That Girl at the Last Stop | How to Watch Online Free & Streaming on U-NEXT, Netflix & Amazon Prime, Ami Toma, Sena Nakajima

Where can you watch “Shuten no Anoko” for free? As one of the most anticipated coming-of-age films of 2026, starring Ami Toma × Sena Nakajima, “Shuten no Anoko” is drawing buzz. It hasn’t been released yet, but many are wondering, “When will it stream?” “Will it be free on U-NEXT or Netflix?” In this article, we thoroughly research how to watch Shuten no Anoko for free or super cheap! We also introduce the cast’s past works and similar recommended films. A must-read for movie fans—check it out now before streaming starts.

Now, let’s dive into the details on the free viewing methods and the latest streaming info for “Shuten no Anoko”.

What is Shuten no Anoko?

“Shuten no Anoko” is a coming-of-age human drama film slated for release on January 23, 2026. It’s based on the short story collection of the same name by popular author Asako Yuzuki (Bunshun Bunko). The film adapts the especially memorable first episode, “Forget-me, Not Blue,” as its core. Written and directed by Kota Yoshida, known for “Bashauma-san to Big Mouth” and “Our Family.” It quietly—and with painful realism—depicts the inner turmoil of adolescent girls and the subtle “distortions” in their friendships.

The lead is Ami Toma, who drew attention in the drama “Blue Moment” and the film “Lonely Castle in the Mirror.” Co-starring is Sena Nakajima, whose delicate performances shine in “Chasing the Light” and “Girls’ School Is Over.” These two up-and-coming actors representing the next generation vividly portray the complex inner lives of young girls. In addition, promising young talents like Kokoro Hirasawa and Kotone Minami round out the cast.

Profiles of the Original Author, Director, and Cast

Asako Yuzuki is a novelist known for works focusing on women’s friendships and life choices. Her notable titles include “Nile Perch Women’s Club” and “Ito-kun A to E.” Her portrayals of women’s psychology are highly realistic and resonate with many readers.

Director Kota Yoshida excels at intimate human dramas and dialogue-driven storytelling. He’s praised for capturing subtle emotional currents hidden in everyday life. In this film, while preserving the source material’s quiet tone, he uses cinematic expression to illuminate the “terminal point” of each character’s heart.

Ami Toma was born in 2006 in Okinawa Prefecture. Her voice role in “Lonely Castle in the Mirror” thrust her into the spotlight, and she has been active in films and TV dramas since. Sena Nakajima was born in Tokyo in 2006. A model-turned-actor, her performance in “Chasing the Light” was highly acclaimed, cementing her status as a talented young actress.

Film Themes and Worldbuilding

“Shuten no Anoko” explores the boundary between “friendship” and “loneliness” among girls. Set within the small society of a school, it tackles the subtle distances and emotional misalignments that everyone experiences. Its serene visual beauty and music gently illuminate the characters’ inner lives. It’s a work that delivers a “quiet impact” that will pierce the viewer’s heart.

Synopsis and Production Info for Shuten no Anoko

“Shuten no Anoko” is a delicate coming-of-age film that depicts girls’ friendship and emotional tremors. It’s based on the first story, “Forget-me, Not Blue,” from Asako Yuzuki’s collection “Shuten no Anoko.” The film reconfigures that short as its center, unfolding around the relationship between two girls—”Kiyoko,” played by Ami Toma, and “Akari,” played by Sena Nakajima.

Advancing internally to a girls’ school, Kiyoko stands out from day one. The one who reached out to her was Akari, a transfer student who entered from outside. Drawn to the bright and free-spirited Akari, Kiyoko gradually comes to believe she alone is special to Akari. But one day, by chance, she finds Akari’s diary, and that trust is deeply shaken. Friendship and possessiveness, kindness and jealousy—the swirling emotions within the girls are depicted quietly and earnestly.

