As Love Goes | How to Watch Online Free & Streaming on Amazon Prime Video, U-NEXT & Hulu, Robin Furuya, Remi Miyamori

Are you wondering where you can watch “Ai no Gotoku” in the most cost-effective way? The release date is Friday, January 23, 2026, with a one-week limited run at Shin-Bungeiza in Ikebukuro, followed by a gradual nationwide release. The lead role is played by Robin Furuya, with Remi Miyamori also appearing in the cast. The runtime is 100 minutes, and the age rating is R15+. In this article, we clearly explain key points for watching it in theaters, as well as how to watch it for free via streaming after it opens and the cheapest viewing options. We will give concrete predictions for streaming and show how to use prices and free trials for the main subscription services, so you can use this as a reference when planning how to watch it.

When can we watch “Ai no Gotoku,” kuma? The release date has already been decided, kuma: January 23, 2026, kuma~! Milkuma will check whether we can watch it for free, kuma. But before the research, it has to be snack time, kuma~. After the snack, I’ll do some serious research, kuma!

What Is Ai no Gotoku?

Ai no Gotoku is a Japanese film produced in 2026, scheduled to have a one-week limited screening at Shin-Bungeiza in Ikebukuro from Friday, January 23, 2026, followed by a gradual nationwide release. The lead role is played by Robin Furuya, with Remi Miyamori in a co-starring role. The runtime is 100 minutes, and the age rating is R15+. Distribution is handled by Cinemago.

Production Background and Release Information

This work is introduced as a film adaptation of a “legendary masterpiece” said to have been left behind by a young literary genius who died early and whose 60th death anniversary is being marked. From the teaser visuals and trailers, you can sense a visual style that emphasizes the literary quality of the original work. In addition, the release schedule adopts a pattern in which it is shown first as a one-week limited screening at Shin-Bungeiza in Ikebukuro, followed by a gradual nationwide release. For this reason, if you want to see it early, it is important to check the screening schedule during the opening week.

Notes on the R15+ Rating

This film has an R15+ rating, which means that viewers under 15 years old may be restricted from admission. When watching it in theaters, age checks may be conducted, so be sure to carry an ID that can verify your age, such as a student ID or health insurance card. Even after it becomes available via streaming, platforms may apply age restrictions, so it is reassuring to check your account’s age settings and viewing conditions in advance. Also, an R15+ rating indicates the possibility of sexual or violent depictions and thematically heavy material, so if you are sensitive to such tones, we recommend checking the trailer and reviews before deciding whether to watch.

Synopsis and Work Information for Ai no Gotoku

The story of Ai no Gotoku is a literary drama that delicately portrays the feelings of a man and a woman standing at a dead end in their youth. According to teaser reports and publicly available information, the film unfolds around the story of a man and woman confronting their past, expressed in terms such as “the woman searches for what she forgot, and the man for what he discarded.” It is also a film adaptation based on a “legendary masterpiece” said to have been left behind by a young literary genius now marking the 60th anniversary of their death, and the direction is expected to make use of the literary flavor of the original.

Synopsis (No Spoilers)

The film quietly depicts the loss and rebirth that a young man and woman each carry. The woman realizes that she has “forgotten” something and sets out on a journey to trace where it went. The man, on the other hand, has a past in which he “threw something away” and spends his days confronting the weight of that choice. The paths of the two intersect, and eventually the shadows of the past begin to affect their relationship in the present. The film centers on beautiful imagery that emphasizes literary qualities, and the dialogue, pauses, and use of music deepen the emotional impact of the story. It is the type of film where audiences often feel quiet empathy and a subtle stirring in their hearts.

Basic Data (Release Date, Runtime, Production, Distribution, Cast)

• Release date: Friday, January 23, 2026 (one-week limited screening at Shin-Bungeiza in Ikebukuro, followed by a gradual nationwide release)
• Runtime: 100 minutes
• Year of production: 2026 (Japan)
• Age rating: R15+
• Distributor: Cinemago.
• Lead: Robin Furuya
• Co-starring: Remi Miyamori

These data are based on official announcements, and you should check the latest theater information for screening schedules and age restrictions. In particular, because of the R15+ rating, age checks may be conducted at the theater on the day of your visit.

