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 Takashi Shimura as Kanji Watanabe](https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/w185/ydyAm2vyBbEPZRICIMqqjDm0NM9.jpg)
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 →Nobuo Kaneko
plays Mitsuo, son of Kanji
![Nobuo Kaneko Nobuo Kaneko as Mitsuo, son of Kanji](https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/w185/iKcZ0rtO5sCfOSEBvyAdCk68EzY.jpg)
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
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
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
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 →