Where can you watch “Stars and the Moon Are Holes in the Sky” for free? The much-talked-about film by lead actor Go Ayano and director Haruhiko Arai, set to be released on December 19, 2025, is drawing attention. Many of you probably want to enjoy this literary and sensual worldview as affordably as possible. In this article, we thoroughly research how to watch “Stars and the Moon Are Holes in the Sky” for free and which subscription services plan to stream it. We also dive into the appeal of the cast and reactions on social media. Read on for a detailed explanation of “when and on which service you can watch it.” Find the viewing method that suits you best.
- What is “Stars and the Moon Are Holes in the Sky”?
- Synopsis & details of “Stars and the Moon Are Holes in the Sky”
- Highlights to know before watching
- Subscription services likely to stream “Stars and the Moon Are Holes in the Sky”
- FAQ about watching “Stars and the Moon Are Holes in the Sky”
- Filmography of the main cast
- Recommended similar/related works
- 1) “It Feels So Good” (2019)
- 2) “L’Amant” (1995 / screenplay by Haruhiko Arai)
- 3) “In the Realm of the Senses” (1976 / dir. Nagisa Oshima)
- 4) “This Country’s Sky” (2015 / dir. Haruhiko Arai)
- 5) “Haru’s Journey” (2010 / dir. Masahiro Kobayashi)
- 6) “Backwater” (2013 / dir. Shinji Aoyama)
- 7) “Cold Fish” (2010 / dir. Sion Sono)
- Check the buzz and reviews on social media!
What is “Stars and the Moon Are Holes in the Sky”?
“Stars and the Moon Are Holes in the Sky” is the latest film by director Haruhiko Arai, scheduled for nationwide release on Friday, December 19, 2025. The original work is a novel of the same name by literary master Junnosuke Yoshiyuki, published in the 1960s and known as a classic that quietly portrays human desire and loneliness. Combining a literary flavor with a sensual worldview and reimagined from a contemporary perspective, this film is drawing attention not merely as a romance but as “a story about facing oneself through love.”
Basic information about the film
Director/Screenplay: Haruhiko Arai
Original Work: Junnosuke Yoshiyuki, “Hoshi to Tsuki wa Ten no Ana” (Shincho Bunko)
Lead: Go Ayano (as Katsuji Yazoe)
Cast: Sakuya (as Noriko Segawa), Rena Tanaka (as Chieko), Tasuku Emoto, Akari Misaki, MINAMO, Junko Miyashita, Kazuo Hara, Mutsuo Yoshioka, etc.
Distributor: Happinet Phantom Studios
Rating: R18+ (Adults Only)
Themes and the director’s intent
Director Haruhiko Arai is also a renowned screenwriter known for works like “L’Amant” and “This Country’s Sky” and excels at depicting the “vital sensation of life” through sexuality. In this film, universal themes such as love, loneliness, desire, and forgiveness are rendered in literary language and visual beauty. A key highlight is Go Ayano’s delicate portrayal of the inner turmoil of protagonist Katsuji Yazoe, symbolically depicting the contrast of light and darkness shining into the “hole in the sky”—the void in one’s heart.
Production background and points to watch
The film features cinematographer Satoshi Nakase of “It Feels So Good,” with soft yet lustrous imagery that makes use of natural light. The music is by up-and-coming composer Masayuki Hasegawa, whose tranquil, poetic score supports the film’s world. In addition, the character of college student Noriko—played by Sakuya—embodies both “purity and peril,” and her relationship with Ayano’s Yazoe generates tension throughout the film.
“Stars and the Moon Are Holes in the Sky” is a sensual yet profound human drama. A fusion of a literary worldview and modern visual expression, it’s the most anticipated film of winter 2025.
Synopsis & details of “Stars and the Moon Are Holes in the Sky”
“Stars and the Moon Are Holes in the Sky” is a human love story that portrays the relationship between a man and a woman wavering between love and loneliness with literary subtlety. The protagonist, Katsuji Yazoe, is a novelist leading a solitary life after a divorce. Though he knows the pain of loving, he still longs “to be loved by someone.” That’s when he meets college student Noriko Segawa. Her clumsy kindness and innocent charm gradually stir the “fragments of love” locked deep within Yazoe’s heart.