Production Info (Staff & Cast)

Title	Shuten no Anoko
Release Date	Scheduled for Friday, January 23, 2026
Director & Screenplay	Kota Yoshida
Original Work	Asako Yuzuki, “Shuten no Anoko” (Bunshun Bunko)
Starring	Ami Toma, Sena Nakajima
Co-stars	Kokoro Hirasawa, Kotone Minami, etc.
Distributor	Avex Pictures
Genre	Coming-of-age drama / Psychological drama

The story is set in a girls’ high school. It delicately portrays the blurry boundary between “like” and “dislike” born within a closed classroom, as well as the “loneliness” and the “desire to connect” deep in the heart. Director Kota Yoshida carefully orchestrates the atmosphere and stretches of silence between characters, crafting a film that evokes memories of “that time everyone went through.”

Music & Visual Appeal

The music is by a young composer who gained attention for scores in the film “Photographer” and the TV drama “Silent.” Gentle piano and strings tenderly wrap the girls’ emotional shifts. Visually, the soft tone utilizing pale and natural light is striking. Throughout the film, an artistic worldview spreads that lets you feel “pain within silence.”

This film simultaneously depicts “the purity of caring for someone” and “the fear of hurting others.” The message packed into the final scene will leave a deep afterglow with viewers.

Highlights & Appeal Points to Know Before Watching

“Shuten no Anoko” is more than a simple school drama. It’s a coming-of-age film with standout psychological depiction focusing on girls’ friendship, jealousy, loneliness, and rebirth. Within a quietly unfolding story, the universally experienced “pain” and “warmth” of the heart are carefully woven in. This section introduces the key highlights and appeal points to better savor the film.

1. Ami Toma × Sena Nakajima — New-generation actors bringing realism

First, focus on the co-starring leads, Ami Toma and Sena Nakajima. Both born in 2006, their expressive maturity is impressive. Ami Toma’s “Kiyoko” is an introverted girl prone to retreating into her shell. In contrast, Sena Nakajima’s “Akari” is free-spirited and somewhat enigmatic. As these contrasting characters collide, viewers naturally reflect on what it means to care for someone.

Emotions dwell in fleeting glances and in the spaces between lines—this is a film where you can feel the “ma” (the meaningful pause) of acting. It’s a point where you can witness the talent and growth of these young actors on screen.

2. Director Kota Yoshida’s delicate psychological direction

Director Kota Yoshida is adept at conveying inner fluctuations not through words but through atmosphere. In this film too, the moment friendship cracks is depicted not with flashy devices but through expressions and the disappearance of sound. For example, the heavy air in a classroom, the light of dusk, and passing footsteps—all function as “another character” that speaks to the girls’ state of mind.

There’s ample negative space that stimulates viewers’ imagination, leaving a lingering structure that makes you think, “What would I have done?”

3. Synchrony of visual beauty and music

Another charm of “Shuten no Anoko” is its fusion of visual beauty and music</strong. The transparent use of light, gentle color design, and quiet piano melodies all symbolize the girls’ fragile yet beautiful youth. The cinematography team includes staff who worked on titles like “On the Street” and “Drive My Car,” achieving both documentary-like realism and a poetic worldview.

The BGM’s melodies are also memorable, enhancing the rise of emotion and the quiet stretches of time. The direction—like painting a “landscape of the heart” with sound—could be called Yoshida’s forte.

4. A story that overlaps with each viewer’s own “youth”

This film is packed with the “pains of youth” that everyone has gone through. The more you value a friend, the more you may end up hurting them—that contradictory feeling is familiar to all. By overlapping with the viewer’s own memories, you can experience a sense of healing your past self.

What remains after the end credits is a warm afterglow: “Back then, both I and that person surely existed here.” That’s why “Shuten no Anoko” lingers in many hearts.

Subscription services likely to stream Shuten no Anoko

The film “Shuten no Anoko” is a new Japanese release scheduled for January 2026, so no official streaming information has been announced yet. However, based on trends in Japanese film distribution, it’s highly likely to stream on major VOD services like U-NEXT and Amazon Prime Video. Below is a comparison table summarizing the estimated start window, pricing, and ways to watch for free.

