agents and guild members, to preview 4K prints sourced directly from Toei Company. Cruise, absent from major public events since ‘Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning’ promotion, uses the platform to advocate for global storytelling. Sources confirm no red carpet, emphasizing intimate discussions on performance authenticity.

‘Kokuho’ adapts elements from Kyoko Kachi’s novel, expanding into Rokube’s rivalries and the Meiji Restoration’s shadow. Cinematographer Hong Kyung-pyo, of ‘Parasite’ fame, employs natural lighting to evoke lantern-lit theaters. Editing by Nam Na-young maintains a deliberate pace, clocking in at 2 hours 32 minutes.

As Oscar campaigns intensify, ‘Kokuho’ benefits from endorsements by figures like Bong Joon-ho, who called it “a shamisen strung with the soul of a nation.” Cruise’s endorsement could sway voters, given his history with international hits like ‘The Last Samurai’. The film arrives amid heightened interest in Asian cinema, following ‘Drive My Car’s 2022 win.

Production spanned 2023-2024 in Kyoto studios and on-location at Kabuki-za theater replicas. Budget topped 2 billion yen, funded by Toei and Amuse. Post-production wrapped in summer 2024, with sound design by Oscar-nominee Mark Ulano.

North American marketing leans on cultural immersion, with GKIDS partnering for shamisen workshops. Advance tickets for the February openings hit 15,000 pre-sales within hours of announcement. The film’s subtitles, crafted by translator Linda Hoaglund, preserve poetic nuances of Edo dialect.

Lee, 51, draws from his theater background, insisting on full-cast rehearsals mirroring Kabuki ensembles. “This is not recreation; it’s resurrection,” he noted. Cruise, reportedly viewing an early cut in Tokyo, praised its visceral energy.

With ‘Kokuho’ locked for contention, the screening marks a pivotal push. Its narrative of artistic defiance mirrors Hollywood’s own battles for innovation, making Cruise’s role a fitting bridge. As expansions loom, the drama stands poised to etch Kabuki’s legacy into Western awards lore.