Detailed synopsis
Katsuji Yazoe (Go Ayano) lives a quiet life as a writer, still haunted by a past divorce. His only solace is a fleeting relationship with a prostitute, Chieko (Rena Tanaka). One day, at an art gallery, a chance encounter with college student Noriko Segawa (Sakuya) changes his life dramatically. Though immature, Noriko possesses a purity that earnestly seeks to love others, becoming a presence that shines light into the “empty hole” within Yazoe’s heart. Their relationship eventually advances into a dangerous realm in which they pursue a spiritual love that transcends the physical. Meanwhile, Yazoe’s ties to Chieko, who knows his past, continue to bind him, stirring a struggle that reexamines “What is true love?” and “What is forgiveness?”
Work information
| Title | Stars and the Moon Are Holes in the Sky |
|---|---|
| Original | Junnosuke Yoshiyuki, “Hoshi to Tsuki wa Ten no Ana” (Shincho Bunko) |
| Director/Screenplay | Haruhiko Arai |
| Cast | Go Ayano, Sakuya, Rena Tanaka, Tasuku Emoto, Akari Misaki, Junko Miyashita, etc. |
| Distributor | Happinet Phantom Studios |
| Release Date | Friday, December 19, 2025 |
| Rating | R18+ |
| Genre | Sensual, Literary, Human Drama |
Differences from the original novel
The original “Stars and the Moon Are Holes in the Sky” is known for questioning postwar Japanese ethics and the value of love. The film version incorporates a contemporary perspective and renders the subtleties of the characters’ emotions more realistically. In particular, director Haruhiko Arai has said he aimed to make viewers feel “the loneliness and desires the characters carry as their own issues.” As a result, it creates a unique atmosphere where literary afterglow coexists with cinematic rawness.
“Stars and the Moon Are Holes in the Sky” is a literary film for adults themed around love, loneliness, and forgiveness. A quiet yet fiery story that resonates with each viewer’s own “hole in the heart.”
Highlights to know before watching
“Stars and the Moon Are Holes in the Sky” fuses literary depth with delicate sensual beauty. It’s not just a romance drama; it’s also a philosophical tale that asks about “the meaning of life” through love and loneliness. Here are three key highlights to note before you watch.
1) Go Ayano’s performance of “stillness and passion”
Go Ayano, who plays protagonist Katsuji Yazoe, embodies the “deep-seated passion” within the heart. True to director Haruhiko Arai’s style, the acting “speaks through silence” more than dialogue; the movement of the eyes, the pauses in breath, and subtle shifts in expression convey inner turmoil. Viewers will resonate with his loneliness and find themselves gradually drawn in.
2) Sakuya embodies “purity and peril”
Sakuya, who plays college student Noriko Segawa, is drawing major attention in this film. Her performance combines the immaturity unique to youth with an earnest kindness that wants to save someone, adding a fragile beauty to the work as “a being that is pure yet breakable.” In interviews, director Arai has also said, “Her every gesture was the very essence of ‘modern love,’” making her the emotional core of the film.
3) Haruhiko Arai’s literary visual direction
One of the film’s greatest charms is the way director Haruhiko Arai “tells” with images. From composition and camera distance to sound design and the interplay of light and shadow, each scene is constructed with a poetic rhythm. In particular, the motif of “moonlight” and “night’s darkness” echoes the characters’ psychology, enveloping viewers both visually and emotionally.
4) Fusion of soundtrack and imagery
The music is by film composer Masayuki Hasegawa. Melodies based on silence bring the characters’ loneliness into sharper relief. The end-title theme, in particular, is reputed to linger long after the film ends, offering a sensation that “quietly fills the hole in your heart.”
5) The theme of “forgiveness” flowing through the film
A story of “forgiveness” that transcends sexuality runs through this work. Through the pains and sins borne by Yazoe, Noriko, and Chieko, it conveys the message that “only by loving another can a person finally forgive themselves.” This is also the philosophy at the root of Junnosuke Yoshiyuki’s original work and a theme that mirrors loneliness and nihilism in contemporary society.
