“Is there a way to watch ‘Strawberry Moon’ for free?”
The much-talked-about film “Strawberry Moon” released in October 2025.
It’s a coming-of-age love story starring notable cast members like Ami Touma, Jun Saito, and Yosuke Sugino.
Even if you missed it in theaters, don’t worry! We thoroughly researched the upcoming streaming schedule and tricks to watch for free.
Which streaming service is the best deal? We compare U-NEXT, Hulu, Netflix, and Amazon Prime.
You’re sure to find the viewing method that suits you best!
Now, along with the charms of the movie “Strawberry Moon,” make sure you don’t miss your chance to watch for free.
…Oh, it’s a movie, kuma~!
And a youthful love story at that—my heart’s going kyun, kuma~!
…but I’m more into popcorn than love, kuma. Munch, munch…
What is Strawberry Moon?
“Strawberry Moon” is a youth romance film that opened in theaters on October 17, 2025.
The lead is Ami Touma, an actress who has drawn attention for her NHK dramas.
Co-starring are young actors Jun Saito and Yosuke Sugino, a fresh cast known for strong performances.
The story is set at a high school in Nagano Prefecture.
Five boys and girls who spent a summer together while tangled in complicated relationships.
Thirteen years later, as adults they reunite and face their memories and the truth of what happened on “that night.”
Directed by Shogo Kusano, known for delicate human dramas such as “What She Likes.”
The screenplay is by Yuichi Toyone, who worked on “Kids on the Slope” and “River’s Edge,” carefully weaving the themes of youth × reunion × memory.
The title “Strawberry Moon” refers to the nickname for the reddish full moon seen in June, said to symbolize fulfilled love.
Within the film, this motif serves as a symbolic element of bittersweet and beautiful memories, forming the core of the story.
“Strawberry Moon” is a reunion-and-memory love story you can relate to all the more as an adult. The title carries deep meaning, expressing the fragility and beauty of youth in a gem of a film.
Strawberry Moon: synopsis and details
“Strawberry Moon” is a human drama that unfolds around the reunion of five people who shared an “incident” in high school.
The story begins when the protagonist, Moe Sakurai (Ami Touma), returns to her hometown for the first time in 13 years.
In the summer of their senior year, she and classmates Hinata, Rei, Rintaro, and Kenji sneak into the school at night and end up sharing a secret.
However, the conflicts each carries, family circumstances, and immature emotions intersect, and they grow distant afterward.
Thirteen years later, the five—who have each been living their own lives—meet again and confront what happened that night.
What exactly happened that night? What was lost under the “Strawberry Moon”?
With striking visuals, the film depicts the pains of adolescence and the “true feelings” one can recognize only in adulthood, quietly stirring the viewer’s heart.
Film info
| Title | Strawberry Moon |
|---|---|
| Release date | Friday, October 17, 2025 |
| Director | Shogo Kusano |
| Screenplay | Yuichi Toyone |
| Cast | Ami Touma, Jun Saito, Yosuke Sugino, Ayami Nakajo, Anji Ikebata, etc. |
| Genre | Youth drama / Love story |
| Country | Japan |
“Strawberry Moon” is a drama for all generations that looks back on youthful memories. You’ll surely see yourself in these characters who meet again across time.
Highlights to know before watching
“Strawberry Moon” is more than just a teen romance.
With themes of reunion, memory, and renewal, its story progresses while interweaving past and present—one of its biggest appeals.
First to note is its structure across two timelines.
The youth of their high school days and their adult selves overlap, prompting viewers to remember “who they were back then.”
Also not to be missed is the nuanced performance of lead actress Ami Touma.
With a blend of innocence and wistfulness, she creates a character that truly resonates.
The visuals are another highlight.
Using Nagano’s rich nature and twilight scenery, the direction generates a poetic, emotional world, as if you were gazing at a single painting.
Highlights summary
- The hidden truth behind a reunion after 13 years and past memories
- A strong ensemble featuring Ami Touma and Yosuke Sugino
- Skilled storytelling that links high school days and the present
- Overwhelming visuals and quiet atmosphere from Nagano locations
- The title “Strawberry Moon” symbolizes tender love and growth
Highly recommended if you seek moving stories or quiet, reflective youth films. In terms of story, acting, and visuals, it delivers an elegant experience.
Streaming services that are likely to carry Strawberry Moon
Because “Strawberry Moon” has high buzz, we expect a strong chance it will stream on major platforms within 3–6 months after its theatrical release.
In particular, services like U-NEXT, Hulu, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video often allow practically free viewing by combining free trials, so keep an eye out.
