“Where can I watch Issei Mamehara (JO1)’s first starring film for free?”
Do you have that question in mind?
The film “Mount Fuji, Coffee, and the Equation of Happiness” is the latest work drawing attention as a moving human drama.
In this article, we thoroughly explain how to watch for free and which services plan to stream it, plus can’t-miss highlights and cast info for JO1 fans.
“If there’s no way to watch it for free, I want to see it as cheaply as possible…”—we’ve got viewing tips for you too!
Read to the end and you’ll be all set to watch without hesitation!
- What is “Mount Fuji, Coffee, and the Equation of Happiness”?
- Synopsis & Work Information for “Mount Fuji, Coffee, and the Equation of Happiness”
- Highlights to Know Before Watching
- Subscription services likely to stream “Mount Fuji, Coffee, and the Equation of Happiness”
- FAQs before you watch “Mount Fuji, Coffee, and the Equation of Happiness”
- Selected works by the lead cast
- Recommended similar and related films
- Check the buzz on social media!
What is “Mount Fuji, Coffee, and the Equation of Happiness”?
“Mount Fuji, Coffee, and the Equation of Happiness” is a Japanese film scheduled for release on October 24, 2025, a human drama starring JO1’s Issei Mamehara in his first lead movie role.
The film centers on the theme of the bond between a grandmother and her grandson, unfolding a warm yet heartrending, moving story set at the foot of the beautiful Mount Fuji.
At the heart of the story are a withdrawn young man, Takuma (Issei Mamehara), and his grandmother Fumiko (Yoshie Ichige), who has little time left to live.
As the two begin living together, they grapple with the question “What is happiness?” and gradually close the distance between their hearts.
Everyday, small happenings become the essential “equations” of life… that’s the kind of film it is.
Cast & Crew
- Leads: Issei Mamehara (JO1), Yoshie Ichige
- Cast: Miki Sakai, Rikako Yagi, Kyozo Nagatsuka, Emisaburo Ichikawa, Ayuta Fukuda (DXTEEN), Rei Fujita, Hidetoshi Hoshida
- Director & Screenplay: Tetsuo Shinohara (“Hana Ikusa,” “Snow Flower”)
- Distributor: GAGA
This is also director Tetsuo Shinohara’s latest work, known for assured direction and tranquil visual beauty.
In particular, scenes with Mount Fuji as the backdrop are a key element that highlights the beauty of nature and human life across the four seasons.
A must-see for JO1 fans and lovers of moving human dramas. Be sure to grasp the basic info on the film.
Synopsis & Work Information for “Mount Fuji, Coffee, and the Equation of Happiness”
The film “Mount Fuji, Coffee, and the Equation of Happiness” is a story in which the grandson Takuma, burdened with deep emotional scars, and his grandmother Fumiko, who has little time left, find the meaning of “happiness” as they live together.
The setting is a quiet rural town at the foot of Mount Fuji.
As they face their respective pasts, the small events of daily life begin to change the two of them.
“What am I living for?”
“What does happiness look like?”
With careful imagery and dialogue, the film delves into these profound themes.
The interactions between a young person at a crossroads in life and the grandmother who gently nudges him forward quietly stir the heart in this moving work.
Basic Data
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Mount Fuji, Coffee, and the Equation of Happiness |
| Release Date | Friday, October 24, 2025 |
| Genre | Human Drama |
| Cast | Issei Mamehara, Yoshie Ichige, Miki Sakai, Rikako Yagi, Kyozo Nagatsuka, etc. |
| Director & Screenplay | Tetsuo Shinohara |
| Distributor | GAGA |
| Filming Locations | Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture, etc. |
A story unfolding in the symbolic place of “Mount Fuji” offers richness both visually and spiritually.
It’s perfect for those who want a drama that lingers in the heart.
If you grasp the synopsis, you’ll savor the emotions of the film even more. Be sure to note the release date and filming locations too.
Highlights to Know Before Watching
“Mount Fuji, Coffee, and the Equation of Happiness” is more than just a human drama.
It’s Issei Mamehara of JO1’s first starring film, a rare chance to see a new side of him.
Alongside that, the greatest charms are the beauty of everyday life portrayed with seasonal views of Mount Fuji and a quiet, warm human story.
1) Issei Mamehara (JO1)’s nuanced performance
Issei Mamehara, a core member of the idol group JO1, takes his first lead role in a feature film.
He authentically embodies Takuma, a young man wrestling with inner conflict, through expression and measured pauses.
The structure makes it easy to empathize, as if you’re watching his journey of growth.
2) The beauty of Mount Fuji and the appeal of the filming locations
Another main character of the film is the landscapes with Mount Fuji.
Shot mainly in Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture, the natural imagery offers deep healing even through the screen.
A key point is how the characters’ emotions shift along with the changing seasons.
3) The theme of “the equation of happiness”
The “equation of happiness” in the title is a philosophical question flowing throughout the story.
The modest value of “time spent with someone” and “a cup of coffee” gently resonates in the heart.
There is no single correct answer to “What is happiness?”, but the film will give each viewer a chance to find something.
The trio of lead, location, and theme are the core of this movie. Knowing these before watching multiplies the emotional impact.
Subscription services likely to stream “Mount Fuji, Coffee, and the Equation of Happiness”
While “Mount Fuji, Coffee, and the Equation of Happiness” is not yet available on streaming at the time of release, as a GAGA title, there’s a possibility it will be available on multiple subscription services.
