The Moon on the Ground | How to Watch Online Free & Streaming on U-NEXT, Hulu & Amazon Prime Video, Masato Sakai, Haruka Igawa, Ryo Narita

Is there a way to watch the film “Hiraba no Tsuki” for free?

2025-11-14 will see the release of this adult love story woven by Masato Sakai, Haruka Igawa, and Ryo Narita.
The original novel won the 32nd Yamamoto Shugoro Prize and was also nominated for the 161st Naoki Prize.

After 35 years apart, a man and a woman meet again and reconnect in the late autumn of their lives.
The words shared under the moonlight are quiet, yet they carry a power that moves the heart.

In this article, we will thoroughly explain how to watch for free after the theatrical run and our prediction for when streaming will start,
plus the cast highlights, what to look for, and even the buzz on social media.

We’ll also give concrete tips on platform trends and how to use free trials.
Read this and you’ll have everything you need to enjoy “Hiraba no Tsuki” in the most budget-friendly and in-depth way.

Where can I watch “Hiraba no Tsuki” kuma?
I’ll check every streaming option kuma!
…Huh? I started tearing up reading that romantic story and the letters got blurry, kuma…

What is “Hiraba no Tsuki”?

The film “Hiraba no Tsuki” is a heartwarming adult love story based on the novel of the same name by Kasumi Asakura.

The original won the 32nd Yamamoto Shugoro Prize and was also nominated for the 161st Naoki Prize. Its delicate psychological portrayal and poignant development have been highly acclaimed.

The film opens nationwide on 2025-11-14, directed by Hiroyasu Doi, known for “We Made a Beautiful Bouquet” and “The Voice of Sin,” with a screenplay by Kosuke Mukai, a past Japan Academy Prize winner for Best Screenplay.

Distributor: Toho. Lead actor: Masato Sakai. Heroine: Haruka Igawa. A key person in the story is played by Ryo Narita.

The story depicts two people who shared a tender crush in middle school, reuniting after 35 years and discovering a form of love that can only be seen now, in the late autumn of life.

Background of the film adaptation

The original novel was published in 2010 and gradually gained popularity through word of mouth.

Although it’s a romance, its realistic depiction of life’s bitterness and joy drew praise and caught the attention of many film producers.

For this adaptation, great care was taken not to lose the original’s atmosphere. From locations to shooting methods, the direction carefully captures Hokkaido’s landscapes and everyday moments.

Appeal of the cast

Masato Sakai is known for performances that combine gentleness with profound emotion, and he delicately portrays the quietly passionate protagonist, Kensho Aoto.

Haruka Igawa embodies a heroine who blends calm with transience, stirring audience empathy.

Ryo Narita plays a rival in love with complex feelings, adding tension and depth to the story.

Synopsis & Film Information for “Hiraba no Tsuki”

“Hiraba no Tsuki” is set in Hokkaido and tells the story of a man and woman who reunite after 35 years and begin to reconnect.

The protagonist, Kensho Aoto (Masato Sakai), has left his life in Tokyo. After a divorce, he returns to his hometown and spends quiet days working at a printing company.

Meanwhile, Yoko Sudo (Haruka Igawa) has lost her husband and supports her life with part-time work.

Back in middle school, they were classmates who shared a faint affection. An accidental reunion brings them closer, and they grow into a relationship where they understand each other’s loneliness and pain.

However, in Yoko’s past there is Yuichi Kamata (Ryo Narita), and her connection with him threatens to shake the couple’s future.

The film gently depicts their everyday conversations under the moonlight and how their feelings change with the passing seasons.

Film info

Themes

The film’s themes are “reunion” and “love in the late autumn of life.”

By reexamining love from a perspective different from youth, it asks how we should live the time that remains.

In particular, the scenes of looking up at the moon are symbolic in both the novel and the film, leaving a quiet yet profound afterglow.

Highlights & What to Watch For Before Viewing

“Hiraba no Tsuki” offers many charms to note beforehand.

It’s not just a simple romance; it portrays deep feelings that only adults with life experience can truly relate to, and a gentle warmth hidden within quiet moments.

Understanding these points before the release will enhance the emotional impact of the story.

1. Chemistry among the three leads

Masato Sakai’s calm, layered acting and Haruka Igawa’s soft presence give convincing weight to this reunion story.

Adding Ryo Narita, with his complex emotions, brings tension and fluctuation to the narrative.

2. Beautiful Hokkaido locations

Set in Hokkaido, the film uses vast nature and the changing seasons as its backdrop.

Snowy landscapes and moonlit nights become quietly stirring visual poetry.

3. Faithful recreation of the novel’s essence

The delicate psychological portrayals and serene atmosphere of the novel “Hiraba no Tsuki” are carefully recreated on screen.

Even fans of the original can expect a satisfying adaptation.

4. Moon as a central motif

The “moon” in the title is a key motif.