Highlights and Points of Appeal to Know Before Watching

Here we summarize key points to keep in mind before watching this film. From public information and the impression given by the teaser, quiet, literary expression and direction that delves into the characters’ inner lives appear to be its greatest strengths. If you are wondering whether to watch it in theaters or wait for streaming, it is helpful to check the following perspectives.

Themes and the Core of the Story

By contrasting “what was forgotten” and “what was thrown away,” the film depicts the universal theme of loss and rebirth. As suggested by the phrase in the teaser, “the woman searches for what she forgot, and the man for what he discarded,” the story carefully explores how one’s past and choices influence present human relationships. What is distinctive is that psychological depictions and the use of silence and pauses are emphasized more than the speed of the plot. Quiet scene transitions, emotional expression through glances and small gestures, and the omission of dialogue stimulate the viewer’s imagination. With this type of film, watching it in a theater with a large screen and good sound makes the subtle expressions and lingering sound stand out more, allowing for a deeper sense of immersion.

Acting, Direction, and Visual Highlights

Lead actor Robin Furuya and co-star Remi Miyamori are cast members whose performances have been highly anticipated since the cast announcement. In this film, where the ability to portray subtle emotional shifts is crucial, fine facial expressions and the timing of pauses will likely be key points in how performances are judged. The director and cinematographer (or “visual and directing team” if there is no official announcement at this time) play an important role in adapting a literary work to the screen. From the teaser visuals and trailers, we can anticipate restrained color tones, delicate camera work, and long takes, which are expected to amplify the sense of oppression and nostalgia in the story. In addition, the use of sound and music complements the emotional tone, so there is value in experiencing it with the sound systems of a movie theater. Furthermore, because the film is rated R15+, its themes and depictions may feel heavy to some viewers. Therefore, we recommend checking the tone of the film through trailers and (after release) reviews before watching.

Recommended Viewing Points (Summary)

• Theatrical viewing is recommended: The visual beauty and sound design make the details stand out, so there is great value in seeing it in theaters for your first viewing.
• High literary quality: The direction will resonate with audiences who like adaptations that retain the flavor of the original literary work.
• Performance-focused film: Pay attention to the delicate performances of Robin Furuya and Remi Miyamori.
• Note the age restriction: Because of the R15+ rating, viewers under 15 cannot watch it. Be prepared for age checks.

Subscription Services Likely to Stream Ai no Gotoku in the Future

Here we predict which video streaming services are most likely to carry the film after its theatrical release on January 23, 2026. The estimated streaming start dates are based on typical release windows after theatrical runs (rental streaming: about 2–4 months after release; subscription all-you-can-watch: about 4–8 months after release). These are only predictions, but you can use them as a reference for planning how to watch the film.

