In the realm of animative art forms, the live-action kabuki presentation titled 'Kokuho' grips Japan's theaters

In the vibrant world of Japanese cinema, two recent releases have sent shockwaves through the industry, each offering a unique take on storytelling and capturing the hearts of audiences. The dark fantasy of Demon Slayer and the thought-provoking drama of Kokuho have proven that taking chances on something different can indeed pay off.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train, the second instalment from the popular anime series, has become a phenomenon in Japan. Not only has it overtaken the legendary Titanic to claim the title of the third-highest grossing film in Japan, but it has also set records by becoming the fastest film to gross 10 billion yen (approximately RM286 million). This mega-franchise, which includes an anime and manga, provides a more consistent return for studios, with significant earnings from merchandising, as noted by Douglas Montgomery, CEO of Global Connects Media and a Temple University professor.

Meanwhile, Kokuho, directed by Lee Sang-il, offers a refreshing departure from the realm of anime. The film follows the friendship and rivalry of a yakuza gangster's son and a boy born into a kabuki family, reviving interest in this classical Japanese theatre. According to Shochiku, the entertainment company that manages the Kabuki-za theatre in Tokyo, Kokuho has rekindled curiosity in kabuki. Pensioner Shizue Kato was among those who watched the rare live-action cinema hit in Japan, with demand for the film being 25 times higher than the average film in Japan, according to Parrot Analytics.

Kokuho has also made history as the fastest domestic-made live action film to pass 10 billion yen since Bayside in 2003. The distributor of Kokuho, Toho, the Japanese giant behind Godzilla, used similar techniques from its anime hits, such as Demon Slayer, to generate buzz for the film. The movie's run in theatres has been extended, and many people went to see it twice.

The lesson for the Japanese film industry from Kokuho is clear: it can pay to take chances on something different. By offering a unique perspective on traditional Japanese culture, Kokuho has not only revived interest in kabuki but also proven that there is an audience for diverse stories.

In contrast, Demon Slayer continues to dominate the anime scene, surpassing the box office earnings of Spirited Away, another iconic anime film. Both Kokuho and Demon Slayer serve as marketing leads to their respective properties, where the real money is made later. As these two films continue to make waves in the Japanese film industry, it remains to be seen what other surprises they might have in store.