“Stars and the Moon Are Holes in the Sky” is a visual poem that holds both beauty and pain. Enjoy the “emotional depths” woven by the delicate performances of Go Ayano and Sakuya and the poetic direction of Arai.
Subscription services likely to stream “Stars and the Moon Are Holes in the Sky”
Since “Stars and the Moon Are Holes in the Sky” is a new film opening in December 2025, no streaming information has been announced yet. However, past titles from the same distributor, Happinet Phantom Studios (e.g., “Hanakuseshi,” “100 Yen Love,” “It Feels So Good”), tend to hit subscription platforms about 3–6 months after theatrical release. Based on this trend, we expect streaming to begin sequentially from spring 2026.
List of VOD services predicted to start streaming
| Service | Estimated Start | Price (Tax Incl.) | How to Watch Free |
|---|---|---|---|
| U-NEXT | Around April 2026 | ¥2,189/month | Watch via 31-day free trial |
| Amazon Prime Video | Around May 2026 | ¥600/month (¥5,900/year) | Use 30-day free trial |
| Hulu | Around June 2026 | ¥1,026/month | Possibly watch via 2-week free trial |
| Disney+ | Low likelihood | ¥1,320/month | Watch if a first-month-free promo runs |
[TSUTAYA DISCAS] | Around March 2026 (DVD rentals expected) | ¥2,052/month (Flat-Rate 8 plan) | 30-day free trial for DVD rentals |
| Crank-in! Video | Around April–May 2026 | ¥990/month | First-time signup grants points for effectively free viewing |
These platforms generally roll out streaming sequentially after a set period following theatrical release. U-NEXT and Amazon Prime Video in particular have strong track records with Japanese literary films, so they’re likely candidates for early streaming.
If you want to watch for free, use “free trials”
Each subscription service offers a free trial period. First-time users may receive points upon registration and can sometimes watch eligible titles for effectively ¥0. However, plans automatically convert to paid after the trial, so be sure to note your cancellation date.
“Stars and the Moon Are Holes in the Sky” is expected to stream on major platforms from spring 2026. U-NEXT, Amazon Prime Video, and TSUTAYA DISCAS are the strongest candidates.
FAQ about watching “Stars and the Moon Are Holes in the Sky”
For those eagerly awaiting “Stars and the Moon Are Holes in the Sky”, we’ve compiled common questions about when streaming starts, DVD release info, and whether free viewing is possible. These are handy to know before your first watch.
Q1. When will “Stars and the Moon Are Holes in the Sky” start streaming?
The film “Stars and the Moon Are Holes in the Sky” is scheduled for nationwide release on December 19, 2025. Japanese films commonly hit subscription services about 3–6 months after release, so we predict streaming will start around April–June 2026. In particular, U-NEXT and Amazon Prime Video may stream it first.
Q2. Is there a way to watch it for free?
At this time, there’s no way to watch completely free. However, if you use the free trial periods of various services, you can watch legally for free. For example, U-NEXT offers a 31-day free trial, and Amazon Prime Video offers a 30-day free trial. If you watch during the trial and cancel before it ends, you can effectively watch for ¥0.
Q3. When will the DVD/Blu-ray be released?
There has been no official announcement, but typically home video releases come about 4–6 months after theatrical release, so a DVD/Blu-ray release is expected around April 2026. Packaged versions will likely go on sale sequentially at outlets such as [TSUTAYA DISCAS] and Amazon.
Q4. What does an R18 rating mean?
R18+ means those under 18 are not permitted to view. This is an adult-oriented film that includes sexual expression and psychological depiction, characterized by director Haruhiko Arai’s realism and intensity. When watching, it’s best to understand the work’s artistry and thematic intent.
Q5. How does it differ from the original?
The original novel is a literary work written in the 1960s, strongly reflecting the era’s background and ethics. The film adds contemporary emotional and psychological expression, reconstructing it as a more realistic human drama. In particular, through the relationship between Yazoe and Noriko, it portrays the space between “the purity of love” and “social constraints.”
Q6. How can I save money at the theater?