Streaming Predictions by Major Service

Service	Estimated streaming start	Price (approx.)	How to watch for free
Amazon Prime Video	May 2026	Approx. 500 yen per month (tax included) – Prime membership fee	Use the 30-day free trial, and for rental titles, aim for point purchases or sales. By using Prime membership benefits, you may be able to watch at a relatively low effective cost.
U-NEXT	April 2026	Approx. 2,189 yen per month (tax included) – includes monthly point grants	During the initial 31-day trial, you receive 600 points (subject to change depending on timing). There is a high chance that you can use these points to watch the rental version for free.
Netflix	August 2026	Monthly plans around 990–1,980 yen (varies by plan)	Netflix sometimes does not offer a free trial, so ways to watch completely free are limited. Realistically, you can split the cost by sharing an account within your household or with family.
Hulu	May 2026	Approx. 1,026 yen per month (tax included)	Hulu has occasionally offered free trials in the past, so if it is available as an all-you-can-watch title during a campaign, you may be able to view it within the free trial period. If it is offered as a rental, aim for point-back promotions.
Disney+	September 2026	Approx. 990 yen per month (some plans listed before tax)	Because Disney+ has relatively limited offerings outside Disney-related works, it may be difficult to watch this title for free. However, you might be able to watch at a discount through campaigns such as bundled plans with DMM.
ABEMA	June 2026	Free plan available; ABEMA Premium is approx. 960 yen per month	If the film is available during the ABEMA Premium free trial, you can watch it for free. If it is not an exclusive title, it may be offered as a rental, so pay attention to the type of streaming offered.
d Anime Store	July 2026	Approx. 440 yen per month (tax included) – anime-focused service	Because it is a service specializing in anime, there is a high possibility that the film will not be included. If it is, however, you may be able to watch it at a low cost through free trials or campaigns.
TSUTAYA DISCAS	March 2026	Monthly plans available (DVD rental/home delivery)	New titles often become available for disc rental relatively early. Using free trials (such as 30-day home-delivery rental trials) may be one of the cheapest ways to watch the film on disc.
FOD Premium	June 2026	Approx. 976 yen per month (tax included)	By using the initial 2-week to 1-month free trials and point-back promotions, you may be able to cover the cost of rental streaming with points.
DMM TV	May 2026	Monthly plans available (varies based on campaigns)	Use DMM free trial periods or campaigns to watch the rental version using points. It is also effective to aim for sale periods.
Rakuten TV	April 2026	Pay-per-view rental or purchase (prices vary)	By using Rakuten Points to rent the film, you can effectively watch it for free or at a significant discount. Campaign periods with high point return rates are the best opportunities.
WOWOW	October 2026	Membership and viewing fees required (broadcast service)	Use WOWOW membership benefits or free viewing periods, and if the film is broadcast, you can watch it by recording, and so on. However, there is a high possibility that broadcast will begin later than streaming.

The timing of streaming releases will vary depending on the scale of the theatrical run, distribution contracts, and how the streaming platforms acquire rights. Generally, titles tend to appear in the order of rental streaming (pay-per-view) → subscription all-you-can-watch, so if you want to see it early, aim for the start of rental, and if you want to watch it for free, make smart use of free trials and point-back offers from each service.

Frequently Asked Questions About Watching Ai no Gotoku

Here we answer questions that are likely to come up before and after the release, based on official announcements and common patterns in streaming. By checking these points in advance, you can prepare more smoothly for the day you watch it in theaters or via streaming.

Q1: When is the release date?

A: The release date for this film is Friday, January 23, 2026. On the first day of release, it will have a one-week limited run at Shin-Bungeiza in Ikebukuro, followed by a gradual nationwide release.

Q2: Is there an age restriction?

A: The film is rated R15+. Viewers under 15 years old may not be admitted, so we recommend carrying an ID that confirms your age when watching it in theaters. Age restrictions may also be applied by platforms once it becomes available via streaming.

Q3: Around when will streaming start?

A: The timing of streaming depends on distribution contracts and the individual streaming platforms, but in general, rental streaming starts about 2–4 months after theatrical release, and subscription all-you-can-watch starts about 4–8 months after release. In this article, we provide estimated streaming start dates for major services, so please refer to those.

Q4: Is there any way to watch it for free?

A: Ways to watch it completely free are limited. However, by using points granted during U-NEXT’s initial trial, the free home-delivery rental period of TSUTAYA DISCAS, and the free trial periods offered by various services, there is a possibility of watching it at effectively no cost or at a low cost. The best method will differ depending on whether the film is offered as a “rental” title or an “all-you-can-watch” title.

Q5: Will there be subtitles or dubbing?

A: Because this is a Japanese film, theatrical screenings will basically be in Japanese audio. Whether subtitles (in Japanese or other languages) or alternate audio tracks are available for streaming depends on the platform. If it is streamed overseas, there is a possibility that English subtitles or other options will be added.

Filmographies of the Lead Cast

Here we organize information currently available about the lead and co-starring cast of this film. We will add more details about official filmographies and past works as further information is released.