Based on trends from past films handled by the same distributor, here are the major VOD services we predict will stream it.
| Service | Estimated Start | Price | How to watch for free |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | Around March 2026 | ¥600/month (tax included) | Watch with a 30-day free trial |
| U-NEXT | Around February 2026 | ¥2,189/month (tax included) | 31-day free trial + watch with points |
| Hulu | Spring 2026 | ¥1,026/month (tax included) | Watch with a 2-week free trial |
| ABEMA | Around April 2026 | ¥960/month (tax included) | 14-day free trial available |
| d Anime Store | Around May 2026 | ¥550/month (tax included) | First 31 days free trial |
You can watch cost-effectively by taking advantage of free trial periods on any of these services.
In particular, U-NEXT and Amazon Prime Video have a strong track record with GAGA titles, so they’re worth checking first.
Use each service’s free trial smartly to watch “Mount Fuji, Coffee, and the Equation of Happiness” at a great price.
FAQs before you watch “Mount Fuji, Coffee, and the Equation of Happiness”
Let’s check common questions about this film in advance.
We’ve compiled information that helps you watch, including theatrical run, streaming timing, and general impressions/reviews.
Q1: How long will it be in theaters?
Typically, Japanese films distributed by GAGA have a theatrical run of about 1.5–2 months.
Since this film releases on October 24, 2025, expect the run to end around mid-December to early January.
Q2: Has streaming already started?
No. As of July 2025, there has been no official announcement about streaming.
However, based on trends for GAGA titles, major VOD platforms often begin streaming about 4–6 months after release, making early 2026 likely.
Q3: What are people saying?
From test screenings and early showings on social media and review sites, comments like the following stand out:
- “Issei Mamehara’s performance felt more natural than expected—I cried.”
- “The scenery of Mount Fuji was truly beautiful and healing.”
- “Yoshie Ichige’s presence was overwhelming.”
Overall, it’s praised as a quality work with strong acting, visuals, and script, earning support across generations beyond just fans.
Q4: How do I avoid missing the streaming start?
Use “Watchlist” and “Notification” settings on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and U-NEXT so you can watch as soon as it becomes available.
Also, GAGA’s official website and social accounts update streaming information as needed, so following them is convenient.
Keep track of the theatrical run and streaming schedule and check updates frequently so you don’t miss it.
Selected works by the lead cast
Here’s a list of representative and buzzworthy works by the main cast—JO1’s Issei Mamehara, Yoshie Ichige, and Rikako Yagi—who appear in this film.
After watching, check these related works to further enjoy each performer’s acting and world.
Issei Mamehara (JO1)
- “When Morning Comes, I Will See You First” (2023) — Provided songs as a JO1 member
- “JO1 HOUSE” series — Variety elements; a popular show where you can see their true selves
- Stage “GEM CLUB II” — Building theater experience alongside idol activities
Yoshie Ichige
- “What a Wonderful Family!” series (2016–) — Warm, humorous mother roles
- “And, the Baton Was Passed” (2021) — A memorable performance quietly supporting the story
- “Tsuribaka Nisshi” series — Appears in this long-loved film series
Rikako Yagi
- “The Water Flows to the Sea” (2023) — A rising young actress who garnered attention
- Drama “anone” (2018) — Classmate of lead actress Suzu Hirose
- Pocari Sweat commercials — Became a sensation with a fresh, transparent presence
If you were captivated by a cast member you discovered through this film, watching their past works will help you appreciate them even more.
Knowing other works featuring the cast lets you enjoy “Mount Fuji, Coffee, and the Equation of Happiness” more deeply.
Recommended similar and related films
If “Mount Fuji, Coffee, and the Equation of Happiness” moved you, we also recommend films that similarly depict “human connections” and “the value of everyday life”.
Here are picks with a similar mood or theme.
1) “And, the Baton Was Passed” (2021)
A moving work about the bonds within a non-blood-related family.
Yoshie Ichige also appears; it’s a film where you can feel diverse forms of family and kindness.
2) “Her Love Boils Bathwater” (2016)
A story of rebirth between mother and daughter. A human drama where tears won’t stop for the strong yet gentle mother.
The themes of “life” and “the time that remains” overlap with this film.
3) “Me, the Care Worker, and the Grandmas” (2022)
Set in a welfare facility, it depicts warm relationships with the elderly.
It resonates with this film in portraying connections between the elderly and the young.
4) “After the Storm” (2016)
Director Hirokazu Kore-eda portrays the poignancy and loveliness of “living in the now.”
A masterpiece that carefully illuminates the hope hidden in real everyday life.
5) “Café Funiculi Funicula” (2018)
A moving work set in a café where “time can be turned back.”
It shares the “coffee” motif in the title and a warm human drama.
If you’re looking for heartwarming human dramas, these films are perfect.
Check the buzz on social media!
Reactions on social media to “Mount Fuji, Coffee, and the Equation of Happiness” are very positive.
Based on impressions from users who attended test screenings and advance showings, we evaluated the film from five angles.
Key comments on Twitter, Instagram, Filmarks, etc.
- “Issei Mamehara’s acting feels natural—recommended even beyond JO1 fans.”
- “I cried, healed by the scenery of Mount Fuji… this is one to see in theaters!”
- “Yoshie Ichige was truly wonderful. A film that resonates across all generations.”
Scores by 5 categories & overall (out of 100)
| Category | Score | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Acting | 90 | High praise for the natural performances by Issei Mamehara and Yoshie Ichige |
| Visual Beauty | 95 | Mount Fuji and the four seasons are stunning; popular as a healing film |
| Story | 88 | Not flashy, but thematically resonant and memorable |
| Music & Direction | 85 | Quiet direction suits the story; music is also well-received |
| Emotional Impact | 92 | Tear-jerking developments—many say “I want to watch it again” |
| Overall Score | 90 | Highly rated as a moving human drama! |
Referencing real voices on social media helps the film’s appeal come through even more.
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