“Is there a way to watch ‘Miharashi Generation’ for free?”
Set in the ever-redeveloping Shibuya, this much-discussed film about family healing and a parent–child reunion is finally hitting theaters. Starring Koki Kurosaki with Kenichi Endo as the father and Haruka Igawa as the mother. It’s also the feature debut of director Yuga Dantsuka, who was the youngest Japanese filmmaker ever selected for Directors’ Fortnight at the 78th Cannes Film Festival.
In this article, we’ve thoroughly researched how to watch “Miharashi Generation” for free or at a discount. We cover the latest streaming forecasts, highlights, and related works—useful whether you prefer theaters or streaming!
- What Is “Miharashi Generation”?
- Synopsis & Film Details of “Miharashi Generation”
- Highlights to Know Before Watching
- Streaming Services Likely to Carry “Miharashi Generation”
- FAQs About Watching “Miharashi Generation”
- Selected Works of the Lead Cast
- Recommended Similar/Related Works
- Check the Buzz on Social Media!
What Is “Miharashi Generation”?
“Miharashi Generation” is a Japanese film scheduled to be released on Friday, October 10, 2025.
It marks director Yuga Dantsuka’s feature debut and has garnered international acclaim, including selection to Directors’ Fortnight at the 78th Cannes Film Festival as the youngest Japanese director ever chosen.
Set in Tokyo’s Shibuya amid rapid redevelopment, the film is attracting attention as a moving story about family healing and the bonds between parents and children.
Basic Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Release Date | Friday, October 10, 2025 |
| Director | Yuga Dantsuka |
| Genre | Drama |
| Setting | Shibuya, Tokyo |
| Runtime | TBD |
Spotlight at the Cannes Film Festival
Director Yuga Dantsuka had his work selected to Directors’ Fortnight at the 78th Cannes Film Festival as the youngest Japanese director (26).
After passing Cannes’ rigorous selection, the film drew interest from movie lovers and critics worldwide.
Lead actor Koki Kurosaki also traveled to Cannes and took part in official screenings and stage greetings.
“Miharashi Generation” is a highly anticipated new drama drawing attention at home and abroad. Get the essentials before it opens.
Synopsis & Film Details of “Miharashi Generation”
“Miharashi Generation” is a human drama set in Tokyo’s Shibuya, an area in the midst of redevelopment.
The protagonist, Ren, reunites with his estranged father, Hatsuo, a landscape designer, after losing his mother in childhood.
Against the backdrop of a city in flux, Ren reexamines his family bonds and tries to step toward a new future.
Detailed Synopsis
Ren works as a delivery driver transporting Phalaenopsis orchids. Having lost his mother, Yumiko, at a young age, he has kept his distance from his father, Hatsuo, for many years.
One day, he reunites with his father, but their relationship remains awkward as Shibuya begins to change dramatically.
In the midst of it all, Ren faces his family and himself, moving past old wounds.
Cast Information
| Role | Cast | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Ren | Koki Kurosaki | Protagonist. A delivery driver for Phalaenopsis orchids. |
| Hatsuo | Kenichi Endo | Ren’s father. A landscape designer. |
| Yumiko | Haruka Igawa | Ren’s mother. Deceased. |
| Emi | Maho Kiryu | Ren’s older sister. |
| Others | Akiko Kikuchi, Aoi Nakamura, etc. | Main cast. |
Understanding the synopsis and cast makes it easier to enter the film’s world. Be sure to check beforehand.
Highlights to Know Before Watching
“Miharashi Generation” goes beyond a simple family drama, intricately depicting both urban transformation and the rebuilding of human relationships.
Here are key points to deepen your appreciation before viewing.
Director Yuga Dantsuka’s Visual Language
Selected for Directors’ Fortnight at Cannes with his very first feature, Dantsuka skillfully frames Shibuya’s redevelopment, blending a metropolitan feel with raw humanity.
His use of static cameras and long takes conveys the characters’ emotional tremors directly to the audience.
Performances from a Stellar Cast
As Ren, Koki Kurosaki captivates with delicate emotional expressions.
As the father Hatsuo, Kenichi Endo exudes both gravitas and gentleness, while Haruka Igawa portrays Yumiko with a mix of fragility and warmth.
Performers like Maho Kiryu and Aoi Nakamura further enrich the story.
Music and Spatial Design
The score alternates between the city’s bustle and stillness, featuring meticulously crafted background sound.
It’s as if you can hear Shibuya itself breathing.
Imagery, performances, and music come together at a high level, offering not only a family-reunion story but also the allure of an urban drama.
Streaming Services Likely to Carry “Miharashi Generation”
“Miharashi Generation” will likely hit VOD platforms after a theatrical window.
Based on recent trends in Japanese cinema and each platform’s characteristics, here are estimated start times and ways to watch free or cheaply.
