Ikiru (1952)
▸ Must watch
Ikiru is streaming in Japan on U-NEXT.
The verdict
Ikiru has pulled the kind of numbers most Japanese films never see. It carries an 8.3/10 on TMDB across 1,393 ratings — comfortably clear of the pack. It clocks in at a standard 143 minutes. In Japan you can stream it on U-NEXT.
Should you spend 2h 23m on it?
2h 23m of Japanese drama. A little over the usual, so start it earlier than you think.
- Why
- Currently 8.3/10 from 1,393 ratings, which is a good sign this early.
- Skip if
- you're after something that moves faster than it feels
- Best for
- A night you can give it your full attention
Story
Kanji Watanabe is a middle-aged man who has worked in the same monotonous bureaucratic position for decades. Learning he has cancer, he starts to look for the meaning of his life.
Good to know
| Runtime | 2h 23m |
| Genre | Drama |
| Language | Japanese |
| Best screen | Stream at home |
Director
Akira Kurosawa
Cast
Takashi Shimura
Kanji Watanabe
Haruo Tanaka
Sakai
Nobuo Kaneko
Mitsuo, son of Kanji
Bokuzen Hidari
Ohara
Miki Odagiri
Toyo
Shinichi Himori
Kimura
Where to watch in Japan
U-NEXT
Included with a subscription — no extra charge on these platforms.
Rent or buy
Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesFOD
Availability as of 22 Sept 2026 — platforms may change over time.
Trailer
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Frequently asked
Is Ikiru worth watching?
Must watch. It rates 8.3/10 on audience ratings. 2h 23m of Japanese drama. A little over the usual, so start it earlier than you think.
Where can I watch Ikiru?
You can stream Ikiru in Japan on U-NEXT.
When is Ikiru coming to streaming?
Ikiru is already streaming in Japan on U-NEXT.
What language is Ikiru in?
Ikiru is a Japanese film (Drama).