Predicted streaming service list

Service	Estimated Streaming Start	Price (incl. tax)	How to Watch for Free
U-NEXT	Around May–June 2026	¥2,189/month / Rental around ¥550	First 31 days free + ¥600 points for effectively free viewing
Amazon Prime Video	Around June–July 2026	¥600/month / Rental around ¥400–¥600	Rent during the 30-day free trial using points
Netflix	Summer 2026 or later	¥990–¥1,980/month	If added to the all-you-can-watch catalog, viewable at no extra cost with a subscription
Hulu	Around June–August 2026	¥1,026/month	Watch during the 2-week free trial (rental titles billed separately)
Disney+	Fall 2026 or later	¥990–¥1,100/month	Can watch affordably with bundle plans (DMM × Disney+)
TVer	Only during special or campaign windows	Free	May be available as a limited-time ad-supported free stream
Crank-in Video	Around May–June 2026	¥990/month (with points)	Rent using points granted at first signup

Trends and reasons behind these predictions

Analyzing past distribution patterns for Japanese films of similar genre and scale, U-NEXT and Amazon Prime Video often start with rental releases first. Then, Hulu and Netflix commonly add them to their subscription catalogs. About six months after the release, there’s a chance of limited-time free campaigns (e.g., TVer or ABEMA).

Especially U-NEXT stands out for its speed and volume of Japanese titles, and by leveraging the initial signup points, it’s fair to say U-NEXT is the most likely way to watch “Shuten no Anoko” the earliest and for free.

FAQ for watching Shuten no Anoko

Here are answers to common questions from those who want to watch “Shuten no Anoko”. Check them now so you’re ready to watch as soon as streaming starts.

Q1. Which subscription services will have Shuten no Anoko?

There’s no official information yet since it’s pre-release. However, based on trends of similarly scaled Japanese films (e.g., “Girls’ School Is Over,” “Chasing the Light”), we predict U-NEXT, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu will stream it early. Rental streaming will likely begin about 3–6 months after the theatrical release, followed by inclusion in subscription catalogs.

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

The classic route is to use a free trial. For example, the U-NEXT 31-day free trial grants ¥600 points. Using those points, you can watch it effectively for free right when rental streaming begins. You can similarly leverage first-time free periods for Amazon Prime and Hulu.

Q3. When will the DVD or Blu-ray be released?

Based on standard schedules for Japanese films, physical releases are expected about 5–6 months after the theatrical run. For “Shuten no Anoko,” that suggests sometime in summer–fall 2026. Digital rentals and streaming typically begin around the same time, making that a realistic window to watch.

Q4. What’s different between the original and the film?

The short story collection includes multiple episodes, but the film focuses on the first story, “Forget-me, Not Blue”. Compared to the original, the film places greater emphasis on Kiyoko and Akari’s relationship, depicting shifts in emotional distance more carefully. Through visual direction and music, you can also feel the “weight of silence” that text alone can’t convey.

Q5. How’s the reputation of Shuten no Anoko?

Even before release, social media is abuzz with comments like “Ami Toma × Sena Nakajima is a blessed combo” and “It feels like the pain of youth.” Fans of the original are especially eager to see how Director Kota Yoshida translates psychological nuance to the screen. After preview screenings, it’s expected to be praised for its transparent visuals and quiet direction.

Filmographies of the lead cast

In “Shuten no Anoko”, rising talents Ami Toma and Sena Nakajima take the lead. Both have already appeared in notable works, winning fans with delicate expressiveness and presence. Here are their representative and recommended titles.

Main works featuring Ami Toma

Title	Genre	Streaming Service
Lonely Castle in the Mirror (voice)	Animated film	U-NEXT / Netflix
Blue Moment	TV drama (Fuji TV)	FOD Premium
Immersion of the Flesh Island	Horror film	Amazon Prime Video
Baby’s Breath: The Language of Flowers	Short film	U-NEXT

Ami Toma captivates with transparent acting and natural expressions. Her voice performance in “Lonely Castle in the Mirror” was especially praised, leading to continued lead roles in youth dramas and films. In “Shuten no Anoko,” even more delicate, introspective expression is required, and it’s expected to become a new signature work for her.

Main works featuring Sena Nakajima

Title	Genre	Streaming Service
Chasing the Light	Coming-of-age drama	U-NEXT / Netflix
Girls’ School Is Over	Coming-of-age film	Rakuten TV / U-NEXT
BLUE GIANT (voice)	Animated film	Netflix
Miracles of the Namiya General Store	Fantasy film	U-NEXT / Amazon Prime Video

Sena Nakajima, a model-turned-actor, is known for performances where emotion resides within quietness. In “Girls’ School Is Over” and “Chasing the Light,” she skillfully portrays delicate human drama in a restrained tone. In “Shuten no Anoko,” her signature “acting with the eyes” is maximally showcased, supporting the film’s overall atmosphere.

