Trending on Billboard

Billboard Japan spoke with composer Marihiko Hara, the composer of the score for the film KOKUHO , for its MONTHLY FEATURE series spotlighting artists and works currently worthy of note.

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

KOKUHO has become a landmark in Japanese cinema history, earning over 20 billion yen ($125 million) at the box office to claim the all-time No. 1 spot among live-action Japanese films. At the 49th Japan Academy Film Prize held in March 2026, it swept 10 awards including Picture of the Year, with Hara himself taking home prizes in the Outstanding Achievement in Music and Theme Song categories. The film’s theme, “Luminance,” released under the name Marihiko Hara feat.…