Predicted streaming services
| Service | Predicted start window | Price | How to watch for free |
|---|---|---|---|
| U-NEXT | Around January 2026 | ¥2,189/month (tax included) | 31-day free trial + 600 points for near-free viewing |
| Hulu | Around February 2026 | ¥1,026/month (tax included) | 2-week free trial for all-you-can-watch |
| Netflix | Around January–March 2026 |
| Not eligible, as the free trial has been discontinued |
| Amazon Prime Video | Around January 2026 | ¥500/month (tax included) + annual plan available | 30-day free trial for unlimited viewing |
Key point: Expect streaming about 3–6 months after release. Use free trials to watch at a bargain.
FAQs about watching Strawberry Moon
Q1. Is Strawberry Moon based on a true story?
A. No, it’s a work of fiction. It’s an original story by screenwriter Yuichi Toyone and isn’t based on specific real people or events.
Q2. Is it better in theaters, or is streaming enough?
A. Because the film features beautiful imagery and a quiet atmosphere, the ideal is a theatrical screening.
That said, the streaming version is structured to convey the lingering emotions and worldbuilding well, and is expected to be highly rated too.
Q3. Is there an age rating?
A. The film is rated PG12. If watched by children in elementary school or younger, parental guidance is recommended.
Q4. Is there an original work?
A. No, there is no original novel or manga.
It’s an entirely original work by screenwriter Yuichi Toyone, which is one reason it’s drawing attention.
Q5. Are there plans for a sequel or spin-off?
A. No sequel has been announced at this time.
However, many fans are hoping for a spin-off, and future developments are drawing attention.
This film’s charm lies in the unity of visuals and story.
If you missed it in theaters, take your time and savor it on streaming.
Selected filmographies of the lead cast
“Strawberry Moon” features a diverse cast from up-and-comers to seasoned performers.
Checking out their past works will deepen your appreciation of this film.
Ami Touma’s works
- NHK drama “Chimudondon”
- Film “We Make Antiques! Osaka” (lit. “Water Flows Toward the Sea”)
- Drama “If My Wife Became an Elementary School Student”
Yosuke Sugino’s works
- “Tokyo Revengers” film series
- Drama “ROMANTICALLY APPEARED! — Yanki-kun and the White Cane Girl —”
- Film “L♡DK: Two Loves, Under One Roof”
Ayami Nakajo’s works
- Film “Nisekoi”
- Film “Anonymous Noise”
- Drama “Hakui no Senshi!” (White Ward Warriors!)
Jun Saito’s works
- Film “How to Find a Lover”
- NHK drama “Hikikomori Sensei”
By watching the cast’s past work, you can enjoy the contrasts and growth in their performances here.
Streaming services also let you binge what you missed.
Recommended similar and related titles
If you enjoyed “Strawberry Moon,” we recommend films with similar themes of youth, reunion, and emotional growth.
For those who enjoy emotional fluctuations and stories that move across timelines, check out the titles below.
Recommended films with similar themes
- “Let Me Eat Your Pancreas”: A poignant love story where past and present intersect.
- “My Tomorrow, Your Yesterday”: Known for its crisscrossing chronology and lingering finale.
- “Our 30-Minute Sessions”: A music-driven youth film revolving around memories of someone who’s passed away.
- “River’s Edge”: A bold ensemble drama portraying the darker emotions unique to adolescence.
- The “Chihayafuru” series: A story of young people growing through friendship, love, and competition.
Genres related to Strawberry Moon to watch for
- Stories centered on reunions
- Youth films set in regional locations
- Ensemble dramas led by talented young actors
If you want to relive the “afterglow” you felt from “Strawberry Moon,” the above lineup is a must.
Each offers emotional depth and beautiful visuals.
Check the buzz on social media!
Based on social posts around the release of “Strawberry Moon,” we summarized evaluations and an overall score along five axes below.
| Category | Notes | Out of 10 |
|---|---|---|
| Acting | Natural performances by young actors like Ami Touma and Yosuke Sugino received high praise. | 9 |
| Story | The bittersweetness of youth × reunion resonates with many. | 8 |
| Visuals | “Picture-perfect” acclaim for visuals using Nagano’s landscapes. | 9 |
| Emotional impact | Many said it left a lingering afterglow and brought them to tears. | 8 |
| Buzz factor | Cast and visuals drew attention even before release. | 7 |
| Total | 41/50 → 82/100 | |
“Acting” and “visuals” especially shine—an assured, bittersweet youth drama!
…Oh! The squirrel I met at last year’s berry picking!
I don’t have their contact, kuma~!!
I’ll find them before the next full moon—because I believe love will be fulfilled, kuma~!
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