Cast and Crew of Ikiru

Cast of
Ikiru

About Ikiru

  • Released on March 25, 1956
  • Drama

Ikiru, a profound and thought-provoking film directed by the legendary Akira Kurosawa, follows the journey of Kanji Watanabe, a middle-aged man who has spent his entire adult life working in the same mundane bureaucratic position in a municipal office. Watanabe is a man who has become so accustomed to the monotonous routine of his daily life that he has lost sight of his own identity, and the meaning and purpose of his existence.

The film takes a dramatic turn when Watanabe receives the devastating news that he has stomach cancer and only has a few months left to live. This diagnosis forces him to confront his own mortality and the reality that he has not truly lived his life. He is forced to reevaluate his priorities and embarks on a journey to find the meaning and purpose of his life before it's too late.

Throughout the film, Watanabe's character undergoes a remarkable transformation as he discovers the joy and beauty of life. He learns to appreciate the small things and to connect with people on a deeper level. He also learns the importance of taking action and making a difference in the world, no matter how small. The film is a poignant reminder that life is short and that we should all strive to live it to the fullest and make a positive impact on those around us. It is a must-watch for anyone looking for a deeply moving and thought-provoking cinematic experience.

Full Cast of Ikiru

Takashi Shimura
plays Kanji Watanabe

Takashi Shimura as Kanji Watanabe
Takashi Shimura delivers a deeply moving performance as Kanji Watanabe in 'Ikiru'. His portrayal of a terminally ill man seeking meaning in his life is both poignant and powerful. Shimura's ability to convey a range of emotions, from despair to hope, is truly remarkable. His performance is a testament to his skill as an actor and a significant contribution to the film's enduring impact. See Takashi Shimura's other roles

Haruo Tanaka
plays Sakai

Nobuo Kaneko
plays Mitsuo, son of Kanji

Nobuo Kaneko as Mitsuo, son of Kanji
Nobuo Kaneko delivers a compelling performance as Mitsuo in 'Ikiru'. His portrayal of Kanji's self-absorbed son is both nuanced and impactful. Kaneko skillfully conveys Mitsuo's initial indifference towards his father's illness, highlighting his character's preoccupation with personal gain and social status. As the narrative unfolds, Kaneko's performance becomes increasingly layered, revealing Mitsuo's underlying guilt and regret. His transformation from a cold, detached son to a man grappling with his own conscience adds depth to the film's exploration of mortality and redemption. See Nobuo Kaneko's other roles

Bokuzen Hidari
plays Ohara

Miki Odagiri
plays Toyo

Shinichi Himori
plays Kimura

Minoru Chiaki
plays Noguchi

Minosuke Yamada
plays Subordinate Clerk Saito

Kamatari Fujiwara
plays Sub-Section Chief Ono

Makoto Kobori
plays Kiichi Watanabe, Kanji's Brother

Nobuo Nakamura
plays Deputy Mayor

Atsushi Watanabe
plays Patient

Isao Kimura
plays Intern

Masao Shimizu
plays Doctor

Yūnosuke Itō
plays Novelist

Yoshie Minami
plays The Maid

Kumeko Urabe
plays Tatsu Watanabe

Eiko Miyoshi
plays Housewife

Noriko Honma
plays Housewife

Yatsuko Tan'ami
plays Bar Hostess

Kin Sugai
plays Housewife

Kyôko Seki
plays Kazue Watanabe

Kusuo Abe
plays City Assemblyman

Tomo'o Nagai
plays Newspaperman

Seiji Miyaguchi
plays Yakuza Boss

Daisuke Katō
plays Yakuza

Hiroshi Hayashi
plays Yakuza

Fuyuki Murakami
plays Newspaperman

Hirayoshi Aono
plays Newspaperman

Toranosuke Ogawa
plays Park Section Chief

Akira Sera
plays Worker in General Affairs

Ichirō Chiba
plays Policeman

Akira Tani
plays Bar Owner

Yōyō Kojima
plays Worker in Sewage Section

Toshiyuki Ichimura
plays Pianist

Harue Kuramoto
plays Dancer

Rasa Saya
plays Stripper

Taizō Fukami
plays Baseball Spectator

Tateo Kawasaki
plays Civil Engineering Section Staff

Keiichirô Katsumoto
plays Park Division Staff

Haruko Toyama
plays Cabaret Woman

Sachio Sakai
plays Yakuza (uncredited)

Shōichi Hirose
plays Yakuza (uncredited)

Kôji Uno
plays Yakuza (uncredited)

Yaeko Izumo
plays Housewife (uncredited)

Jirô Mitsuaki
plays City Hall Executive (uncredited)

Sôkichi Maki
plays General Manager (uncredited)

Haruo Suzuki
plays Sanitation Division Receptionist (uncredited)

Takeo Nagashima
plays (uncredited)

Kazuo Imai
plays (uncredited)

Shigeo Katô
plays (uncredited)

Hiroshi Akitsu
plays Infectious Diseases Section Receptionist Staff (uncredited)

Ippei Kawagoe
plays Road Section Receptionist (uncredited)

Mitsuo Tsuda
plays City Planning Receptionist (uncredited)

Keiji Sakakida
plays Land Readjustment Section Receptionist (uncredited)

Takuzō Kumagai
plays Fire Department Staff (uncredited)

Tsuneo Katagiri
plays (uncredited)

Junpei Natsuki
plays Patient (uncredited)

Hiroshi Koizumi
plays Jazz Bar Guest (uncredited)

Jun'ichirō Mukai
plays (uncredited)

Sōjirō Motoki
plays Narrator (voice) (uncredited)

Kyoko Aoyama
plays Schoolgirl (uncredited)


Crew of Ikiru

Discover the backstage crew of Ikiru →