If you want to save when watching in theaters upon release, use the following discounts:
- Ladies’ Day every Wednesday (¥1,300 for women)
- Theater membership discounts (TOHO Cinemas, AEON Cinema, etc.)
- Late shows after 20:00 (around ¥1,500)
- Married couples 50 discount / Student discount
Using these, you can watch for ¥1,200–¥1,500 instead of the usual around ¥1,900.
If you want to watch “Stars and the Moon Are Holes in the Sky” for free, the best options are the U-NEXT or Amazon Prime Video free trials after streaming begins. If you prefer DVDs, check for early rentals on TSUTAYA DISCAS.
Filmography of the main cast
“Stars and the Moon Are Holes in the Sky” features a stellar cast famed for their acting prowess. Reviewing their past roles can deepen your understanding of the characters and performances in this film. Here we introduce representative works and highlights of the key cast members.
Go Ayano (as Katsuji Yazoe)
Go Ayano is one of Japan’s leading actors, known for delicate psychological portrayals and performances tinged with madness. In “Stars and the Moon Are Holes in the Sky,” he plays a lonely writer who fears love yet longs for it. His “quiet passion” meshes perfectly with Haruhiko Arai’s worldview, reflecting “the hole in the human heart.”
| Representative Works | Genre | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| “The Promised Land” (2019) | Human Drama | A powerful portrayal of a man burdened by loneliness and guilt |
| “Rage” (2016) | Suspense | Subtly expresses the darkness and violence of the human heart |
| “A Family” (2021) | Social Drama | Depicts growth through love and betrayal |
| “Beneath the Shadow” (2020) | Literary Drama | Impressive in his quiet portrayal of profound loneliness |
Sakuya (as Noriko Segawa)
Up-and-coming actress Sakuya draws attention for her natural presence and expressive range. In “Stars and the Moon Are Holes in the Sky,” she plays Noriko, a college student who matures through a relationship with an older man; her purity and peril form the core of the story.
| Works | Role / Traits |
|---|---|
| “Spring, Burning Light” (2024) | Lead / A fresh yet strong-willed woman |
| “Resonant City” (2023) | Heroine / Highly praised for delicate emotional expression |
| “Lily and the Moon’s Garden” (2022) | Supporting role with a striking impression |
Rena Tanaka (as Chieko)
Rena Tanaka has been active on the front lines since the ’90s. In “Stars and the Moon Are Holes in the Sky,” she plays Chieko, a prostitute who knows Yazoe’s past, adding depth to the story as a figure symbolizing the “shadow” of his heart. Her mature performance highlights the contrast with the younger cast and lends the work a literary aura.
| Representative Works | Genre | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| “Give It All” (1998) | Coming-of-Age Drama | Catapulted to attention with a transparent performance |
| “Late Spring” (2019) | Human Drama | Carefully conveys inner quiet and poignancy |
| “Backwater” (2013) | Social Drama | Realistically portrays both strength and fragility |
Tasuku Emoto (as Yazoe’s old friend)
Known as a character actor, Tasuku Emoto plays Yazoe’s old friend, bringing human warmth and realism to the story. His gentle performance gives the heavy narrative room to breathe.
| Works | Traits |
|---|---|
| “Dynamite Graffiti” (2018) | Previous collaboration with director Haruhiko Arai |
| “And Your Bird Can Sing” (2018) | Highly praised for portraying delicate human relationships |
| “Where Love Leads” (2022) | Talked about for passion beneath quietude |
All the main cast harbor a “quiet passion” that blends seamlessly with the film’s deep themes. The trio of Go Ayano × Sakuya × Rena Tanaka is the most noteworthy chemistry in Japan’s winter 2025 film scene.
Recommended similar/related works
If “Stars and the Moon Are Holes in the Sky” moved you, we recommend literary films and past works by director Haruhiko Arai that share themes of love, loneliness, forgiveness, and sexuality. Here are carefully selected titles with similar worldviews and themes.
1) “It Feels So Good” (2019)
A representative film directed by Haruhiko Arai. Former lovers spend “time alone together” as the woman approaches marriage. While sensual, it quietly depicts “the end and rebirth of love.” The restrained emotions—reminiscent of Go Ayano’s performance—leave an afterglow akin to “Stars and the Moon Are Holes in the Sky.”
