The Japanese movie "Kokuho," which follows the life and career of a fictional kabuki performer, has broken Japan's box office record for a domestic live-action film set 22 years ago.
"Kokuho," which means national treasure, portrays the life and career of a kabuki performer. Born into a yakuza family and later adopted by a kabuki actor, the protagonist, who plays female roles, dedicates his life to the stage and ultimately achieves recognition as a living national treasure. The film was directed by Lee Sang-il.
The film distributor, Toho, says that as of Monday, movie theaters in Japan had drawn more than 12.3 million viewers since its release on June 6. The live-action film grossed about 17.4 billion yen or 111 million dollars, breaking the previous record set by "Bayside Shakedown 2" released in 2003.
"Kokuho" has enjoyed a long run after becoming a huge box office hit, thanks to the Kabuki stage performances by main cast members, Yoshizawa Ryo and Yokohama Ryusei, who are not Kabuki actors by profession.
The film has been officially submitted as Japan's contender for the Best International Feature Film category at the upcoming Academy Awards next year.

Quiz 1:
What is the Japanese movie that recently broke Japan's box office record for a domestic live-action film?
A. Bayside Shakedown 2
B. Kokuho
C. Another Movie Title
D. Unknown Movie Title

Quiz 2:
Which of the following is not true about the movie "Kokuho"?
A. It was directed by Lee Sang-il.
B. It portrays the life and career of a kabuki performer.
C. The main cast members are professional Kabuki actors.
D. It has been officially submitted as Japan's contender for the Best International Feature Film category at the upcoming Academy Awards next year.

Quiz 3:
How many viewers had movie theaters in Japan drawn, as of Monday, since the release of "Kokuho"?
A. Less than 12.3 million
B. More than 12.3 million but less than 17.4 billion yen
C. 17.4 billion yen or approximately 111 million dollars
D. More than 17.4 billion yen but the exact number is not mentioned in the article