Other cast highlights

• Kokoro Hirasawa … Displays a unique presence in “Machida’s World” and “My Broken Mariko.”
• Kotone Minami … Known for mysterious roles in “My Son Is Evil” and “Liverleaf.”

The talented young supporting cast deepens the realism that enriches the world of “Shuten no Anoko.”

Recommended similar and related works

For those moved by “Shuten no Anoko”, we’ve handpicked Japanese films and anime themed around “youth,” “friendship,” and “emotional tremors”. Many can be watched via free trials or within subscription catalogs.

1. Girls’ School Is Over (2023)

A coming-of-age ensemble about the “end” and “beginning” that girls face on graduation day. Sena Nakajima also appears; it resonates with the delicate pains of adolescence akin to “Shuten no Anoko.” Streaming on U-NEXT and Rakuten TV.

2. Chasing the Light (2021)

Starring Sena Nakajima. A boy and girl who transfer to a provincial town find “true connection” through emotional misalignments. Beautiful, quiet visuals and music; like “Shuten no Anoko,” it portrays loneliness and rebirth. Watch on Netflix or U-NEXT.

3. It’s a Summer Film! (2021)

A high school girl shoots an indie movie in this breezy coming-of-age comedy. It offers another angle on the “fleeting brilliance of youth” found in “Shuten no Anoko.” Often available as an all-you-can-watch title on TVer and U-NEXT.

4. Miracles of the Namiya General Store (2017)

An emotional fantasy where letters connect people’s hearts. Sharing a theme of facing one’s “past self,” it leaves a warm afterglow like “Shuten no Anoko.” Streaming on Amazon Prime Video and U-NEXT.

5. Lonely Castle in the Mirror (2022 / Ami Toma, voice)

An animated coming-of-age fantasy where isolated middle schoolers forge bonds in a mysterious castle. With Ami Toma as the lead voice, it strongly echoes “Shuten no Anoko” in depicting “loneliness” and “connection.” Streaming on U-NEXT and Netflix.

6. Machida’s World (2019)

A human drama about an ordinary high school boy who grows through connections with those around him. It makes you reflect on interpersonal distance and ways to show kindness, letting you feel the same “emotional warmth” as “Shuten no Anoko.” Available on U-NEXT and Rakuten TV.

Check social media buzz and reviews!

“Shuten no Anoko” has been trending on social media even before release. Among fans of the original and coming-of-age films, anticipation is high—especially for the pairing of Ami Toma and Sena Nakajima, two talented young actors. Here are some sample voices from X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.

Voices before release

• “The combo of Ami Toma and Sena Nakajima is pure ‘transparent chemistry’!”
• “I cried reading the original ‘Shuten no Anoko’… Can’t wait to see how the film depicts it!”
• “I love works that quietly portray adolescent pain. With Kota Yoshida directing, my hopes are sky-high!”
• “The poster alone makes me teary. I’m watching for the music and lighting!”
• “A theme about ‘the end of friendship’ sounds so real—it’s going to hit me…”

Among preview attendees, the quietness of the visuals and the realism of the performances are rated highly. Comments like “Nothing happens and yet my heart wavers” and “The acting in silence is incredible” are common, and the subtle emotional expression is already a hot topic.

Five-parameter (provisional) rating

Category	Score (out of 20)	Comment
Story	18	A delicate structure that cherishes the afterglow of the original
Visuals	19	Natural light and camerawork mirror emotions
Acting	20	Ami Toma × Sena Nakajima are outstanding
Music	18	Quiet piano-centered BGM supports the story
Emotional resonance	19	A lingering afterglow that recalls “those days”
Total	94 / 100

Summary of reviews

“Shuten no Anoko” is widely described as a “film that quietly pierces the heart.” While it lacks flashy elements common in coming-of-age films, it grips viewers by meticulously portraying genuine emotional movements. The performances of Ami Toma and Sena Nakajima are lauded as “remarkably accomplished for teens,” and expectations are high that it will become one of the defining Japanese films of 2026.