Estimated Streaming Schedule
| Service | Estimated Start | Price | How to Watch Free |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | January 2026 | ¥600/month (tax incl.) | Use the first 30-day free trial |
| U-NEXT | February 2026 | ¥2,189/month (tax incl.) | 31-day free trial + 600 welcome points |
| Hulu | March 2026 | ¥1,026/month (tax incl.) | Use the first 2-week free trial |
| Disney+ | Spring 2026 | ¥990/month (tax incl.) | Use bundle discounts with other services |
| ABEMA | April 2026 | ¥960/month (tax incl.) | Use the first 14-day free trial |
Analysis of Streaming Trends
In recent years, many Japanese films begin streaming on major platforms about 3–6 months after theatrical release.
Amazon Prime Video and U-NEXT, in particular, tend to move quickly on Japanese titles. With free trials, you can watch at launch without upfront cost.
If you want to watch as early as possible, aim for Amazon Prime Video or U-NEXT. Use free trials smartly to enjoy it at the best value.
FAQs About Watching “Miharashi Generation”
Here are frequently asked questions from viewers interested in “Miharashi Generation”.
Knowing the timeline from theaters to streaming helps you plan ahead.
When can I watch it outside theaters?
The theatrical release is Friday, October 10, 2025.
Based on typical Japanese release patterns, it could land on services like Amazon Prime Video as early as January 2026.
Rental or digital purchase windows may start 1–2 months earlier than subscription streaming.
Is it based on existing material?
“Miharashi Generation” is an original screenplay.
Director Yuga Dantsuka penned the story himself; there’s no novel or manga source.
What’s the runtime?
Official runtime is TBD, but judging from comparable Japanese dramas, expect roughly 100–120 minutes.
Who is it recommended for?
Those who enjoy dramas about family and parent–child bonds, or who want a film that captures the real texture of the city.
It’s also perfect for cinephiles who track Cannes selections.
Knowing the likely streaming window and whether there’s source material makes planning easier. Don’t miss either the theatrical or streaming timing.
Selected Works of the Lead Cast
One of “Miharashi Generation”’s attractions is its accomplished ensemble.
Below are representative works by the leads and main cast. Watching these can deepen your understanding of each performer’s strengths.
Koki Kurosaki (as Ren)
- Sayonara, Hoya Man (2023) – Award-winning newcomer role
- Scroll (2023)
- Falling in Spring (2024)
Kenichi Endo (as Hatsuo)
- Byplayers series (2017–2021)
- Villains Run a Thousand Miles (2016)
- The Curtain of Prayer Falls (2018)祈りの幕が下りる時
Haruka Igawa (as Yumiko)
- Hanzawa Naoki (2020)
- Wandering (2022)流浪の月
- Taiga Drama: Flowers Blooming (2015)
Maho Kiryu (as Emi)
- We Are Little Zombies (2018)
- Underdog (2020)
- Call Me Chihiro (2023)
Sampling the leads’ past work helps you appreciate the range and shifts in their performances here.
Recommended Similar/Related Works
Like “Miharashi Generation”, many Japanese dramas explore family, parent–child relationships, and urban backdrops.
Here are recommendations if you’re drawn to those themes.
Japanese Films on Family Healing
- Shoplifters (2018) – Hirokazu Kore-eda’s social drama; Palme d’Or at Cannes.
- Like Father, Like Son (2013) – A moving work that questions blood ties and the meaning of family.そして父になる
- Tokyo Tower: Mom and Me, and Sometimes Dad (2007) – A classic on parent–child bonds.東京タワー オカンとボクと、時々、オトン
Films That Make the Most of Urban Landscapes
- Over the Town (2021) – A coming-of-age ensemble piece set in Shimokitazawa, Tokyo.街の上で
- Shibuya Shadow (short) – A suspense piece against Shibuya’s redevelopment.
- The Great Passage (2013) – A careful portrayal of Tokyo office life and human relationships.
Related Works by Director Yuga Dantsuka
- Short: “Sight at 4 A.M.” – Striking visuals of the city at night.
- Commercials/MVs – A visual sensibility contrasting urban scenery and nature.
If you like this film, exploring works with similar themes or settings will broaden your appreciation.
Check the Buzz on Social Media!
“Miharashi Generation” has been trending on social media since before release.
Following its official screening at Cannes, we analyzed comments from film fans and critics.
Voices on Twitter
- “Koki Kurosaki’s acting is so delicate and absorbing… I have to see this in theaters.”
- “I’m amazed Shibuya can look this cinematic.”
- “Hard to believe this is Dantsuka’s feature debut—so accomplished!”
Instagram Posts
- Poster shots outside theaters with captions like “Can’t wait for release!”
- Many images and comments from the Cannes stage greeting
Early Ratings on Review Sites (test/overseas screenings)
- Story: Excellent script centered on the city and family
- Visuals: Urban landscapes synchronized with characters’ emotions
- Acting: High marks for the entire main cast
Evaluation Parameters
| Category | Score (out of 20) |
|---|---|
| Story | 18 |
| Visuals | 19 |
| Acting | 18 |
| Music | 17 |
| Originality | 18 |
| Total | 90/100 |
Social media and review sites particularly praise the visuals and performances, suggesting strong word-of-mouth after release.
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