Set in post-war Japan, KOKUHO follows Kikuo Tachibana, the son of a yakuza boss whose life changes forever after his father is killed in a gang conflict. Recognizing the boy's extraordinary talent, renowned kabuki actor Hanai Hanjiro takes Kikuo under his wing and raises him alongside his own son, Shunsuke. As the two boys dedicate their lives to the demanding world of kabuki theatre, they develop a bond that is both brotherly and fiercely competitive. Over the next five decades, their friendship is tested by ambition, jealousy, family expectations, personal sacrifices, and the relentless pursuit of artistic perfection. Against the backdrop of Japan's rich theatrical tradition, Kikuo struggles to overcome the stigma of his criminal origins while striving to become a true master of the art. His journey ultimately leads him toward the highest honor in Japanese culture: being recognized as a "Kokuho" (Living National Treasure)