Robin Furuya (Lead) — Overview of Filmography

Robin Furuya, who plays the lead role in this film, is credited as the lead in the official announcements for this work. You will need to wait for updates to his official profile for a list of his representative works and detailed filmography. After the release, as reviews of his performance and character in this film accumulate, it will become easier to organize his past works and acting tendencies. For now, consider the following points:

• Check what kind of role he plays in this film and what characterizes his performance.
• After the release, follow reviews to see how his acting and expressive style are evaluated.
• Once his official profile is updated, refer to official sources for a filmography based on reliable information.

Remi Miyamori (Co-starring) — Overview of Filmography

Remi Miyamori, who co-stars in this film, is also introduced as a main cast member in the official announcement. At this stage, information is centered around her role in this film. In the future, interviews and updates to the official website are expected to reveal more details about her past works and career. Points to keep in mind include:

• Pay attention to her role in this film and the characteristics of her acting approach.
• Check whether past works are mentioned in reviews or at stage greetings after the release.
• Based on official announcements, confirm her filmography using trustworthy sources.

Recommended Similar and Related Works

Here are similar titles for viewers who enjoy the literary quality and quiet psychological depictions of this film—works that can deepen your appreciation either before or after watching. We have selected films with similar themes and tones and added brief comments.

Works Depicting the Subtleties of Love and Youth

• We Made a Beautiful Bouquet — Shares a delicate portrayal of modern romantic relationships and the subtleties of parting.
• Our Little Sister — Has a common thread of quiet emotional expression and beautiful landscape imagery as characters face their families and past.
• Drive My Car — Similar in its literary perspective, themes of loss and rebirth, and use of silence and space in its storytelling.

For Those Who Like Literary Adaptations

• Pale Moon — Carefully portrays psychological fluctuations and will likely appeal to viewers who appreciate the literary approach of this film.
• A Forest of Wool and Steel — Emphasizes introspective depictions and delicate visual beauty, with notable use of sound and silence.

Supplementary Information for Viewing

Watching these works beforehand may deepen your understanding of the direction and themes of Ai no Gotoku. In particular, whether you enjoy the “use of silence” and “static visual expressions” has a direct impact on how satisfied you feel with this type of film.

Check Buzz and Word of Mouth on Social Media!

Before the film’s release, reactions on social media mainly focus on the teaser and cast announcement. Here, we summarize the current buzz and expected points of evaluation as scores across five parameters, and calculate an overall score out of 100. These ratings are “expectation scores” based on the teaser, trailer, and public information.

Evaluation Parameters (5 Items)

• Acting: 25 points
• Screenplay: 20 points
• Visuals: 20 points
• Music: 15 points
• Satisfaction (expectation): 20 points

Predicted Scores (Pre-release Expectations)

• Acting: 20/25 — A relatively high score based on expectations for lead Robin Furuya and co-star Remi Miyamori.
• Screenplay: 15/20 — The literary nature of the original raises expectations for the script, though the score may swing depending on how it is adapted to film.
• Visuals: 17/20 — Teasers suggest restrained color tones and cinematographic techniques that are likely to be well-received.
• Music: 11/15 — While information about music and sound is limited, literary films often benefit greatly from their use of music, so expectations are set relatively high.
• Satisfaction: 16/20 — The R15+ themes and literary leanings may divide opinion, but enthusiastic support is also anticipated.

Overall Score (Out of 100)

Total: 79/100. This is a predicted score based on pre-release expectations. Actual ratings will change according to reviews and word of mouth after the film is released.

Short Review (Reading the Social Media Atmosphere)

At the teaser stage, discussions mainly revolve around the film’s literary quality and the cast. Those who like quiet films express strong anticipation, while some also voice concern about potentially heavy themes. After the release, it is recommended to update the scores based on actual theater reviews and viewer impressions.

Finally, it’s time for the last checkpoint, kuma~! Milkuma is still deciding whether to watch it in theaters or via streaming, kuma. But the conclusion is simple, kuma. Either “feel the emotional afterglow in the theater on opening day” or “watch it slowly via streaming with snacks in hand”—just choose whichever you like, kuma~! No matter which you choose, Milkuma will be there to share thoughts with you, kuma. Now, let’s get the popcorn ready, kuma~!