“Army in the Trees”—wait, do they actually fight up in a tree, Kuma!?
Even Mirukuma is surprised, Kuma~!
I’m too curious—time to investigate right now, Kuma.
…But first, I’ll practice tree climbing, Kuma!
What Is ‘Army in the Trees’?
‘Army in the Trees’ is a Japanese film slated for release on July 25, 2025, produced from an original idea by author Hisashi Inoue. The story is set on Ie Island, Okinawa, near the end of World War II. Based on the true story of two Japanese soldiers who unknowingly survived for 2 years atop a banyan tree after the war had ended, it depicts the tragedies of war and the strength of the human spirit. The leads are Shinichi Tsutsumi and Yuki Yamada. Written and directed by Kazuhiro Taira, the film was shot entirely on location in Okinawa. With scenes filmed on an actual banyan tree, its visuals deliver striking realism. The theme song “Ninufabushi” is performed by singer-songwriter Anly, who hails from Ie Island. The beautiful melody and vocals that match the film’s world further elevate the moving story. ‘Army in the Trees’ also stands out as a socially significant work that conveys “little-known truths of the postwar period” to the present day, offering audiences of all ages both emotion and food for thought. CHECK
‘Army in the Trees’ is a moving war film based on a true story. Don’t miss the collaboration between Shinichi Tsutsumi and Yuki Yamada.Synopsis & Film Details for ‘Army in the Trees’
1945, Ie Island, Okinawa. Unaware that Japan had surrendered, two Japanese soldiers survived for two years atop a sprawling banyan tree thick as a jungle canopy. Based on this unbelievable true story, the film is a moving tale that portrays both human drama and the realities of war.Story Overview
Second Lieutenant Kazuo Yamashita (Shinichi Tsutsumi) and new recruit Seijun Agena (Yuki Yamada) are separated from their unit. Not knowing the war has ended, they continue living in the treetop refuge. Clashing in extreme circumstances yet gradually deepening their bond, the two men’s interactions reveal war’s madness and daily life side by side—as well as the warmth inherent in humanity.Film Info
- Title: Army in the Trees
- Release Date: July 25, 2025
- Director/Screenwriter: Kazuhiro Taira
- Cast: Shinichi Tsutsumi, Yuki Yamada
- Original Idea: Hisashi Inoue
- Theme Song: Anly “Ninufabushi”
- Location: Ie Island, Okinawa
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A surprising and moving story based on the true account of soldiers who survived for two years atop a banyan tree.Subscription Services Likely to Stream ‘Army in the Trees’
As of May 2025, no listings for ‘Army in the Trees’ have been confirmed on major streaming platforms. However, based on patterns for Japanese films and each service’s strengths, we’ve summarized the platforms likely to carry it in the future.Streaming Forecast Table
| Service | Predicted Start Window | Price | How to Watch Free |
|---|---|---|---|
| U-NEXT | Around December 2025 | ¥2,189/month (tax incl.) | 31-day free trial |
| Amazon Prime Video | Around January 2026 | ¥600/month (tax incl.) | 30-day free trial |
| Hulu | Around February 2026 | ¥1,026/month (tax incl.) | 14-day free trial |
| Netflix | Around March 2026 | From ¥790 (tax incl.) | No free trial |
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Streaming details for ‘Army in the Trees’ may update over time. Always confirm the latest info on each service’s official site.FAQ: Watching ‘Army in the Trees’
Q1. Is ‘Army in the Trees’ based on a true story?
Yes. ‘Army in the Trees’ is based on a true account. Playwright Hisashi Inoue dramatized the story of Japanese soldiers on Ie Island in 1945 who, unaware the war had ended, lived atop a banyan tree for two years—now reimagined as a film.Q2. What’s the genre?
It falls under war drama / human drama. The film delicately portrays the horrors of war and human relationships in extreme conditions.Q3. What’s the runtime?
An official runtime hasn’t been announced yet; it’s expected to be around 120 minutes.Q4. Who is it recommended for?
Especially recommended for:- Viewers seeking a moving war-themed film
- Those interested in human dramas based on true stories
- Fans of Shinichi Tsutsumi or Yuki Yamada
- Anyone intrigued by works set in Okinawa
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‘Army in the Trees’ is a moving, true-story-based film with strong human drama.Early Impressions & Word of Mouth
With the July 25, 2025 release approaching, feedback from advance screenings and completion events is gradually coming in. Here’s a roundup of audience and crew impressions.Audience Impressions
- “I was drawn in by the performances of Shinichi Tsutsumi and Yuki Yamada.” Viewers at completion screenings with stage greetings have praised the two leads’ acting.
- “A story about clinging to life. The brutality of war really hit me.” Many were deeply moved by the depiction of war’s horrors and the characters’ tenacious will to live.
Comments from the Team
- Shinichi Tsutsumi: “Because it’s a film about war, calling it ‘fun’ doesn’t feel right. Rather, I felt, ‘How powerfully everyone keeps moving forward.’” He spoke about the on-set atmosphere and the staff’s passion.
- Yuki Yamada: “It really felt like we were all making the film together—not just doing our own parts, but engaging with the whole. I felt a warmth that was very Okinawan.” He described the collaboration with the crew and locals during the Okinawa shoot.
- Director Kazuhiro Taira: “I tried to embed the significance of this film being ‘sent out from Okinawa’ into the work itself.” He discussed the importance of conveying a message from Okinawa through the film.
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‘Army in the Trees’ is already drawing attention for its leads’ performances and realistic Okinawa location work—even before release.Watching a movie up in a tree sounds kind of romantic, Kuma~!
But heights are a little scary, Kuma…
After all, the safest is watching at home on a streaming service, Kuma♪
Alright then, time to find the next movie, Kuma~!
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