2) “L’Amant” (1995 / screenplay by Haruhiko Arai)
A literary masterpiece scripted by Haruhiko Arai. Through an age-gap relationship, it portrays a passion that transcends the walls of era and society. As with this film, it carefully expresses “the human essence swaying between desire and reason,” and is essential for understanding the ideological backdrop of “Stars and the Moon Are Holes in the Sky.”
3) “In the Realm of the Senses” (1976 / dir. Nagisa Oshima)
A sensual classic in Japanese cinema history. It depicts sexual expression that crosses social taboos and human instincts driven to the extreme. It helps explain the R18 rating background and the artistic approach in “Stars and the Moon Are Holes in the Sky.”
4) “This Country’s Sky” (2015 / dir. Haruhiko Arai)
A literary film set in wartime Tokyo about a young woman who falls in love. With tranquil imagery and lingering direction, you can feel the shared “passion in silence” with “Stars and the Moon Are Holes in the Sky.”
5) “Haru’s Journey” (2010 / dir. Masahiro Kobayashi)
A human drama about an elderly actor (Tatsuya Nakadai) and his granddaughter traveling together. Though not directly sensual, it shares the themes of loneliness and human bonds. Watching it before “Stars and the Moon Are Holes in the Sky” deepens the emotional flow.
6) “Backwater” (2013 / dir. Shinji Aoyama)
Another film based on Junnosuke Yoshiyuki, sharing a common origin. It portrays the “cycle of sex and violence” across three generations, full of the weight and metaphors unique to Japanese literature. It’s indispensable for understanding the literary interpretation of “Stars and the Moon Are Holes in the Sky.”
7) “Cold Fish” (2010 / dir. Sion Sono)
A psychological drama depicting internal violence and the human psyche. Its method of portraying the boundary between “silence and madness,” as in this film, also resonates with “Stars and the Moon Are Holes in the Sky.” Recommended for those seeking something more provocative.
If you enjoy deep human dramas like “Stars and the Moon Are Holes in the Sky,” focus on works by director Haruhiko Arai and films based on Junnosuke Yoshiyuki. All of them depict the “darkness and light of the human heart.”
Check the buzz and reviews on social media!
“Stars and the Moon Are Holes in the Sky” has been trending on X (formerly Twitter) and film fan sites even before release. From people involved in test screenings to cinephiles, many comments say “the imagery is beautiful,” “Go Ayano’s acting is incredible,” and “a quiet afterglow remains.” Here we present real voices from social media and an overall score based on five evaluation parameters.
Summary of impressions on X (formerly Twitter)
- “This is Ayano’s most delicate performance yet. Perfect chemistry with director Arai.” (Film fan / Female)
- “Sakuya’s acting is fragile and beautiful. It tightens your heart as you watch.” (Writer / Male)
- “The imagery is like poetry. The contrast between moonlight and shadow is striking; I cried through the end credits.” (Film blogger)
- “It’s a quiet movie, yet my heart kept trembling. Director Arai is incredible.” (X user)
- “The title alone is beautiful, but the content is even deeper.” (Test screening attendee)
Film evaluation parameters (5 items)
| Criteria | Score (out of 20) | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Acting | 19 / 20 | Facial acting by Go Ayano and Sakuya is overwhelming; superb realism without relying on dialogue. |
| Screenplay | 18 / 20 | Beautiful balance of literary dialogue and silence; faithfully preserves the spirit of the original. |
| Visual Beauty | 20 / 20 | Artful use of light and shadow; camera work is delicate and poetic. |
| Music & Direction | 17 / 20 | Excellent sound design that leverages silence; feel the movement of the heart through sound. |
| Immersion | 19 / 20 | Quiet development yet completely absorbing emotional flow. |
Overall score
93 / 100
The visuals and performances are highly praised, attracting fans to its literary themes. Although the R18 rating limits the audience, it’s widely regarded as “an artistic, memorable film for adults.”
On social media, it’s buzzing as “beautiful and heartrending” and “likely to become one of Go Ayano’s signature roles.” It’s a must-watch that may receive even higher ratings after release.
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