As a symbol linking past and present, it appears at pivotal moments, hinting at shifts in the two leads’ emotions.

5. A realistic portrait of mature love

Rather than youthful passion, the film focuses on a grown-up form of love shaped by experience—its defining trait.

The joy and conflict of reunion, and the choices toward the future, invite a quiet sense of catharsis.

Streaming services likely to carry “Hiraba no Tsuki”

“Hiraba no Tsuki” opens in theaters on 2025-11-14, and may later become available on VOD platforms.

Based on recent trends for Toho-distributed films, subscription streaming often follows about 6–8 months after the theatrical release.

Below is a summary of major services likely to stream it, with predicted timing, pricing, and ways to watch for free.

Predicted major platforms

Service	Predicted Start	Price	How to Watch Free
U-NEXT	Around 2026-05	¥2,189/month (tax incl.)	First-time 31-day free trial + 600 points for effectively free viewing
Amazon Prime Video	Around 2026-06	¥600/month (tax incl.)	Watchable with the first-time 30-day free trial
Hulu	Around 2026-06	¥1,026/month (tax incl.)	Watchable with a first-time 2-week free trial
Disney+	Around 2026-07	¥990/month (tax incl.)	No free trial / discounted via bundle plans
d Anime Store	Around 2026-07	¥550/month (tax incl.)	Watchable with a first-time 31-day free trial

Basis for these predictions

These estimates reference streaming timelines for Toho-distributed romance and human drama titles (e.g., “We Made a Beautiful Bouquet,” “And, the Baton Was Passed”).

In particular, U-NEXT and Amazon Prime Video tend to get new films relatively early, and by using free trials, those who missed the theatrical run can watch at a good value.

Frequently Asked Questions about watching “Hiraba no Tsuki”

Here we answer common questions and points of interest regarding “Hiraba no Tsuki”.

Q1. Is the story different between the novel and the film?

The core plot and themes are faithful to the original.

However, due to time constraints and visual storytelling, some characters and episodes are omitted or restructured.

You can fully enjoy the film without reading the novel, but reading it will deepen your understanding of the characters’ backgrounds and inner lives.

Q2. Is there a way to watch it for free?

You cannot watch it for free during the theatrical run.

After streaming begins, using first-time free trials from services like U-NEXT, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu can make it effectively free to watch.

See the predictions here.

Q3. How long will it be in theaters?

Generally, nationwide releases run for about 1.5–2 months.

Popular titles may run longer, and smaller regional theaters may end later.

Q4. Who is this recommended for?

It’s recommended for those who like mature love stories and works themed around life’s crossroads and reunions.

It’s also ideal for viewers who want to savor Hokkaido’s scenery and quiet sentiment.

Q5. Can I watch it with children?

There’s no PG-12 or similar restriction and it’s viewable by all ages, but the adult themes and psychological focus may be difficult for very young children.

Selected filmography of the lead cast

To help you enjoy “Hiraba no Tsuki” even more, here are key past works by the main cast and where to watch them.

Masato Sakai: notable works & where to watch

Tip: Many of Masato Sakai’s signature titles are on U-NEXT. Former Paravi titles are integrated.

Haruka Igawa: notable works & where to watch

Tip: Fuji TV dramas with Haruka Igawa skew toward FOD; her films often stream across multiple VODs.

Ryo Narita: notable works & where to watch

Tip: Ryo Narita’s works are easy to find on U-NEXT; Fuji TV dramas are strong on FOD or TSUTAYA DISCAS.

Recommended similar & related titles

If “Hiraba no Tsuki” resonates with you, here are carefully selected works with similar themes and tone.

From the same director/production line

• We Made a Beautiful Bouquet (Director: Hiroyasu Doi) — lifelike romance and the ache of time’s passage. Often on U-NEXT and various rentals.
• The Voice of Sin (Director: Hiroyasu Doi) — quiet afterglow with rich human drama. Rental examples on Amazon Prime Video.

Japanese films about reunion and mature love

• Just Only Love — the temperature of awkward love. Streaming examples on U-NEXT, etc.
• Rebirth — a story of loss and renewal. Rental examples on Rakuten TV.

Expanding from the original author

• Other works and short story collections by Kasumi Asakura — enrich the world via print or ebooks.

Check the buzz on social media!

Around the release, social media sentiment can help you decide whether to watch.

Below is an example of parameterized ratings imagined from preview screenings and readers of the original.

Evaluation parameters (out of 100)

Tips for checking social media

• In the release week, search “#平場の月 感想”. Use muted words to avoid spoilers.
• Combine actor names + title to quickly grasp acting impressions.
• Follow official VOD accounts for streaming start announcements.

Operation “watch during the free period” is a go, kuma!
With U-NEXT points it’s effectively free, and the Prime trial is on the list, kuma!
Alright—”The moon is beautiful, isn’t it?” …but I added too much to the cart and my wallet got thin, kuma… Let’s balance romance and saving money!