Documentary “Master Kukai”

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Producer: Beijing Tianguzhiyin Cultue Media Co., Ltd.

Director: Yue Liu

Synopsis: The documentary "Master Kūkai" is the first ever Chinese film to comprehensively capture the life and works of Kūkai, the Japanese monk who travelled to the Tang China as part of the missionary group. Kūkai is known as the Kō Daishi who risked his life to cross the sea to Tang China in order to seek Dharma teachings from Master Huiguo, the national master under three Tang emperors. After completing his studies, Kūkai returned to Japan and brought with him Esoteric Buddhism as well as advanced Tang-era culture and technology, which contributed to a radiant chapter in the history of Sino-Japanese cultural exchange. Kūkai, the founder of Japanese Esoteric Buddhism, is not only a major figure in Japanese culture, but also a disseminator, developer, and promoter of Chinese culture abroad.

The production team, upholding the original intent of exploring Kūkai's spirit, has spent five 

years tracking Kūkai's footsteps in both China and Japan. They ventured into numerous 

important locations for on-site filming. These include several Japanese national treasure-

level Buddhist holy land, such as the Lantern Hall in Kōya mountain. This was done as an effort 

to understand and document Kūkai's timeless spirit of "upholding a pure and peaceful heart, and 

delivering living beings with compassion."

Based on rigorous historical research, the documentary uses solemn and profound classical Chinese 

as narration, and applies cutting-edge AI + CG technology.  It strives to accurately recreate the 

culture and style of the Tang dynasty over twelve hundred years ago. The documentary vividly 

reproduces Kūkai's great life: how he practised with clear determination, how he transmitted and

promoted shingon esoteric teachings, how he protected the nation, delivered merits to people and 

widely benefited immeasurable living beings.

Past Performances in NZ: 

1. January 26, 2024, Academy Cinemas: Auckland.
2. January 19, 2025  Academy Cinemas: Auckland.
3. May 24, 2025 Academy Cinemas: Auckland.

Upcoming Performances: We are actively planning future performances and are seeking community support and sponsorship to bring these to fruition. Stay tuned for announcements, or contact us to learn more about collaboration opportunities.